Militia in Equestria

by Militia-Pon3

Chapters

• (Prologue)Flash Forward
• Chapter 1: Explosions and Doorways
• Chapter 2: Magic Bursts and Flashbacks
• Chapter 3: Canterlot Tour
• Chapter 4: Adumbrading
• Chapter 5: Friendly Revelations
• Chapter 6: Firing Demonstration
• Chapter 7: Camping
• Chapter 8: War Stories pt. 1
• Chapter 9: War Stories pt 2
• Chapter 10: The Beginning
• Chapter 11: Motherly Advice

(Prologue)Flash Forward

Sound blurred as I awoke, violently shaking my head and breathing raggedly. You know what you hear when you get a LOT of water in your ears? Yeah, it sounded like that. My head was swimming, my vision blurred, nothing felt right. What felt like hours was really seconds as my vision came back into focus as I heard a low raucous, yet maniacal laugh. Still staring at the floor slightly dazed, I watched and moved the gloved hand in my left field of vision, trying to make sure it was under MY control. Looking over my right shoulder, I flexed and opened what seemed to be a Midnight blue feathered wing. Yep. Also mine.

“With such advanced technology and weapons I must admit, I expected more of a challenge from your species. So weak. Why do you keep fighting?” the dark male voice boomed with sarcasm. “You have skill though I’ll give you that. You could be second in command of my army with that skill.”

I waited until I heard the clip clop of his hooves on the marble floor directly in front of me.

“What do ya say, huh?” he asked, a hint of hope in his voice.

Discreetly flexing my wings, back, legs and arms, I grit my teeth as the realization of how much pain I’m actually in.

“Did you seriously think you still had the strength to fight? I wouldn’t offer you a position of such high authority if you were in prime condition. Say yes, and we shall spare Canterlot… for now.”

“You may as well kill me… My species may be weak by your standards, but we’re just as tenacious. Now, may I ask you a question?” I asked through my gritting teeth.

“Pffft. Go ahead.” he chucked.

“I‘m not afraid to die; ARE YOU?!” I shout as I summoned as much strength as I possibly could, and charged him. Grabbing his torso, we both collided, knocking he wind out of both of us. A further shock came from the impact of us against a stained glass window. It shattered into a galaxy of multicolored glass fragments as we fell from the observatory in the West Tower of Canterlot Castle.

As my luck would have it, my good wing was cut from the glass, and the other was broken from one of his hooves earlier. Figures. Just then I saw his horn begin to shine. Once again, acting on instinct, with my bad hand, at this current point in time its my only working hand I reached own to my waistline. Pulling out the object I seeked, I pointed it and squeezed. The loud bang that followed was deafening.

Not looking at that evil stallion anymore, I looked down an found myself about to crash into the royal pool. Shocker. Again, instinct for me kicks in. Throwing my arms out an crossing my forearms into an X, I smash into the glass ceiling, once again creating a galaxy of shards and light. Sound is blurred again as I hit the water… hard. Opening my eyes, my vision was once again blurred. By now though exhaustion had taken its toll and I begin to pass out. The last thing I remember seeing was a pink glow, and a light blue shape, and hearing a faint echo.

Chapter 1: Explosions and Doorways

48 grueling months, four years… I could have and SHOULD have died somewhere in that time frame, but noooo. Fate had other plans for me. Figures.

“Yo! Logan! C’mon man! That fuel depot wont bomb itself!” I hear a voice call out to me. Yeah, my name’s Logan. Details will be explained along the way. Once again, I sigh in disappointment. Looking on the table in front of me, I see everything I need. An M4(or at least what we civilians are legally allowed to own and call an M4) with a for grip, and a Hybrid Holo sight, my Romanian AKM, my sidearms, yes side arms. Pleural. A double action Ruger GP100 with a 6” barrel in .357 magnum, and my semi automatic M1911 in .45 ACP.

Once all my gear was set, I climbed into the little vehicle. It had the appearance of a go cart, but could do oh so much more. We were enclosed in a matte black roll cage, the sound of a moderately sized V6 engine behind us, along with two modified(by modified I mean formerly semi automatic turned automatic) belt fed guns. The one in front of me was a belt fed M2. Ma Deuce as the soldier called it. A .50 caliber(12.7x99mm for those who are more familiar with metrics.) machine gun. And in front of my friend Keegan, an M1919A4. A .30 caliber(7.62x63mm aka 30-06) belt fed machine gun. Sure we had other, more modern LMGs, but these carts were rigged for these two types. Nothing new.

Anyway, onwards to the Auburn fuel Depot. We had to look as inconspicuous as possible, so we hid our go carts in a small cave by a quarry halfway to the town, and got in normal civilian vehicles.

Finally I decide to break the silence. “Why don’t those sorry spit fucks just give up already? Haven’t we done enough damage?”

“They will after tonight. Just chill dude. I want this to end too. But we gotta be patient. Remember, this is for America as a whole.” heh. Good ol’ Keegan. Always calm and collected. Guy saved my life more times than I dare to count.

“Yeah, yeah. I remember. We’re the true patriots, not those jag offs.” I grumbled. This war going on right now is our Revolution. We felt it time to finally balls up and start fighting our oppressive government. Our current president somehow found a way to serve a third term, when its illegal to serve more than two, and a whole bunch of other crap he pulled. That was all two years ago.

“We’re here.” He said pulling up to the curb. We got out and pretended to do some shopping, trying to look like every day civies. Hanging out, eating at the local frozen yogurt joint on the corner. Little did we know, our luck was about to change big time!

“Dude.” Keegan whispered. “H.V.T, coming from the west.” he said discreetly nodding at a convoy of black, armored S.U.Vs, with a black limo in the middle.

“Aye.” damned habits. After some walking around, we began our scouting of the fuel depot we were supposed to bomb later than night. Discreetly taking photos on our phones(no not iPhones or Droids. We destroyed those. They were too easily tracked.).

Once we completed our scouting, we headed back to our car. Keegan thought it’d be a good idea to plug his MP3 player in, and of course, turned on Eminem. Not my favorite artist, but hey, some of his stuff was quite inspiring.

I don’t know why. Perhaps it was the lyrics or what not, but every time I heard one of his songs, I always felt a little bit more riled up than usual. Even once we got to the quarry, we stayed in the car to finish the songs. While doing so we would picture in our minds what would happen if we lost. Things we simply could not, and would not allow.

Once the songs finished, we left the car, and headed into the caverns to get to our ammo dump, where we left our weapons. We always leave our stuff away from us. Every now and then the town sheriff would search our vehicles for anything considered ‘contraband’.

Once the sun had gone down, and curfew ordered, that was it. Our time to shine, and do what was right, by our beliefs, our families, and our nation. Getting into our uniforms, and our battle gear, we slipped into town. We had some walking distance to go before we hit the fuel depot, so we thought we’d do a little… hehe, artsy stuff all over their propaganda posters.

We had a knack for taking our inspiration from stories of fiction. Some people spray painted ‘Wolverines’, others, the skull of ‘The Punisher’, us.. Hehe. Nope. The Ghosts Skull. We had a reason for choosing the Ghosts, Keegan and I. Quite simply, it was because we were always the hardest to track. We knew the area the best, and that’s what gave us the advantage. Not only that, but we were the quietest resistance foot soldiers this side of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. Never once have we been sighted.

So when we found prime real estate for our propaganda, we always used epic lines from the old days. We found a line of pro government posters, and right there, spray painted ‘Here, there be monsters’ or ‘The Ghosts are real!’(admittedly again it was something we took from Ghosts, our favorite Call of Duty game) Anything was useful when it came to striking fear into the enemy troops.

Our watches were synchronized to go off at 2300 hours(11 P.M), giving us plenty of time to spread our message, and get to the infiltration sight we found earlier that day.

At 22:58(10:58 P.M), the rest of the team was scheduled to detonate a car bomb. In hopes of turning their attention away from us. And sure enough…

“KABOOM!” yep. Right on schedule. As always. As we watched the soldiers run off towards the sound of the car bomb, and gunfire, our watched started to beep.

“It’s go time.” Keegan chuckled. In one ear, we had headphones, listening to music to motivate us, and in the other, radio earpieces, allowing us to give and receive commands.

“Copy. Lets move.” I whispered, as I played the soundtrack of Modern Warfare 3 into my left ear. I don’t know why but that tune always made me feel… well… focused.

“Hold, hold!” we heard in our right ears. Apparently our spotter noticed something we didn’t.

“We got two soldiers walking your way. Their uniforms seem off though… oh shit… SPETZNAZ! Get out of there you two!” she shouted.

“Negative. Spetznaz or not this place is gonna burn!” I hiss into the microphone around my neck.

“God speed then brother. Come back alive.” Savannah was always the… emotional one of us. Only then, something completely to our surprise happened. Firstly, a rocket flew past us and into a nearby armored vehicle. Then, three more rockets came speeding in. By the angle, they appeared to be from Javelins. Fire and forget anti armor(mostly anti tank but any sort of vehicle will do) missiles.

Seizing our chance, Keegan and I snuck up to the Soviet Spec ops, and promptly lacerated their necks, making very sure to eviscerate their arteries. We then pulled our ski masks down hoping our faces weren’t seen.

We ran, as fast as our feet could carry us, to the biggest fuel tank in the center of the depot. We both grabbed as big a C4 charge as we could cobble together, and stuffed it into a tight wedge between the tank and piping.

“Ok, you got the charge, good. Now GET THE HELL OUTA THERE!” Keegan and I both cringed as my sister’s shrill voice pierced our ears. “Listen, we got US military backing us. They’re offering you an airlift on a Blackhawk. You’ll be flying with Foxtrot 3 Bravo, 2nd battalion, 5th Marines. Use a green flare to get their attention.” she explained.

“Copy that!” I call out as we sneak back out of the depot. “Alright Savvy. We’re clear. Blow it!”

“Detonating!” we hear as she depressed the trigger on the detonator.

One explosion was quickly followed by another, and another, and another. Night temporarily turned to day as the fireball rose into the sky, the shockwave pounding us in the chests. We felt winded as the shockwave blew past us. Despite our coms, and headphones acting as hearing protection, we heard nothing but a loud constant ringing. Our ears felt numb for what felt like the better part of an hour.

We stopped running once we hit the parking lot of the restaurant ‘In n’ Out’(Damn good food by the way). Keegan raised the flare gun and fired. A sphere of green light was visible for the better part of a mile.

“We got at most 90 seconds. Keep on guard.” he informed me. Yeah sure. Standard protocol. I honestly hate how unpredictable my life’s become.

It wasn’t long before we heard the whirring of helicopter blades. To most people the sound of what helo was what was pretty much indistinguishable. Not to us. We learned pretty quick what sound was that of a Blackhawk. Their rumble was a bit lower in pitch. I’d describe why but when it comes to engines and anything else that deals with vehicles… I cant tell my ass from my elbow.

Once the Blackhawk landed, they called out at the top of their lungs.

“California Militia?! Ghosts?!” one yelled.

“Foxtrot 3 Bravo, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines!?” I yell back.

“Get in!” naturally we comply.

We sat in silence watching the ground pass by as we flew westward. Apparently we were told along the way that Sacramento desperately needed to be liberated. Personally Sacramento was never a city I openly cared for. Number 1 in car theft, and most irritating city in the country. You’d have to be VERY self absorbed to go there not caring about those things.

It wasn’t long before the glow of a burning Sacramento came into view. We could clearly see skyscrapers burning, the thermal cameras were going haywire with so many heat signatures.

Keegan n I both checked our weapons making sure they were cocked and locked, switched our radio channel to the Marine’s primary coms channel, and got ready for the biggest fight of our lives.

It was then that we heard loud alarms and beeps. The pilots began shouting ‘FLARES, FLARES!’ looking out the door towards the tail, yep. Figures. Stinger missiles.

“HANG ONTO SOMETHING!” I shout as the helicopter begins to spin wildly out of control. Its difficult to get my bearings when the one thing your standing on suddenly starts spinning and falling out of the sky.

“KEEGAN! BAIL OUT IN 3... 2... 1... NOW!” I shout as Keegan, myself, and half of the marine squad jump out onto the roof on top of a moderately sized skyscraper not just 2 blocks from the capitol building. What luck! As I look over the edge, I watch as the large Blackhawk continues to spin, circle around while still spinning, and crash right into the tenth floor of the building we’re standing on. The whole building shook violently as we listened to the loud crash(no it wasn’t the big fiery explosion you get in Hollywood, armchair soldiers! Sheesh get up and actually do something worth your time!)

“Nice going Logan. You got us trapped on a building that is now full of insurgents, on fire, and under a severe possibility of collapsing!” Keegan shouts smacking the back of my head.

“Better to be alive now than dead moments ago!” I bark. “Alright! Lets get moving! Work our way down, check for survivors, and get the hell outa this city. Its clearly a lost cause.”

Suddenly we all hear a voice from our coms. The current commanding officer for the squad has died and clearly none of the men alive with me have had any professional training.

“Go ahead Overlord.” Keegan chimes in.

“Foxtrot 3 Bravo you are to fall back. Get out of Sacramento! We have Intel(intelligence, or information) of orbit fired Kinetic missiles being launched. You’ve got 15 minutes. Tops.” the voice called

“Copy that Overlord.” I reply. Well, instead of going inside and wasting time, we just wrap a rope around the rail, and rappel down. We hit the ground fighting as a small squad of insurgents(not insurgents from my side but the side of the government) rounded a corner and into the alley we just happened to be in. Just our luck.

Upon dispatching those insurgents, who thankfully couldn’t shoot to save their sorry lives, we ran to find a vehicle. Sure ‘nuff, there was a Jeep wrangler. 4 door. My favorite 4x4.

“OH I am so driving!” I shout excitedly as everyone climbs in. inside the jeep, we found weapons, ammo, and food, but that mattered little. The Jeep roared to life, and from there, we floored it out of the city as fast as we could.

We had just barely made it out when we saw the missile streak down from the sky. Looked almost like a meteor. Next thing we knew, there was a huge flash of light, followed by a thunderous boom. The last thing we felt was the impact as it started an earthquake, roughly a 7.0 on the Richter scale. We lost control sadly enough. We all braced as the earth lurched upwards on our left and sank on the right. we found ourselves careening out of control up onto a burm, drifted(or power slid, whatever you wanna call it) till we hit a rock. The Jeep rolled easily about 5 times before coming to rest on its roof.

“E-everybody okay?” I faintly called out hoping to god I wasn’t the only survivor.

“Yeah! I’m good!” oh thank god there’s Keegan.

“Guys? Sound off?”

“We’re all good.” I hear from right behind me.

“Count your arms and legs and lets get out of here.” Keegan shouted as he cut the seatbelt strap holding him in the chair.

“We gotta get to our F.O.B(Forward Operating Base)” the commander said calmly.

That calm was quickly shattered when a group of Federation Militia(They were Democrats actually but they called themselves members of the ‘Federation’ and yes they existed) found us and began to open fire. Since Keegan was the first out of his seat, he grabbed his AR-10 and began to return fire, the soldiers quickly joining the fight.

I would have joined sooner but I fucking lost my knife on the roof of that building in Sacramento. The buckle was jammed on but hey. I still have my AK. I may have been upside down but I shot back anyway. It wasn’t long before they were running scared. By then I had been freed from my automotive prison, and had begun to hike back to our camp. Thank god it wasn’t far. We’d be there by sunrise.

“What kept you guys!? We got so scared when we saw the missiles come down!” My sister… always panicking over us.

“We’re fine. Jeez sis you should know better than to worry about us.” I chide as I wave her off. “Now… what’s for breakfast?”

“Pancakes actually.”

The moment those words left her mouth, we felt another quake in the ground beneath us, followed by a thunderous explosion. We all ran as fast as we could to our observation point and began scanning to find where the source was. South… Long Valley.

“Son of a Bitch!!!” I shout. “Fuckin’ Long Valley’s blown!”

“Long Valley was a volcano!?” there was a collective gasp followed by other members of the militia also explaining that it was a caldera, or Super volcano. That’s it. We’re doomed.

“What do we do?” Savannah asked.

“North East. We head North East.” Keegan adds.

________________________________________

3 days later

14:22 Hours

Long Valley Supervolcano has forced evac

Logan Mason

It had been nearly 3 days since Long Valley erupted. By now we had made it to Lake Tahoe. Beautiful, pristine, blue, Lake Tahoe. All around it’s eastern shores, guess what we found. Yup. Burned, and destroyed casinos and motels. Figures.

“We’re short on rations Logan. I hate to ask but can you two go out hunting?” our militia cook. He never told us his name so we just called him ‘Cookie’ asked.

“Not a problem.” Keegan smiles as he grabs his AR-10. We both had long barrel 30 caliber rifles by the time we hit the woods, but we both also carried our shorter combat weapons as well. The whole day passed and, nothing. Not even a track. I guess locals had eradicated the local population of animals.

“This is so not our day dude.” I grumble irritably as both our stomachs growl loudly.

“Tota- wait… what is that? Did you see that?” I look to where Keegan was pointing, and sure enough, there seemed to be a distortion in the light. Almost as though a sphere of crystal clear water was floating in the trees.

“What is that?” I think to myself slowly advancing towards the distortion. Cautiously, Keegan and I both picked up pebbles or pine cones and threw them at the strange refraction. Instead of passing straight through as we had hoped, they both vanished. “Where’s the Para cord?” I asked. Within minutes I was tied at the belt to investigate. Reaching forwards, I dipped my left hand into the distortion. Surely enough it vanished, but on my hand I felt a brisk, cool breeze in a rather warm climate. Not like ours where the weather was cooling really quickly. Next thing I know I’m sucked in.

On the other side I see a lush forest. Teaming with life, and no sign of a looming ash cloud from the south. I quickly pull out my compass to make sure south is where I was looking, and yes it was. In the distance I see a clearing, and in that clearing is what appears to be an apple orchard. Interesting. It’s difficult to see any residents at this distance, unfortunately. Further off in the distance is what appears to be a small town. Cozy place it seemed.

A plan quickly formed in my head, and I dove back through the portal.

“So? What’d you see?” Keegan asked.

“You’ll see tonight.” I reply cryptically.

“Uh… okay?”

We returned to the camp acting as though nothing happened, and with only a few jack rabbits for dinner.

______________________________

2300 Hours,

5 Miles north of Resistance camp

Logan Mason

“So, You ready?” I ask as Keegan finishes preparing his gear.

“Ready as I’ll ever be I guess.” he replies as we both pull down our masks, and cross over through the portal, or whatever you want to call it.

We both scanned around keeping an eye open for anything considered a threat as we slowly made our way towards the dimly lit village in the distance. Fortunately the apple orchard was a good quarter mile away. A short hike.

“Here we are…” we both whisper taking notice of the barn, few farm animals, and house in the distance. Whilst wandering around, we noticed the lights in the house were on. Slowly, we snuck our way towards the house, keeping to the shadows. Inside we heard about 5 to maybe six voices.

“So Twi, how’s the whole, bein’ a princess thing?” asked a country accented female.

“To be honest it could be better. Tonight’s dusk court, I had to listen to Blueblood’s bickering about the Gala a few years ago and how we should ban cakes and pies” gagged another.

We didn’t stay to listen to the conversation. So we silently left. Suddenly I was startled by a noisy(not exactly loud, but noisy) ‘whoa, oof’. looking around I saw that Keegan had fallen down in the cellar. Following where he fell by going down the stairs, I start giggling at where he’s landed.

“Ya know, its easier to take the stairs.” I prod playfully.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Wise ass. Whoa… apples… I haven’t had one of these in a long time.” he explained holding up a juicy, ripe, red apple. Right away we start packing as many apples as possible, then we started back for the portal.

To say we were ‘busted’ was an understatement as we suddenly heard a growl behind us. Slowly turning around, we saw what seemed to be the country girl’s dog. A collie it seemed to be.

“Easy puppy. We have no qualms with you or your mother.” I try to say gently holding out my hand to reassure the increasingly aggressive collie. But it had little effect as she began barking her head off like mad.

“Shit, run!” Keegan hissed as we turned tail and rain as fast as we could to the portal. In the distance we hear the country girl accent cry out.

“Winona!? What is it girl?”

It wasn’t long before we hear the clopping of hooves in the distance headed our way. Moments later, they stop.

“They went into the forest? I aint goin’ in there past sundown. Whatever they took, they can keep it.”

Shit… I forgot I wanted to leave an IOU note. Quickly shoving Keegan back into the portal, I sneak my way back to the farm house. I can still hear the voices outside. Quickly writing a note saying I’m sorry for stealing some apples, and that I’ll pay them back for them, I then dash back to the woods, and through the portal.

_________________________________________

0400 Hours,

Resistance Camp

14 hours till ash cloud hits

Logan Mason

“Where the hell did you find an apple orchard!?” Savannah asks us.

“That doesn’t matter. What matters is we have some food. So take these to Cookie, and tell him we got ‘em.” I say.

The day goes on and the hours tick by slowly. We know we should be moving further from the ash cloud, but we’ve been running for quite some time. We’re not only a Resistance movement, we’re now refugees. The ash cloud pushed us from our homes. So now we had a lot more mouths to feed than usual. Soon enough, we look to the north west just as we hear a faint boom. And again, another ash cloud. Mt Shasta. Figures.

The religious in the camp began praying for salvation. It wasn’t long however before they began to bicker, and fight over whose religion was correct. Keegan, Savannah and myself stood watching.

“THAT is why I never went to church.” I explain gently. Of course we had to go in there and break up the fight. Surprisingly the only ones who didn’t get involved were the Mormons.

Suddenly our radios hiss to life saying that there’s a battalion of Federation headed our way with the intention of wiping us out.

“Shisse! We don’t have the manpower, nor the ammo to take on a battalion!” I yell. Then, of course we hear reports of nukes being dropped, and two more Supervolcanos erupting. Starting with the one in Italy(I cant remember its name at this current time), then Yellowstone.

“Ideas? Anyone?” Keegan asks.

“Well I guess now’s as good a time as any.” I sigh as I take everyone to the portal.

Chapter 2: Magic Bursts and Flashbacks

It seemed to be a pretty average day for Princess Twilight Sparkle. The young lavender Alicorn was attending court since it was on her royal agenda

“Sorry Blueblood. Because almost everypony in the country will suddenly come knocking at my castle gates begging me to reform that law. So I must say no.” she said once the white and blonde colored unicorn noble finished his request.

“But your highness-”

“My final answer is No. You are free to leave.”  

Blueblood ‘harrumphed’ and stormed out of her castle.

“Are there any more sir?” she asked the guard to her right.

“No ma’am. He was the last.” he replied, as stoic as ever.

“Thank Celestia. I don’t know how much more of that prat I can take! How the hay is he Princess Celestia‘s ‘favorite’ nephew!?” she asked. “That last one was rhetorical so, don’t try to answer please.”

“Of course your highness. Shall I have your chariot ready to return you to Ponyville?” he offered.

“No thanks Captain Phalanx. I’m fine teleporting. Doesn’t attract as much attention.” she said with a wink. “OH! And by the way Captain, could you please cancel all of next weeks courts? I will be indisposed and unable to hold court.”

“Yes your highness.”

And with a flash of purple light, she was gone.

Moments later she reappeared right outside the diner ‘Dandelion Dining’, hoping she might see a few of her friends inside. And sure enough, in their booth at the corner, each of her friends was reading through the menu.

“Hey girls.” Twilight said cheerfully as she took her seat.

“Twilight!” they all jeered happily.

“We were just talking about AJ hosting a sleepover at her place tonight.” piped a curly maned pink mare.

“Yeah, the family’s off in Dodge Junction for the weekend. Business stuff” the country mare smiled. “Got the place all to Winona and Myself. And by the way Twi, this kinda sleep over, wont follow the guidelines of that ol’ book.” she said as she shot Rarity a knowing look, baffling the other three.

“How wont this follow the book exactly?” the young princess asked.

“Darling, how old are we?” chided the fashion designer.

“Varying from 22 to 26. Why?”

“Twi, what kind of alcohol do ya like?” Rainbow asked suddenly. “Simple as that.”

Startled, Twilight fumbled for words as she started to blush.

“It’s okay Twilight. I don’t drink much either.” Fluttershy assured resting a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder.

“I- I don’t know. I’ve never tried alcohol before.” admitted the young alicorn.

“Well, tonight should be fun then.” the bubbly pink mare chided, literally bouncing in her seat.

Just then, the waiter came by their table and took their orders.

“So Twilight darling, how was dusk court?” The fashion designer teased, guessing the outcome.

“I’ll tell you girls tonight.”

The evening went by peacefully as the six mares ate in peace, telling jokes, Rainbow and Pinkie occasionally flicking a pea(or several) at other patrons. Most went unnoticed.

Within the hour, each mare had finished her dinner and was now on their way to Sweet Apple Acres.

“So girls, yours days went…?” chided the purple pony princess.

“Well, darling, you know how life at the boutique is. Make dresses, clean up, clean up after Sweetie Belle, eat dinner, sleep, repeat. Tonight is meant to break our monotonous cycles of a life.” Rarity explained with a warm smile.

“Family left today so I’ve been rather bored. Till I got a laugh throwin apples at a nappin Rainbow. Hehe” chuckled the cowpony. Much to rainbows irritation she grumbled as all the other ponies began to giggle.

“Hey Twi, what about Spike?” Rainbow asked suddenly curious.

“Oh. He’s in Canterlot for the weekend. Prin- Celestia asked him for some help.” she answered.

Nodding in understanding, Rainbow mouthed an ‘ah’ as they then went there separate ways to pack their things for the night to come.

_____________________

23:00 Hours

Sweet Apple Acres

“I must be honest girls, with all we’ve been through, I’m surprised we haven’t been out drinking sooner. Nightmare Moon, Discord, Chrysalis, Sombra, we’ve been through a lot.” Twilight said gingerly as she was handed her mug of hard cider.

Rarity suddenly found herself thinking why they haven’t been drinking sooner as well as she sipped her wine. In the background the sun had set, and the moon had begun to rise.

“So Twi, how’s the whole princess thing?” Applejack asked with a smile.

“To be honest it could be better. Tonight’s dusk court, I had to listen to Blueblood’s bickering.” gagged Twilight. “I‘ll never understand how he‘s Celestia‘s favorite nephew. And why the hay does he want to be Equestria‘s wartime chancellor!?”

“Ugh. Twilight, dear, I am dreadfully sorry that you have to deal with that… ugh.” Shuddered Rarity in disgust. “Sorry dears but I cant seem to find a word to describe that detestable… beast!”

Suddenly, the sound of Winona’s barking suddenly sent shivers down Applejack’s spine. It wasn’t often Winona barked aggressively so this was something different.

Quickly galloping outside into the crisp night air, Applejack yelled “Winona!? What is it girl?”

The barking continued as she and her other friends went off to investigate what it was that seemed to get under Winona’s skin. Quickly finding tracks of what seemed to be something bipedal running off into the nearby EverFree Forest, she stopped.

“They went into the forest? I aint goin’ in there past sundown. Whatever they took, they can keep it. C’mon Winona.” AJ grumbled, hoping what was stolen wasn’t too valuable.

Very quickly upon entering the barn house that was Applejack’s home, Pinkie

Pie was the first to notice a small note on the table. Grabbing it in her magic aura, Twilight read aloud.

“My sincerest apologies for stealing some of your harvest. But we are in desperate need of food. If we cross paths in the near future, I swear on my life I’ll work(or pay) whatever I owe for the fruit that we’ve stolen.

Signed

Ghost”

“Strange. Who would like to be called ‘Ghost’?” whispered Fluttershy in her usual demure voice.

Suddenly caught in thought, Twilight chided “Now that I think about it, I thought it was just the alcohol, but I felt a small burst of magic coming from the EverFree… Meh. Anypony want to play Truth or Dare?”

“I’m in!” the other five mares shouted excitedly.

Twilight giggled holding a hoof to her mouth. “Okay. I’ll go first… mmm Rarity. Truth or Dare?”

“Truth dear.” the fashionista smiled.

Twilight looked on at the alabaster mare trying to think of a question. “Okay. What gender do you hope your first born foal is?”

Inhaling sharply through her clenched teeth, Rarity began to think. “Oh I don’t know honestly. I’ve never thought about it… Though… if I were to pick… Filly.” looking on to see if everypony was satisfied with her answer, she smiled. “Applejack. Truth or dare?”

The question caught the cowpony off guard. Usually Rarity asks flutter shy or pinkie. She has never jumped straight to Applejack since Twilight’s first sleepover incident several years earlier.

“Dare.” she said simply.

Giggling as an idea formulated in her mind, she said “I dare you, to let me style your mane.”

Applejack sighed, knowing she was defeated, and laid down gingerly in front of Rarity as her hat was levitated off, and watched as brushes and various other mane care items floated over.

Within moments, what Applejack thought would feel like torture, for some reason, felt relaxing. Rarity wasn’t tugging on knots in her mane with the brush. But was instead brushing gently, quietly humming a tune as she teased the knots and tangles loose.

The lack of movement from Applejack however stunned Rarity. “Darling, forgive me for pointing this out but it seems as though your enjoying this.”

“Yeah AJ, I never took you for the kind of mare who’d enjoy that.” Rainbow laughed.

“Watch it RD. Or I’ll make you sit model for her.” AJ glared with a sinister smile. “Pinkie, Truth or Dare?”

“Truth.” giggled the bubbly pink mare.

Thinking for a moment, Applejack tried to compose herself while Rarity brushed and combed her mane. “Tell us something about yourself we’ve never heard before.”

“I have Split Personality Disorder.”

Every pony in the room was up to a point, shocked.

Giggling calmly, Pinkie explained. “Yeah, you don’t wanna meet her. Well you already have but I was struggling for control then. Her name is Pinkamina. You can always tell its her in control when I’m depressed and my mane and tail are flat. just… don’t get us too angry…”

“I’m afraid to ask what’ll happen.” Twilight said nervously.

Taking a big gulp from her cider, Pinkie sighed as if ashamed. “Remember that stallion on Unicorn lane who tried to throw eggs at me?” she asked. The group nodded. “He’s still in the hospital. Intensive care ward. I don’t remember what happened since it was Pinkamina controlling my body, but Doctor Stable said he was traumatized. So much so they needed a shrink to get him out of the fetal position. He wouldn’t tell me anything else.”

The group all looked at each other. Somewhat taken aback by what their normally happy, party going friend had just told them. Fluttershy was the first to speak up.

“Wow… it seems we all have a burden of some kind then…”

“You have a split side too Fluttershy?” Pinkie asked after pouring herself some rum.

Fluttershy had hoped she wouldn’t be put into the spot light like that but it was too late. “Uhm… well no… but I was… uhm… I was abused as a foal.” she tried to whisper. But the dead silence in the house countered her quiet whisper.

Everypony in the room set down their glass, and dropped what they were doing as they all came in to hug the yellow Pegasus. Each uttering their own reassuring words.

____________________________

2 Days later, Sunday

13:30 Hours.

Golden Oaks Library

Ponyville, Equestria

Twilight Sparkle & Rainbow Dash reading together.

Rainbow Dash looked up from her Daring Do novel, barely past chapter 3 where Twilight was most certainly past Chapter 13. She sighed contently as she saw Twilight, laying there just a body length away, carefully flipping through the pages. Dash watched her eyes, ever so focused, scan the page. Twilight may not have been an athlete, but her form was definitely one that appealed to Rainbow. Then her wings. Those regal wings that only Royalty had.

It wasn’t long before Rainbow began to feel warm and flushed. It took a glance from Twilight to make Rainbow’s wings shoot up with a familiar ‘fwoof’ sound.

“You okay Rainbow? Your looking a little flushed.” Twilight asked with concern.

Just then, Rainbow noticed she was caught. “I-I-I’m fine. Just, uh, got excited about… the book. Yeah the book.”

Within moments however, the pair were interrupted by a knock on the door. Sighing, Twilight got up, completely unaware her friend was ogling her again.

Opening the door, she saw her guard captain. “Yes?” she asked as he gave a respectful bow.

“Your highness. We’ve investigated the forest in the direction you said you felt bursts of magic, and we’ve found something.” The guard spoke with his low, somewhat raspy voice.

“Take me to it. Whatever you’ve found must be documented.” She said sternly. “Sorry Rainbow. We’ll finish reading together soon.”

“No problem Twi. Actually… would you mind if I went with you?” She asked hopefully, rubbing a hoof behind her neck.

“I don’t see why not. As long as your careful and don’t do anything too rash.” Twilight explained.

“I wont leave your side!” Rainbow half shouted with a salute. And with that, they left.

Further into the forest, Twilight spoke. “So Captain, care to explain what it is you think you’ve found?”

“It appears to be a camp. We found what appeared to be tents, a campfire area, cooking facilities, the lot. But it also seems abandoned.” he explained.

“Nothing is ever as it seems. I’d keep your guard up.” warned Rainbow cryptically.

“Smart choice Rainbow.” Twilight praised with a grin.

Within an hour, the group came to what appeared to be a heavily used, but abandoned camp site.

Twilight broke the silence, examining what she had been shown. “Strange… who ever this was, it was a large group. The footprints also seem off. I’ve never seen tracks like this before.”

Rainbow however, couldn’t shake the feeling they were being watched. Her head constantly swiveling, scanning for anything out of the ordinary. It was by pure chance she looked up into the trees and saw what appeared to be something, wearing a black mask with what also seemed to be a white skull painted on its face. In that split second however, it jumped down from the tree, completely pinning Rainbow to the ground. Held at her neck, a very sharp knife. Looking around she saw guards, also being pinned and held hostage by these clothed and mostly masked bipedal creatures. The remainder of the guard that wasn’t pinned formed a circle around Twilight, with spears raised.

No pony was hurt, in those first few seconds. Twilight then called out. “Rainbow! Are you okay!?” the fear in her voice evident.

“I’m fine! I’m just pinned to the ground with a knife held to my neck!” she shouted.

“If you hurt my friend I swear to Celestia I will hunt you to the edge of Equestria!” the young alicorn yelled.

The masked figure looked down at the polychromatic Pegasus, analyzing what it had just heard. It then held out a hand and motion for all it’s friends to lower their weapons, and release the guards. Rainbow quickly shot out and made a bee line for Twilight, as did the rest of her guard.

The figure that pinned Rainbow then threw its knife, point first into the dirt. And dropped all of the other objects that remained on it. Excluding its clothes and bag. Twilight, noticing this took it as a sign of submission. Looking around, she saw the remainder of the group doing the same thing. Catching a glimpse of one of the group that was un masked, its features suggested it was similar to that of a primate. With a mostly pushed in face, left mostly furless.

Stepping forward, Twilight called out, “Which of you is the leader?!”

After none had stepped forward, she was about to ask if they understood her when the masked creature who had pinned and threatened Rainbow stepped forward, with its hands raised.

“You’re the leader?” she asked somewhat angrily.

“I am.” It said simply.

“What is your name?” she asked.

“Ghost.”

“You were the one who left the note of apology to Applejack 2 nights ago weren’t you!?” Rainbow shot angrily.

Glancing over at the rainbow maned Pegasus, he simply said “Yes. I do apologize, but we’ve been through a lot. We just lost 3 to snake bites.” his somber tone betrayed his stoic stare.

“I’m sorry. What kind of snakes?” Twilight asked sincerely.

Sighing, Ghost chided “We didn’t see the snakes that bit them. All we heard was a blood curdling scream from each of them, and they’ve been in agony. Unable to speak or think coherently. We were digging their graves when our scouts saw your guards coming up the hill.”

“How long ago did they pass?” she asked again.

“3 hours ago. They were in agony all night long. I can take you too them. If you know the bite mark, maybe we can identify the snake that did it.” Ghost explained.

“Not until you take off that mask.” Rainbow growled aggressively.

“Calm yourself Rainbow. They don’t want to fight and neither do we. He’ll take off the mask when he’s ready. May I see the snake bites?”

Ghost nodded and escorted Twilight and Rainbow to what appeared to be a medical tent. “We tried all we could but nothing worked, and the snakes eluded us so an anti-venom was impossible.” he explained lifting the blanket over their feet showing only the bites on their ankles and not their contorted faces.

Twilight inhaled sharply through her teeth, recognizing the bites almost instantly. “Fire Vipers. Nasty creatures those snakes. And Anti-venom for those bites are really difficult to make. You need to distill it through clouds about 8 times before letting it cool on ice. Then you add a drop of rainbow-”

“Pardon my interruption but what your saying is… ludicrous to say the least.” Ghost said rubbing his temples.

“No it’s not. I’ve seen it done before. I was bitten by one when I was 9, right after enrolling in Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. I’ve been afraid of snakes ever since. It was so painful but I remember watching as the Princess’ doctors mixed up the anti-venom for me. She knew I’d enjoy seeing that.” she said with a slight chuckle.

“I never knew you were bitten by a Fire Viper, Twi. Well that explains your reaction to Pinkie’s  prank last year.” Rainbow said extending a wing to Twilight’s shoulder.

“Water under the bridge. But still. I’m sorry for your loss. If you come with me to Ponyville then we can probably get you situated, and you can explain why your hiding in such a dangerous forest?”

“Long story. If you have alcohol I’d gladly explain it.” Ghost then walked outside and shouted “Alright everybody! Lets wrap it up, lock and load, and saddle up! These kind folk have extended a kind ha- er, hoof(?) of hospitality towards us, and we are to treat them kindly and with respect. If I hear of one incident, I repeat, ONE incident, of you either bad mouthing, or attacking because they’re different or for any reason what so ever, I’ll personally see to it, aw fuck it. You already know the drill! MOVE OUT!”

The authority in Ghost’s tone towards the group radiated his leadership. Until, what seemed to be an older, but unmasked figure came up, pulling Ghost away, whispering something to him.  It wasn’t long before Ghost shooed him away.

“Who was that?” Twilight asked calmly.

“My father. You’ll have to forgive him. And pretty much everyone else. We’ve been through a lot, and lost almost everything. Trust of others is a difficult thing for us to find these days.” Ghost explained as he calmly took his mask off. Revealing pale skin, a nasty scar on his right cheek below the eye, flowing brown hair neatly kept in a ponytail, and bloodshot and sleep deprived eyes. “’Ghost’ isn’t my real name either. It’s just my callsign. A nickname as it were. My real name is Logan Mason.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Mason.” Twilight said as she offered her hoof. Aiden took hold and shook. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, and this is my friend Rainbow Dash.”

“Just Logan please. But when I’m on the clock, it’s Ghost. Okay?” he said eyeing the two mares.

Twilight just smiled and said “Of course.”

“Now if you two ladies will excuse me, I have graves to dig and funerals to hold.” he said walking towards where the holes had been started.

“Hang on! Twilight said. “Look. We can take them back to Ponyville. You can burry them in the town cemetery. Once we get caskets made for them of course.”

Logan thought for a moment, then smiled. “Let me go ask their families.”

_____________________________

15:45 Hours,

Ponyville Memorial Cemetery

Ponyville

Twilight Sparkle had arranged a funeral service

The group of humans watched in sorrow as three caskets of various sizes were lowered into the ground. Tears fell as children and family wept. Quietly, Logan broke the silence between them and their new allies. “It’s sad they died in pain.”

“Again, I’m sorry for your loss. If you had come to us sooner we could have helped them.” Twilight explained quietly. “I know some of you still don’t trust us but I promise you. You don’t have to worry about that ever again.”

“I wont hold you to any promise but one. The promise of peace.” Logan stated as the graves began to be filled. He watched as a mother knelt at the foot of the smallest grave and sobbed. “Where will we stay? We don’t exactly like the idea of camping anymore.”

“I had a construction team diverted temporarily to help build you some homes. They should be done very soon. Id give them about three days. Until then there’s a motel not far from town hall.” Twilight smiled, trying to help.

“How do you have such authority here? You like, mayor or something?” Logan asked.

“Nope. Twi here is Princess Celestia’s personal student, and- uh… what was your official title again Twi?” Rainbow chided.

“Princess of Friendship and Guardian of the EverFree.” Twilight said.

“Sounds to me like your ashamed of that title.” Logan said with a cheeky grin.

“No. Twi just has a bad habit of underselling herself.” Rainbow giggled, elbowing Twilight, who blushed furiously. she then summoned a scroll, quill and ink well with her magic and began to write.

Instantly Logan’s curiosity spiked. “How’d you do that?”

“Magic.” she said casually. “Just writing a letter to Princess Celestia. Letting her know of your existence.”

“Uhm… that may not be a good idea.” he spoke, the nervousness betraying his poker face again.

“Why not?” asked the young princess just before sending the letter.

Sighing, Logan explained “It was government officials who started the war back home. We’re not… shall we say… government friendly these days.”

Confused, Twilight sent the letter anyway, much to Logan’s dismay. Within moments however, a second scroll appeared.

“She’s fast.” Rainbow quipped.

“My dear Twilight” she read aloud. “I formally request you bring the leaders of this group to the castle for a meeting. Show them some of our hospitality so to speak.”

“Heh… we just buried one of the leaders, and my partner. but I’ll inform the rest.” Logan whispered as he walked off to two somber looking folk.

Off in the distance, Applejack watched as Twilight and Rainbow Dash spoke to one of these strange new creatures from the Everfree. Slowly she approached.

“Howdy Twilight. Whatcha all got goin’ on here?” she asked in her usual country accent. However just as the words left her mouth, another scroll appeared in front of Twilight, who read it silently.

“Hey AJ. Twi n me-”

“’Twilight and I’ Rainbow.” she corrected autonomously.

“Right. Twi n I were investigating that large burst of magic she felt from the Everfree, and we found this whole group of strange creature that walk on two legs. I think they called themselves ‘Hyoomans’”

“They’ve agreed. As long as we are still allowed a few small arms. And the word is ‘Human’ my polychromatic friend.” Logan chided suddenly appearing behind Applejack.

Jumping, AJ shouted “Whoa Nelly! Where in Equestria did y’all come from?!”

“That is of little matter. I couldn’t help but notice you got a second scroll ‘Princess’. what does this one say?” Logan chided, sounding skeptic about Twilight’s official title still.

“Oh, this one just said for My friends to join us at Canterlot Castle tonight.” she smiled waving it off. “AJ, would you mind getting the rest of the girls together? We’ll board that train at in 15 minutes.”

“I’ll go Twi. I’m faster.” Rainbow said, shooting off into the sky leaving a rainbow colored streak behind her.

“Dayum…” Logan giggled as he, his sister, and his father worked their way towards the train station with Twilight and Applejack in tow.

Within minutes however, the remaining 4 mares caught up with the small group at the train station. The group of nine were then seated in their first class car. Within moments of contact with the soft cushions on the seats, the 3 humans promptly fell asleep.

__________________________

16:22 Hours

Canterlot Train Station

Canterlot, Equestria

Princess Twilight and Friends arriving for dinner

with the Princesses.

Logan slowly awoke as a yellow hoof gently shook him awake. Slowly he began to hear a very faint, but sincere and gentle voice.

“I’m so sorry to wake you, but we’re in Canterlot.” said the shy Pegasus mare.

Logan gave a deep, thoughtful sigh, and replied “Thank you for waking me. Never got your name by the by.”

Caught off guard, she blushed and quickly stuttered “I’m Fluttershy.” she squeaked.

Logan offered a gentle smile holding out his hand. “Logan Mason. Pleasure.”

Upon leaving the train, Logan found the street of Canterlot similar to any other  metropolis. Given his young life was spent on a farm, spending time in town was often a rare privilege. Even here he felt out of place an extraordinarily paranoid. Like there was always a set of eyes watching him. Even more so now.

“Talk about stranger in a strange land…” his sister chided in awe.

“Aye.” Logan began his slow, methodical walk to the castle. Memories flooded back to the front of his mind. All of them, grim and dark. All the things he, as well as his own friends and family had to do.

Logan continued his trek down memory lane, even as they approached the throne room. His look seem glazed over, staring at seemingly nothing.

The look concerned every pony in the room. Fearful he may be planning something. One pony however, reached out.

“Uhm… Logan? You there?” Fluttershy asked gently nudging his shoulder trying to nock him out of his stupor.

Quickly shaking his head, Logan found himself in the Throne room of Canterlot Castle. Rather than bow, he found himself giving a salute.

“There is little need for that. This is an informal visit.” spoke the smaller blue alicorn. “I’ve seen that look in your eye before. Mostly from old ponies who have seen a great battle or war. Have you seen such?” she asked gently.

It didn’t get past Twilight or Celestia that Luna didn’t normally take the initiative like that. Normally it had been Celestia to offer a kind hoof.

“Done more than seen your highness.” he spoke cryptically. Luna however noticed the strong amount of pain in his words. Looking over to his family(or what was left of it) and saw a similar look. Like they had done similar things, but Logan’s was worst. Like he had done something that they didn’t know about.

Looking down, she saw a small set of little metal plates on a chain around his neck. Levitating them up, she read “Ghost. Logan Mason, O positive, California Militia? Pray tell, what do these mean?”

“Those are my dog tags. Ghost is my Callsign. My name is Logan Mason. My blood type is O Positive, and I’m a member of the Californian Militia.” he explained, still looking Luna in the eye.

“So you are given identification should you perish in combat?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“Why was your ‘Callsign’ Ghost then? You seem very much alive to me.” she asked skeptically.

“Callsigns are given to you. They represent either something important you’ve done in battle or represent a part of your personality.” Chided Logan’s sister. “His… was very unique. He had an innate ability to get in, and out, alive, very quickly, and near silently, leaving little to no trace. Those who were aware of his presence… they didn’t last very long.”

All while explaining, Luna’s attention, as well as everypony else’s attention had been drawn to her.

“And what was your ‘Callsign’?” Luna asked, intrigued. Unbeknownst to all members in the throne room, even the castle guard, Logan had managed to gently walk up to Luna’s throne, and take a seat, trying to be playful without being mocking.

“My Callsign is ‘Guardian’. I’m sure you can figure out why.”

Suddenly, without even thinking, Logan found himself drawn outside. Towards the castle gardens. Looking out the window on his right, he saw a labyrinth. Naturally his soft touch when it came to his walking, allowed him to leave the throne room unnoticed by even the castle guard.

Within minutes however, he found himself lost. He wandered aimlessly, trying to find some way out to the gardens.

“Are you lost?” came a gentle voice behind him. Looking back, he saw a young alicorn. However older than Princess Twilight, this one seemed still quite young.

“Quite. You know how to get to the labyrinth?” he responded.

“Of course. Its down that hallway, about three doors, then you take the fourth door on your left” she smiled.

“Thank you.” he said walking off. Following the pink alicorn’s directions, he quickly found the labyrinth, and began to make his way to the center.

Within the hour, he found the center, and began to let his memories over take his mind.

~~~~~

Flashback

~~~~~

Screams permeated the air, the smell of blood, concrete dust, and burned cordite flooded his nose. Carefully, he aimed…

KABOOM…

    KABOOM!

Logan continued his actions well until he ran out of ammunition. Even so, he continued to pull the trigger, to no effect. Finally, the enemy turned tail and ran. Logan stood, watching as the dust settled, revealing a score of scattered bodies, blood stained the desert sands.

Taking his time, he walked down the hill to look for survivors. Coming up to one of the bloodied bodies, he rolled the cadaver over. Right in front of him, a pair of familiar eyes, while lifeless, stared in panic. Underneath her body lay another, younger body. A child, probably only 11 at best, shot, her face frozen in agony and fear.

~~~~~

Present

~~~~~

Logan felt a familiar warmth begin to roll down his cheeks, quickly being replaced by a cold sensation because of the breeze.

Soon enough, more and more recent memories began to rise to the surface. It wasn’t long before he soon wept openly, quietly asking “Why so many?”

______________

Meanwhile,

Canterlot Castle Throne Room,

Canterlot, Equestria

“Hey, anybody know where Logan went?” his father asked curiously.

This quickly got the group of ponies’ attention. However,  the noise of the throne room also got their attention.

“CADENCE!” Twilight shouted as she ran over to the pink alicorn.

“Sunshine, sunshine, Ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” they sang in unison.

“Sorry we’re late princess.” said a white and blue unicorn stallion. “but we ran into somepony who was lost and asked for directions.”

“Did this somepony walk on two legs? Covered from head to hoof in clothes” Celestia asked.

“Yeah now that you mention it…”

“What did he ask directions for?” Luna chided.

“The Labyrinth. Why?” responded Cadence.

In that moment, Rainbow Dash and Twilight both ran as fast as their hooves could carry them(of course Rainbow was flying but keeping pace with Twilight). They soon found them selves flying towards the center of the labyrinth. In the middle, they found a small, shivering mass of green, black, and brown with a nervous looking Discord above it.

“Discord, what did you do?” Twilight asked sternly.

“I didn’t do anything!” the draconequus quickly defended. “I heard sniffling and sobbing out here and decided to see what was up. I tried everything to try and cheer him up but nothings worked.”

Looking down, they all saw his sister Savannah run up and pull him into a gentle embrace.

Everypony looked around in confusion.

“Flashbacks” she said simply

Chapter 3: Canterlot Tour

Once Logan had recovered from his flashback attack, he found himself in what seemed to be a guest bedroom.

“Huh… must’ve passed out somewhere…” he said to himself. Under closer examination, he found his gear had been taken off. Looking around, he found only his boots, vest, and .357 Magnum revolver sitting across the room. Sliding a hand under the pillow on his left, sure enough, there was his trusted pistol. An M1911, in .45 ACP. Fully loaded, and ready.

Looking at the night stand, he saw a small folded note.

‘You had fallen asleep during your flashbacks. We are sure you will be hungry when you wake. So, Once you see this, we suggest that you ask a passing guard to escort you directly to Princess Twilight. All the guards in the castle have this order so you need to only ask the first you see.

Signed,

Princess Luna’

Next to the note, was a folded set of casual clothes. ‘Savannah must’ve gotten into my foot locker and dug out my casual stuff.’ he thought to himself. Upon closer investigation, he found an almost skin tight under shirt, followed by a casual shirt, with the Gadsden on it no less. A wool over shirt, and his favorite dark fog grey pea coat.

Next to those was a set of fresh under shorts, and an insulated set of blue jeans. Hanging on the door knob, his favorite, grey scarf.

Giving a quiet chuckle, he got up, got dressed, and after strapping his two weapons to various points on his body, he exited his room.

____________________

10:00 Hours

Canterlot Market District

Canterlot, Equestria.

Princess Twilight and Princess Cadence talking at a small Diner

“So Cadence, How’s everything going at the Crystal Empire?” Twilight asked taking a careful sip of her tea.

Cadence gave a happy smile. “It’s been doing well actually. A lot of ponies from Equestria are visiting more and more. So the Crystal ponies these days don’t feel as isolated as they were 1500 years ago.”

“That’s great.” she said as a chuckle escaped her. “You should’ve seen what happened in the Castle of the Royal Sisters last month.” she laughed. “Woo, that was fun!”

So Twilight began telling Cadence about the party at the castle. Cadence all the while, couldn’t help but laugh.

“Even princesses need to get out and have fun.” she chuckled, then suddenly shivered. “Burr. When did it suddenly get cold?”

“Well it is almost Nightmare Night.” Twilight replied wrapping a scarf around her neck. Both alicorns completely unaware of the third joining them at the table.

“Am I to assume ‘Nightmare Night’ is a holiday of spooks and frights?” came a third, male voice that turned out to be Logan.

“GWAH!” they both screamed, Twilight even falling out of her seat. Startled by his sudden appearance.

“When did you get here?!” Twilight barked.

“Just as you were telling Princess… uh… sorry. I never got your name.” he said holding out his hand politely.

Cadence then held out her hoof and proceeded to shake Logan’s hand. “Cadence.”

“I’ve been here since you were telling Princess Cadence about your EverFree castle party. Sounds like fun.” he said with a smile.

“It’s good to see you smiling. Especially after what your family says you and your militia have been through.” Cadence said as she waved a waiter over. “you want anything? I’ll buy.”

Logan was quietly debating in his mind whether or not he should accept. But a grumble in his stomach quickly put an end to the mental debate.

Giving a sigh, he asked if they had Cinnamon Rolls and Hot Chocolate.

“I honestly thought you’d be more of a Donut and Coffee type.” Cadence chided with a gentle smile.

“I used to be. But coffee does… weird things to me. Aside from the whole, ‘instant awake’ thing from the caffeine. I’d rather not explain.” he said waving it off as the waiter returned with a cinnamon roll and hot chocolate. “Besides, when you’ve lived through a war, just trying to survive day by day… simple things like this pastry, or cocoa, become almost orgasmic luxuries that you’d be lucky to get once a year at best.” he explained as he took a bite. The taste of the cinnamon and sugar on the baked dough brought a happy tear to his eye.

The two princesses smiled at the look of pure bliss on the human’s face as he savored the sugar coated pastry.

Finally, Twilight spoke up. “Welcome to Equestria, Logan. I’m sure you’d be happy to hear that we haven’t had a war since the Griffon Rebellion 1200 years ago.”

Logan nodded happily as he enjoyed his breakfast. “If you’d like, we can take you for a tour of Canterlot.” Cadence offered. “We already showed your father and sister around. They should be talking with Celestia and Luna right now. They said something about you needing, as they said ‘One hell of a break’”

Sighing, he agreed, and took the remainder of his cocoa with him.

The time seemingly flew by as Logan followed Twilight and Cadence through Canterlot. Carefully he observed and made mental notes about their culture, while subconsciously looking for places to hide and fight should the ‘1%‘ arise. They continued on until the reached the housing district. Logan however didn’t notice Twilight or Cadence stop in front of one house in particular.

“Hey, Logan!” Twilight called.

Looking back, he wondered what was wrong. “Yes?”

“I was wondering, since were in the area, Why don’t I show you a Canterlotian’s household? Learn a bit more about our culture so to speak.” Twilight offered with a gentle smile.

“Am I to assume this house was once yours?” he asked with a sly smile.

“At one point yes. Its my parent’s house. Come on.” she continued

It didn’t take Logan long to agree.

“Twilight! Cadence! How have you two been? Velvet dear! Twilight and Cadence have stopped by for a visit!” the dark blue unicorn stallion smiled.

“Twilight dear? Oh my word you two are here! How’s my favorite daughter and daughter-in-law?” chided an older mare.

“Oh, mom, dad, I hope its okay but I kind of brought a new friend over. He’s not from our world and cant go back to his so he’s learning about our culture. I thought it might be okay if he saw what an average Canterlotian household was like.” Twilight explained motioning Logan to step forward.

As he stepped up, Nightlight then spoke up. “I don’t see why not. If I remember right, you wrote a letter to us explaining about that incident where some pony stole your crown and tried to take to another world.”

“Yeah that’s true. Logan looks amazingly like the descriptions you gave us.” Cadence observed.

“Oh my gosh how did I not notice! Were you from that same world? I don’t think I saw you in Canterlot High. Were you there?” Twilight asked, her mind suddenly spewing question after question.

“Twilight, hunny, calm down. We all know how you get when stuff like this happens.” Twilight Velvet chirped.

Sporting a now decent sized blush, Twilight stopped her rant.

“Logan Mason. Pleasure.” he said holding out a hand.

“Nightlight. Pleasure is ours. And this is my wife, Twilight Velvet.” her father stated, allowing Logan to shake his hoof.

“Indeed it is a pleasure dear.” Velvet smiled shaking his hand. “In all honesty though, did you come from that world Twilight mentioned? On the other side of a Mirror?”

“No. The portal I came through was down in the ‘EverFree Forest’ as I keep hearing it be called.” Logan explained.

“So… why cant you go back? Did the portal close on you?” Nightlight asked as he ushered every pony and one human into the living room, where a warm fire burned.

“It’s not a matter of whether we can or cant. Its more of a matter of do we want to abandon our second chance, to blow it off and try to survive with nothing but the clothes on our backs. Or to survive and live as we once did, happily and in peace.” Logan stated matter of factly.

“Yeah. His family told us what happened after he suffered a series of ‘flashback attacks’ as they called them. First came the war, then the super volcanoes and nukes, whatever those are.” Twilight said.

Eyeballing the four of them, Logan looked around trying to distract himself. It didn’t last long as Nightlight’s voice shook him back to reality.

“Logan, would you mind explaining what a ‘Nuke’ is?”

Sighing, Logan sipped the last of his cocoa, and proceeded to explain. “A Nuke is short for Nuclear Bomb. They came in two types. Atomic, and Hydrogen. Atomic weapons were measured in yield by Kilotons, where Hydrogen were measured in Megatons. Take that taxi/chariot thing outside. A nuke of that size would be about… 30 to 40 Kilotons. Or maybe even 20 to 25 megatons.”

“The flash from the blast alone will be enough to destroy the cornea of your eyes. Seeing it for a split second will be enough to blind you from several hours to a day at best. Or permanent blindness if your un lucky. Anything caught in the epicenter will be instantly vaporized. Buildings, plants, metals, all will be destroyed. Magic shield or no, and I promise they will be the lucky ones. Depending on the size of the warhead, the blast radius can be at minimal, half a mile, to upwards of ten miles.”

“About several thousand will die in the blink of an eye. Another tens of thousands will die in the following weeks to months. Depending on how much radioactivity they’ve been exposed to. Take Canterlot itself. I’ve seen the maps. A single warhead at a 35 Kilotons, will level Canterlot Castle, as well as annihilate about a fifth of the market district. Afterwards, the stability of the shelf holding this city on the mountain will be compromised. Whatever remains of the city will pummel towards the bottom of the mountain.”

“Afterwards, depending on wind direction, say it heads south. The radioactive cloud of what we call ‘Fallout’ will blow towards Ponyville. Anything caught in the fallout depending on exposure time, will either, only be mildly ill, to dead. It’s far from a pretty sight. And that’s just 1 bomb. Imagine hundreds to thousands.”

Every pony in the room was gob smacked. Unable to wrap their heads around such destruction and death.

Logan figured this would be their reaction. So he waved it off.

“I don’t really feel up to telling the whole story yet. It’s way too soon still.”

Logan felt a gentle wing wrap around him. Looking over to his right, there was Twilight. Sporting a comforting smile. “You can talk about it when your ready.” she said gently.

“You know, I’ve been wondering something. We spoke with your dad and sister, but not your mother. Did she..?” Cadence asked gently, trying not to push him too much.

Logan’s only response was to pull out his M1911, unload it and place it on the coffee table.

“Was… that weapon in your hands as…” Nightlight asked. Logan’s only answer was to nod.

“So… you took a trophy for getting whoever…?” Velvet asked. This time, Logan shook his head. Tears beginning to fall as the memory resurfaced again.

~~~~~

Flashback

~~~~~

The winds gust through the desert like a bat out of hell, adding a nice breeze to the sweltering desert heat. Logan reveled in the cool breeze, as his recently watered down Remington ball cap had just warmed up. Taking a sip of water from his canteen, he eyed the crowds below. They seemed to be getting more agitated.

Reaching down to pick up his custom AR, he flipped the scope half of its hybrid sight into view, allowing him to take a slightly closer look at the crowd below. Within moments, he found two civilians he had been looking for. His mother, Svedka, and his sister Savannah.

By the looks of things, their mother had just shooed Savannah to their car, parked near the bridge where Logan and his father were perched.

Clicking the talk button on his radio he called “Savannah, what’s going on down their?”

“The crowd’s getting hella antsy. I told mom to get back up here the moment something even feels off.” she said as she waved.

Within minutes, she was sitting on their trucks tailgate, nursing a grape soda, next to their father who was happily munching down on his home made sub sandwich. Logan however, while hungry, decided to stay at his spot.

Within moments of a particularly large yawn, a burst of automatic fire rang out along with the screams of women and children. Flicking the safety off, he was the first to return fire. Others on the bridge however had hesitated. Logan was instantly both curious, and scared as to how he could so easily pull the trigger against another human.

Quickly pushing the thought from his mind, he continued to fire. Screams permeated the air, the smell of blood, concrete dust, and burned cordite flooded his nose. Carefully, he aimed…

TABOOM…

    TABOOM!

Logan continued his actions well until he ran out of ammunition. Even so, he continued to pull the trigger, to no effect. Finally, the enemy turned tail and ran. Logan stood, watching as the dust settled, revealing a score of scattered bodies, blood stained the desert sands.

Taking his time, he walked down the hill to look for survivors. Coming up to one of the bloodied bodies, he rolled the cadaver over. Right in front of him, a pair of familiar eyes, while lifeless, stared in panic. Underneath her body lay another, younger body. A child, probably only 11 at best, shot, her face frozen in agony and fear.

~~~~~

End flashback

~~~~~

“So, she was one of the first to die during those protests?” Cadence asked, suddenly fearful.

Logan nodded as tears began to streak his face.

“If you don’t want to talk about it that’s fine Logan. I understand that it hurts.” Velvet offered.

“Please… you don’t know true pain until you’ve loved, lost, and watched a bunch of close friends and neighbors get massacred. After that take that person’s life. Then kill, and kill and kill. With each life you end, a little bit more of you dies.” Logan hissed somewhat unintentionally.

“Sorry… I didn’t mean to snap like that.” he said quietly in a demure voice almost like that of Fluttershy.

“It’s okay Logan. You had to do what you had to do. Whilst I don’t know what you did, or why, I’m sure it was for a good reason.” Nightlight said offering a cookie to which Logan took with a gentle smile.

“Thanks for listening. And tolerating my outburst.” he said. Looking up at the clock, he saw how late it was getting. “Oh dear. I hate to say this but I must return to the castle. I’m probably expected.” he said as he got up.

“So are we. Sorry to cut this so short mom n dad.” Twilight added.

“Its okay sweetie. You’re a princess and thus have royal duties. But do try to write us some more.” Velvet said with a playful wink.

“Of course mom.”

The family then hugged and bade each other goodbye.

“Your lucky to have such a family Twilight.” Logan chided as they walked to the castle. “I’d write them a letter tonight if I were you.”

As Logan entered the castle, a thought bubbled up. ‘If this is peace… I like it.’

__________________________

16:00 hours

Ponyville, Equestria

Children from Earth begin feeling very strange.

“Mom, my tummy hurts…” children began to complain. Slowly the feeling started. First their eyes and hair would change in color. Parents of human born children began to grow very worried.

Trips to the local doctor showed that a change in hair and eye color, while peculiar, was not dangerous in any way. But tonight was different.

The Ponyville hospital was overwhelmed by human children. All complaining about aches and pains in their organs. Normally it would be a simple fix. Take this pill or drink this medicine. But nothing they did helped.

The doctors in Ponyville all examined each of the children. Their symptoms all remarkably similar. Churning and upset stomachs, most up to the point of vomiting. Parents of these children began to worry that they may have caught some illness from the locals. They each were rather surprised when a human doctor then walked in offering his advice on how a human system worked.

That was when the connection was made. These children, the younger they were the sooner the onset of symptoms. These children weren’t experiencing a new illness. It was a metamorphosis. The doctors would have to ask Princess Twilight to run some non invasive tests to prove their theory.

“And what theory would that be Dr. Stable!?” one outraged mother cried.

“The ambient magic in our world, is affecting your species. Your kind, being magic-less, no offence meant by the by, is absorbing the ambient magic from our world. But, your human bodies, no offence, cant handle this type of magical energy. Now, this is just a theory ma’am, so if I’m wrong, don’t rip my horn off. But it seems, your people, no offence, are slowly turning into ponies. I’ll ask the Princess what she thinks when she returns from Canterlot. But its not just your children. You are being affected as well. Given that your eyes just went from green-ish blue to a vibrant pink.” Doctor Stable explained.

Parents began to pace. “So how do we ease the pain?” on father asked.

“The most we can do is sedate them, or put them on strong painkillers. Beyond that there is little I can do. But at this rate of metamorphosis, they could be fillies and colts by Nightmare Night. Or by month’s end.”

Chapter 4: Adumbrading

“I honestly don’t see what your trying to do ‘Courier‘.” a mare’s voice sounded through the woods.

A unicorn stallion walked out, looking upon Ponyville. “All in due time Chrysalis. You’ll see. And I’m a stallion of my word. You’ll have your fair share in this. That I promise. Just keep your agents in place.”

“Chrysalis! You wont get away with this!” yelled a grey mane, sandstone colored Pegasus.

“Enough out of her.” Chrysalis growled. Within moments, a Changeling had appeared to put a gag in her mouth.

“Soon enough Daring Do, you’ll see how forgiving we can be to those who surrender. Those who oppose however… is a different matter.” she explained as she gently slid her hoof across Daring’s cheek who simply growled and gave out a muffled shout.

“Chrysalis, now is not the time for your games. You never told me why you wanted Equestria for yourself now. Why not explain?” ’Courier’ asked.

With a chuckle Chrysalis answered “Why it’s oh so simple. We changelings feed on the emotion, love. Equestria is chalk full of it. More so than the Griffon Empire. We’ve tried the Crystal Empire, But there was a spell to keep us out. Even disguised we are immediately expelled. Normally we just go somewhere, disguised, and feed off the love. But with how much there is here in Equestria, and it’s ally the Crystal Empire, its an absolute feast!”

“Honorable. Conquering nations for the better of your subjects. Seems we both have our agendas.” ‘Courier’ chided with a cruel grin. He walked over to Daring Do, and proceeded to levitate the gag out of her mouth. “So, Miss Do. Tell me, What were you doing in those ruins?”

“I already told you! I’m an Archeologist! I was studying! Research!” she shouted. Within moments though a sharp pain went through her wing. Looking over, she saw the stallion had plucked one of her primary feathers out of her right wing.

“I’d like the truth you sorry excuse for a bird. What do the princesses know of us!?”

The interrogation continued for hours. He plucked each feather until flight was almost impossible. Tears fell from Daring’s eyes, mostly from how much pain her wings were in. but also at the concept of being unable to fly. Once her wings were finished, he moved on to what seemed to be more sensitive areas. He took a thick sewing needle, and jammed it, three times, into the frogs of her hooves.

Daring Do was howling and crying in pain at the torture. Begging, and pleading for it to end.

“I can do so much worse Daring Do. Now talk! Before I have to get really nasty!” he sneered.

“I-I’ve already told you e-everything I c-can. I d-don’t know what you want to know!” she cried.

Giving an audible sigh, he then levitated a knife up. Its 5 inch curved blade glistened in the moonlight. “I’m sorry it had to be this way.” he whispered.

Daring found herself unable to tear her gaze away from the blade. “W-what are you going to do to me? Y-you’ve already taken my wings! Made it almost impossible to walk… what more are y-you going to d-do with me?!” She yelled. The fear and pain in her voice evident.

She watched as the blade began to carve into her thighs. He began to skin her alive! But not in the way a hunter would skin his kill. No. he was cutting small patches of flesh off the muscle.

After taking his sufficient time, making sure she felt the blade cut every millimeter. Once he got bored with that, he lodged the knife in her left thigh. She watched through blurry eyes as he levitated a large metal rod over from the fire. The tip glistened and glowed a bright gold. Her eyes widened in shock. Realizing he was about to defile her in one of the worst ways imaginable to a pony. The stallion, began to brand off Daring’s Cutie mark.

He laughed hearing her yell in pain. But once the screams of agony died down, he checked her pulse. Worried he went to far. No, she still had a pulse. He’d continue when her wounds healed somewhat.

Sitting by the campfire, he contemplated his plan.

‘First, the changeling invasion, again. Or so Chrysalis tells me. Once that happens, we over throw the sun and moon goddesses, enslave them, forcing them to continue raising their celestial bodies. Then, I steal Chrissie’s magic, followed by Cadence, goddess of love, if there is such a thing. Then Luna, and finally, Celestia! I shall become a god of this wretched world! Of course it wont be an overnight victory, and most likely a lot of these will have to change. Maybe I’ll be able to go back to earth and conquer them too. And hey, if my nephew Logan has found the portal, then I can finally take my revenge on him. Nobody murders my family and gets away with it.’

Rising to his hooves, he shouted “LOGAN MASON! IF YOUR OUT THERE, I’M COMING FOR YOU! YOU WILL DIE AT MY HOOVES!”

The following morning felt colder than usual to Daring as she slowly, and groggily opened her eyes. Her interrogator was off in his tent, and asleep. She clearly heard his snoring. Looking around she tested her bonds. Hoping to be able to get away like usual. She even flapped her wings in a vain hope to lift herself up even a little.

She stayed at it for a short period of time until she heard the snap of a twig and a gentle noise of someone trying to get her attention. Looking back the direction her body was pointing, a changeling stood. However in it’s eyes, she saw pity, and sincerity.

“I may loose my life for doing this. But that stallion has dark intentions for all of us.” he whispered.

“Why tell me?” Daring whispered back harshly.

Using his magic, the small Changeling then cut her bonds with what seemed to be a hematite blade no longer than an inch. As she fell, she felt herself be caught by the small changelings magic.

“You are lucky you didn’t contract hypothermia. Last night was a cold night to say the least. Seems you pegasi have a big winter coming.” it said trying to make small talk.

“What are you going to do to me?” again, the harshness in Daring’s voice betrayed her trust.

Suddenly, the changeling then produced a small vial. “This will heal the damage done to your hooves but nothing more. I can do nothing about your flesh or feathers. Consider it proof that I’m only going to help you.” he said as he gently poured some of the green liquid(liquid. Not goo or slime. A simple Newtonian fluid.) onto her hooves.

“You will still feel some pain. Like a pebble caught in your horseshoe. But in a few hours your hooves will be fine. Now, I’ll take you to the outskirts of the nearest town. Ponyville I believe it’s called.”

“Okay. Lets go.” she growled as they walked, or limped in Daring’s case. Her blood encrusted coat felt tight on her rump, and she winced with every step she took. She didn’t make it a hundred yards before she collapsed in pain. Tears flowing freely from her eyes once more.

“If you’d like, I can carry you.” the changeling offered, as he shifted into a unicorn stallion with a map for a cutie mark.

“Please? I-I cant walk on my own…” she asked hesitantly. “I’ve been through many death traps but… that was… I was actually hoping to die at some point”

The changeling turned stallion sighed. “I myself have wished such negativities upon myself. It’ll do neither of us good.” he said as he lifted Daring onto his back and proceed to carry her to the forest’s edge.

“Why? Because my love is food?” Daring spat.

“That’s partly the reason. But mostly because of what you saw at the temple. That stallion, my queen, and the beast Ahuizohtl, planning hostilities against Equestria. Your home. I have been Chrysalis’ advisor for some time. I suggested peace talks during the royal wedding fiasco, but my brother was insistent on a hostile take over, and she was growing desperate.” he explained.

“Ya know, I never got your name.”

“Crystal Clear. If you wish to laugh do so.”

“It actually makes sense. Having such a name, to see things others don’t.” Daring praised. She noted they weren’t far from town. The trees started to get smaller, and thin out. Sunlight started to shine through the canopy, and they even passed what seemed to be a small hut with Zebrican motifs decorating it.

“If you see the hut, I already tried going there to ask for help. But the Zebra residing there refused.” he said, sensing her thoughts.

By high noon, the changeling requested a stop for a rest. His left flank coated in Daring’s blood, which thankfully over the night had slowed to the point of as if it were a pin prick or paper cut, but throughout the warmth of the day had begun to bleed freely.

Fear suddenly gripped the changeling as he sensed his queen’s rage. Their prisoner gone and so her advisor, he knew that she’d come for him.

“On second thought, lets keep going.” he said urgently as he began to run as fast as his hooves could carry him with Daring on his back.

Chapter 5: Friendly Revelations

Rainbow Dash normally never thought about getting together with somepony. But in recent weeks, one pony just wouldn’t leave her mind. Said pony occupied her mind so much, she found herself so distracted from her game of Horseshoes with Applejack.

“You alright sugar cube? Ya seem a might distant today. Ya’ll even lost at 3 rounds without so much as even a word.” she asked, genuinely concerned.

Looking up, Rainbow shook her head. “Yeah, I’m fine.” she lied with a forced smile. Applejack of course saw straight through the lie.

“Hun, something’s botherin’ ya. C’mon. lets go talk about it over a mug o’ cider.” Applejack gently wrapped a hoof around Rainbow, ushering her to the barn. With a deep sigh, Rainbow complied, her head and ears low.

Rainbow sat in the warm midday sun. the cool autumn breeze gently flowing through her coat, mane and feathers. The sound of Applejack walking over with two mugs of cider filled her ears.

“Here ya go sugar. Now, what’s on yer mind?” Applejack asked as she sipped her cider with Rainbow.

With a deep breath, a quick thought went through her head. ‘She is the Element of Honesty… no sense in hiding it.’ “You ever have a crush AJ? One where you see that crush everywhere you go?” she asked. Applejack choked lightly on her cider with a small giggle.

“C’mon RD. You? With that big of a crush? Ah mean, Ah can see ya doin a one night stand, but-” AJ stopped her words dead as she saw the look of honesty and sincerity in Rainbow’s eyes. “Mah stars Rainbow… yer not joking are ya?”

“No AJ. I’m not. I don’t know what to do. I see her everyday. Everywhere I go. I… I want to ask her out but… I don’t know…” Rainbow said as she hardly touched her cider, which was quickly going flat. Applejack placed a comforting hoof around Rainbow pulling her into a gentle hug.

“Sugarcube… Ah’m not gonna lie to ya… not like Ah could if Ah tried… Ah wouldn’t know what at do. Sorry Ah cant help ya there. But Ah gotta say this. Ah didn’t know ya’ll was into mares.”

“I experimented with a few ponies right around Pegasi Academy. It was a fling with Flutters where I found I was a fillyfooler. I admit to eyeballing your flank every so often. But recently, only one mare has been on my mind… she’s literally all I can think about…” she explained, finally taking a large gulp of her flat cider, hardly caring.

“So… who is this crush?” AJ asked. A light blush sported on her face from Rainbow’s admission to ogling her flank.

“Twilight.” Rainbow said simply.

AJ once again choked on her cider. “As in OUR Twi? Princess of Friendship?”

“Yep. I… I know. It’s gone through my head before. That I might not be good enough for her, if she’s into mares… she might not wanna be my friend anymore…” the pain and fear in Rainbow’s voice made Applejack want to hug her more. AJ couldn’t help but notice tears start to roll down Rainbow’s cheek.

“Now sugarcube, Don’t let that eat away at ya. Yer a good pony. If’n a bit reckless, and tactless. If Ah were ya’ll Ah’d write my folks and ask for advise.” Applejack offered as she wiped the tears away with a hoofercheif.

Rainbow sniffed, closing her eyes and looking the other way. “I did. I even explained my fears about possibly asking Twi out. All my mom said was ‘Follow your heart,’ and ‘Do whatever makes you happiest.’… I don’t know what my heart tells me…”

Applejack couldn’t believe what she was hearing. This was a side of Rainbow Dash very few ponies had ever seen (Fluttershy being one of them). Rainbow on a normal day to day basis was self absorbed up to a point, nearly tactless, always calling it as it was, and most of all, reckless. Yet here she was, on the edge of crying, over a subject one would most likely hear from Rarity. Love.

And that was when it hit Applejack. Twilight was Princess of Friendship, Celestia and Luna were the Princesses of the Sun and Moon, leaving out only Cadence. The Princess of Love.

“Ok, why don’t ya write to Princess Cadence?” she offered.

“Cadence? Why- oh Celestia I am so stupid!” Rainbow face hoofed. “Why don’t I ask if I can see her face to face?” she asked.

“That’d be even better sugarcube. And don’t tell yerself that your not good enough for Twi. If yer this reserved around her, than you’d be a great mare friend. As long as ya treated her right, Ah’d say power to ya.” AJ explained with a warm smile.

“Thanks AJ. I’m glad you did this for me. Now I got one more question for ya.” Rainbow smiled happily.

“Go ahead sugarcube.”

“Got any more cider?” Rainbow asked playfully holding up her mug.

“You know it sugarcube.” Applejack giggled as she poured a few more mugs.

As Applejack and Rainbow talked, Twilight, Fluttershy and Rarity were gently sipping tea in the dining room of Carousel Boutique.

“So, Rarity, I cant help but notice your seeming a bit calmer around AJ. Is there something your hiding?” the young princess inquired.

“Am I that obvious dear?” Rarity answered. Much to her disappointment, both Twilight, and Fluttershy nodded. “Oh very well dears. I’m going to tell you both something very personal, but I need a Pinkie Pie promise that you wont say a word to anypony else. Especially Applejack.” she demanded.

“Cross our hearts and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in our eye!” the both sang, while going through the motions.

Satisfied, Rarity continued with a sigh. “Thank you girls. I admit… I fancy Applejack. Something about her… That Prince Blueblood ruined stallions for me, Suri... She was just a, pardon the language, a dyke, and Trenderhoof, well… I guess it would never have worked. But something about Applejack, I don’t know how to describe it. Oh look at me, a fashion designer, babbling on about fancying a rough and tumble country mare…”

“Rarity…” Fluttershy gasped. Twilight simply sat there, frozen in place.

“Do you think she’ll hate me? I wouldn’t even know how to tell her…”

“Rarity, Applejack was the Element of Honesty, and still is. I’m sure she’d appreciate a straight forward confession.” Fluttershy explained, wrapping a wing around her white unicorn friend.

Shaking her head, Twilight finally regained her composure. “Maybe If you’d write Cadence, she might give you some advise.”

“Twilight, that’s a wonderful idea!” Fluttershy almost (almost) shouted.

As Rarity composed her letter, Rainbow was doing the same.  As they wrote, Cadence sensed a strong magic. Of two love struck hearts.

“Do you think Spike could send this letter to Princess Cadence?” Rarity asked.

“Sure! I’ll have him do so when he gets back from playing with the Crusaders.” she explained. As luck would have it, Sweetie Belle and Spike, both walked in, covered in cake batter, baking powder and honey.

“Well, no baking cutie mark, but that was fun.” Sweetie squeaked. She stood at odds with her sisters shoulder at the top of her head(horn excluded.), her mane and tail a fluffy mess from an accidental baking of explosive cupcake ingredients. Spike stood to her left, also covered in miscellaneous baking ingredients. He however stood even with Twilight, and a touch taller than Rarity. The spikes on his head had grown pointier and begun to droop forward in front of his eyes, his tail longer, even the fangs in his mouth had become a touch longer.

“Yeah it was. I could do more for gems in the batter personally. Hey Twilight.”

Upon the sight of the two showing up, covered in baking ingredients, they paused.

“Sweetie, dear would you kindly clean that stuff off of yourself?” Rarity asked, her left eye gently twitching.

“You too Spike. Your taking a shower when we get home.” Twilight said with a gentle smile.

“Okay.” they chorused.

The three mares each looked at each other. “Well, it seems this ‘Mare time’ was cut short. Sorry dears. Twilight dear, would you be interested in joining Fluttershy and I at our weekly spa appointment?”

“I don’t see why not. What time is it?” she smiled.

“11:30 every Wednesday.” the yellow Pegasus answered.

“ Sure. I’m open then. See ya later.” Twilight smiled, carrying Rarity’s scroll in her magic. “C’mon Spike.”

As Twilight and Spike wandered back to the library, they couldn’t help but notice three royal chariots fly towards her home.

“What’re the Princesses doing coming down to us?” Spike inquired.

“Good question. And speaking of-” Twilight began before she was interrupted.

“Hey Twi, can I ask a small favor?” Rainbow asked as she hovered above Twilight.

“Sure Rainbow. What is it?” her curiosity piquing.

“Can you have Spike send this to Princess Cadence? It’s… from a friend in Cloudsdale.” she said with a light blush matched with a weak chuckle.

“You too? that’s the second one today.”

Tilting her head, Rainbow asked “Second? Who else is sending Cadence a letter?”

Thinking, Twilight debated whether or not talking about the letter was included in the Pinkie Promise. Correctly deducing that the letter itself, wasn’t under the protection of said promise, while the topic and subject of said letter, must remain secret.

“Rarity, but I cant say why.” she explained.

“Pinkie Promise?” Rainbow chided, receiving a nod in return. “Then I wont ask any more. Mind me askin why the three princesses are headed towards where Logan and his other human friends are?”

As if by magic, their answer came in the sound of a loud belch, and a large flume of green flame. Twilight quickly caught the now materialized scroll, and began to read. Her expression quickly becoming serious.

The young drake of course noticed, having lived with Twilight for almost 14 years. He asked “What’s up Twilight?”

“Royal business. Head on back to the Library Spike. I’ll be back when I can.” The said simply, and watched as he walked back to the Library.

“Mind if I tag along?” Rainbow asked, her voice full of hope.

Twilight shrugged. “I don’t see why not. Just try to stay out of the way. This is a ‘Firing demonstration’, and could be dangerous.”

“You got it Twilight.”

Chapter 6: Firing Demonstration

Logan, Savannah, and other remnants of their militia were gathered at Ghastly Gorge, on the outskirts of Ponyville. They all watched as three chariots flew down from the skies. Each was ready for a long explanation. They had everything set up. Training dummies, scopes, everything was set.

Each one stood straight, choosing their way to greet the royals that had arrived(Princess Twilight and Rainbow Dash following soon after), some choosing to bow, others, to kneel, and the last opting for the salute.

Princess Celestia had opened her mouth as to say something in kind greeting, but Luna, once again had beaten her to the punch. “At ease, and rise.”

“Hey Logan. Like the dyed hair look.” Rainbow chuckled, pointing out Logan’s new hair color of grey with near blood red stripes going along it. Logan simply returned a warm smile.

“It’s not dye. The symptoms it seems have started for us.” he said cryptically, his butterscotch gold eyes showing hints of humor.

“Symptoms?” Celestia asked, concerned.

“The ambient magic in our world is being absorbed by their bodies, but since they aren’t well adapted to this kind of world, so their bodies are slowly changing into ponies Prin- I mean, Celestia. It starts off simply and painlessly enough.” Twilight began.

Logan quickly took over. “First, our eyes, hair, or mane in your language, then our senses. Sight, smell, sound, all amplified to pony levels. After that, our internal organs will shift. They will no longer respond to an omnivorous diet-”

“Omni-what?” Rainbow whispered, hoping no one would notice.

“Omnivorous. It means our species is fine with eating virtually anything. Salads, fish, breads, yadda yadda. Then… meat.” Savannah explained. ‘why did I just answer that?’ she asked herself.

“Meat? you mean you would eat living creatures?” Cadence asked, fearful.

“No we wouldn’t eat anything while it was still squirming around. Anyway, our diets would be the next to go. Our bodies will slowly change, and I’m sure it wont be a painless process. Now may we begin as to why we’re here?” Logan finished impatiently.

“Of course. Please.” Luna chided, giving her best poker face. “This was to be a demonstration of weapons from your world correct? Now, if I may ask, why are we in Ghastly Gorge?”

“I was wondering that myself.” Cadence added.

“OH! Before I forget Cadence, some friends wrote some letters to you.” Twilight said brightly as she levitated the two scrolls over to the pink alicorn.

“Down range we have set up targets. Shining Armor, I presume you have brought the standard weapons for the royal guard?” Logan said, matching Luna’s tone and face.

The unicorn prince nodded “I have.”

“Care to demonstrate them for us?”

The first weapon Shining Armor chose was the standard long bow. He aimed, pulled back the draw, and fired the arrow. It flew for less than a second before becoming lodged in the third target’s chest. Next was a Javelin. It was promptly thrown magically with a loud grunt. Again, hitting the third target. The last of the weapons were meant for close quarters. A long sword, double edged, a dagger, also double edged, a quarter staff, and a spear.

Looking down towards Logan and his sister, they saw Savannah looking through a small device that appeared to be some kind of telescope.

“Both arrow and javelin were direct hits on the 75 yard line.” she said.

“Good shots BBBFF.” Twilight smiled.

Cadence of course seemed too distracted, reading the scrolls she had been given.

“Thanks sis.”

“Alright. Good shots. Although, to be honest, with your level of technology, we expected something a little bit more advanced than swords and spears.” Logan chided. “Once our species hit a level of tech you had, we had weapons FAR less… shall we say, primitive? Show them what we had at that time frame ‘Tombstone’.”

A second human stepped forward. He wore a hat like Applejacks over his(almost literally) golden hair, a bandana covered his face, and a dark brown coat covered almost everything from his shoulders down to his shins. Under the coat, all the ponies(except Cadence) noticed several belts. He then pulled out two small metal objects. Each with a metal cylinder in the middle, extending outwards into small tubes. Behind the tubes and cylinders, were little spurs, and under them, what appeared to be an over sized ring.

“These are called ‘Revolvers’. There are two types. Single action, as these are, and Double action. Which we shall demonstrate later. These were our culture’s first successful repeat-fire sidearm.” Logan explained as he nodded towards the cowboy.

“You may want to cover your ears.” Savannah warned as ‘Tombstone’ raised the two revolvers. The six ponies(four princesses, a prince, and a racer) each suddenly felt a set of ear muffs appear on their heads. All conjured by the youngest of the four princesses.

The next thing they heard, were small clicks as the cowboy pulled back on the spurs. Moments later, they all were shocked to hear loud ‘BOOMS’. The sounds continued. Alternating. Left, right. Left, right. Each one fired off six times, resulting in twelve booms.

Celestia, Shining, Rainbow, Cadence, and Twilight all stared, wide eyed at what was a silhouette cut out of both human and pony. Each target sporting 6 holes each. The only one un-phased by the show, was Luna. The look on her face clearly showed she was intrigued.

As the cowboy reloaded his weapons, he stuck them back into small pouches on his hips. Reaching down, he picked up another weapon. This one seemed to have two long tubes, horizontally parallel with the other, the top one being octagonal in shape. The two tubes were then connected by what seemed to be a steel block. On both ends seemed to be wood the cowboy used as grips. Underneath the rearward wooden plank, was what seemed to be two rings, one, in the front was for the humans front finger, the larger ring behind it, fit the other three as the thumb wrapped around the wood.

“This weapon, is what’s called a ‘Rifle’. There are numerous types. This kind is what’s called a ‘lever action’ as Tombstone can demonstrate.” Logan said as he waved. The cowboy then lowed his right hand, causing the lever to roll downward. “This type of weapon is much more accurate over a much further distance. They come in almost countless calibers. A caliber is a type of ammunition used in each weapon. As I said earlier about us being omnivorous, this specific rifle, we’d use to hunt for food. Go for it. 100 to 150 yards.” Logan said, again nodding.

BOOM… Tshk, shk

   BOOM… tshk, shk

     BOOM!

The six ponies had expected it to be loud, but not louder than the pervious weapon.

“Now, the rifle is the standard weapon for most soldiers. So far we’ve seen two types of weapons that fire a single projectile. Now we’re going to move on to our species’ oldest weapon of the gunpowder age. The Shotgun. Now, unfortunately we don’t have a shotgun from the technological time period your world best represents. Instead we have a bit more modern, for us anyway, models of shotgun.”

As Logan and his sister demonstrated their various weapons, Cadence pulled Rainbow Dash to the side and began to have a private chat.

“Rainbow, I’d be delighted to help you with Twilight. Though, I got to ask. Why Twilight?” Cadence inquired as she cast a privacy shield spell around them.

“Well…” Rainbow started as she blushed furiously. “I-I don’t know honestly. Something about her… those wings, her smarts, her color… I know she can go a bit… overboard with things, I just…”

“So you weren’t lying or pulling my tail. You really want Twilight don’t you?” Cadence asked, receiving a simple nod in return.

“I see… matters of the heart are something where you must tread carefully Dash. Step too much to either side, you’ll seem desperate and creepy, or like a rude and insulting perv.” Cadence explained carefully. “The last thing you want to do is seem like either. If you want my advise, just come clean. You n Twi get together to read a book weekly right?”

“Yeah. Every Thursday.”

“Well, before you read, instead, confess your feelings. Just sit down for a normal talk, and let it all out.”

“I try… and every time I try I just… I cant get the words past my throat. One time I tried just that, Twi thought I was sick. Took my temperature and everything.” Dash winced at Cadence’s giggling. “What’s so funny?!” she half shouted.

“Twi thought you were sick, when in fact her intuition was correct. You ARE sick. LOVE sick!! Ok, back to being serious. Have you tried showing her your affections? Ask her out? Do something together. Buy her lunch or something. Let your actions speak for you Rainbow.” Cadence said as she lowered the privacy spell.

‘Let my actions speak for me huh?’ Rainbow thought carefully. ‘Maybe if I-’

Her thoughts were quickly interrupted by shouts and rapid weapons fire.

“CONTACT FRONT!” Logan shouted as he and four other humans, his sister included, began to run forwards towards the targets, each member firing respectfully at the targets in front of them. Dash was astonished, the grace and coordination instantly reminded of The Wonderbolts. Although these humans were instantly lethal.

“COVERING FIRE!” Savannah shouted at the top of her lungs.

Suddenly a loud rattling noise joined in the chorus of bangs, pops, and cracks. Rainbow found herself hazily walking towards Twilight in the midst of the demonstration. Looking over her shoulder, she noticed twilight had taken all kinds of notes.

‘A.K-47? A.R-15? R.P.K? F.A.L? M-1 Garand? M-1911? M-500? 12 Gauge? M-4? Grenade?’

Just as Rainbow’s mind had even thought the word grenade, she heard Logan yell “FRAG OUT!” and mere seconds later, a large explosion, sending dust and debris all over the place.

“Hey Twi. I missed a lot. What’s goin on?” she asked.

“They’re demonstrating tactics. How they fought in certain situations. The one they’re doing now suggests they were on patrol, like the royal guards who walk around the castle, and then saw hostile intruders. Next, they’re gonna show us how they attacked from surprise.” Twilight explained, not noticing Dash’s dreamy expression as she talked.

“CLEAR!!” Logan yelled.

The drill over, Logan and his group took a few moments to unload, and breathe.

“The next drill is more for an ambush situation. Now unfortunately, we have very limited ammo, so this will be our final drill until we reload all our spent cases. Now, we shall need a volunteer for this test. I do promise no harm will come to anyone who chooses to volunteer.” Logan explained with a gentle smile.

Looking over the small crowd, he saw Twilight raise a wing. “I volunteer!” she shouted.

“Always willing to dive right into a learning experience.” Celestia said under her breath.

“Are you sure? This is very dangerous and once we get set up, there’s no going back.” Logan warned.

“Positive!” she smiled stepping forward.

“Very well. We’ll need illusionary ponies who can react to EVERYTHING. Here’s the scenario. Twilight, you are what’s called an H.V.T. or High Value Target. We’re going to try and capture you without harming you. It’s the illusionary guard’s job to protect you no matter the cost.” Savannah explained as she saw Luna cast a group of twenty-five illusionary ponies of varying types.

“Ya’ll stand in the middle of the group. These ponies should react when we initiate the attack. We promise your not in any real danger.” Tombstone explained guiding Twilight over to the center of the gorge.

Logan than began to raise his voice, explaining how it would be set up “Some of you can stay down here and watch how ground teams attack, while the rest of you will be up on the cliffs edge. That large squad of ponies will be escorting Twilight down the middle of the gorge, until we start. Guardian, Eagle Eye, and Red Tail, head up topside and provide sniper support. Remember, Triad formation. Tombstone, Sweeper, Arson, and Frog, head over to the east side of the canyon, hide behind the rocks. While Stooge, Armadillo, Razor, Samurai and I will be here on the west side in the brush. We clear?!”

“Copy, Ghost!” they all shouted in unison.

“Now, since our radios no longer work, we’ll be going old school. Keep your eyes open for signal mirrors, and flares. Red means abort mission. Green means target captured. Clear?”

“Clear!”

“Get to it.”

“You sure about this Twily? This could be very dangerous. I could take your place.” Shining worried. After having seen what these humans were capable of, he feared they might accidentally hurt her, or worse.

“She’ll be fine Shining Armor. I promise. It’s not the first time we’ve had to do this.” Savannah reassured.

“I’ll be fine. Besides, I remember how to cast those shield spells.” the purple pony quipped.

“Okay…” he said, shifting around nervously.

Within minutes, every human was set up, each with one or two ponies sitting back to observe. Having heard the loud bangs, the remaining(former) element bearers had arrived, for Rainbow to give them a quick over view as to what was going to happen.

“Twilight is going to be in the middle of THAT!?” Rarity gasped loudly.

“Shhhh.” Rainbow hissed. “the drill is about to start.”

“They’re beginning.” Cadence quipped as they all looked through binoculars and telescopes to see Twilight, walking down the canyon with illusionary pony guards.

Savannah waved a command at the other two snipers on the cliff’s edge. They all looked through the scopes, and squeezed.

Twilight however had no idea when the attack was going to happen. She was just walking with a group of illusionary ponies, completely unaware of everything about to happen. She began to wonder if this was really a good idea, after seeing everything these humans were capable off.

Her thoughts were quickly halted as a loud ‘CRACK’ sounded over her head. Followed by two more, each one preceding a low thump. Looking around, she saw three of her ‘guards’, fallen dead as they turned to mist. Suddenly, loud cracks, thumps, and pops came from all angles, and in a very rapid succession. Guards began to encircle Twilight, trying to create a barrier, and herd her to safety.

Cracks originating from the cliffs edge begin to grow closer and closer together as guards, one by one, fell dead. Pegasus guards were shot clean out of the sky, unicorns had their horns shot off, or were shot dead. Time for Twilight began to slow down. Looking to her right, was Ghost. She saw him and his teams begin to circle around in front, and behind her. Each one carrying various weapons. Shotguns, assault rifles, carbines and SMGs.

The attack stopped as Ghost looked her dead in the eye and shouted “We have you surrounded! Forfeit now, and we will be merciful!”

“OVER OUR DEAD BODIES!” her remaining six guards shouted, readying their weapons for one final try to repel the attackers.

In the longest three seconds of Twilight’s life, cracks and booms came from every angle. She felt the blast, heat and air pressure change as rounds of varying sizes flew past her. Missing by mere inches. She closed her eyes and flinched. Expecting a miss followed by a huge burst of pain.

As quickly as it began, it was silent. The silence was shattered by a loud ‘FWOOFFFF… BOOM’. looking up, she saw a green light. ’Great. I’ve been captured’ she thought. Looking back down at her hooves, she noticed she was trembling. She hadn’t shaken this much since she was trapped by King Sombra at the top of the Crystal Tower.

“Its over Twilight. Drill’s done. Your fine.” Logan assured, taking off his mask.

“T-That w-was T-THE m-m-most t-terrifying t-thing I’ve ever d-done…” she said, the slight tremor in her voice giving away how terrified she was.

Logan gave her a pat on the shoulder as her friends, and the remaining princesses came down from the cliff’s edge.

“Your fine. This concludes our firing demonstration for today.” Logan announced as his squad began to gather the cases they had fired.

“Hey Twi. Ya’ll okay? Your shakin some’n fierce.” Applejack inquired. “Ah can imagine that was scarier than starin a pack of Timberwolves dead in the eye.”

“I’d rather be up against a Hydra than what I just went through AJ.” she deadpanned.

“Ill walk ya home if ya like Twilight.” Rainbow offered. However the sound of hope in her voice didn’t miss AJ, or Twilight.

“Sure…” she agreed.

“Hey Applejack?” Logan asked as he appeared behind the country mare.

“Whoa nelly! Where-? How-?” she yiped, clearly startled out of her skin. Shaking her head to regain composure, she looked back at Logan. “Yes?”

“You go camping right?” he asked.

“Yeah?”

“Know any good places to camp?” he inquired.

“There’s Winsome Falls. Mah sis n’ Ah are goin there this weekend actually. If ya wanna come along, we’d be glad ta have ya.” she explained.

This earned a gentle smile from Logan. “Cool. I’m in. Any friends goin along?”

Applejack thought for a sec, and thought back to that almost-disaster of a sleepover Twi had a few years ago.

‘They do have a segment on backyard slumber parties. Is that what we’re doing right now? Does this count as camping?’

“Now that Ah think about it… Twi’s never been camping. Ah don’t know what Pinkie would do. Or Fluttershy… Rainbow and Rarity go with us from time to time… Ah’ll see if they all wanna go.” she said thoughtfully.

“Most of us here have been camping for the past four years so they feel kinda relieved to be back in some form of civilization. So it might be just me. Maybe my sister if that’s cool.”

“Ah don’t see why not. Meet us tomorrow morning at the orchard. Ah’ll go ask the girls.” she chided with a smile. Managing to catch up with the other girls, Applejack makes her offer.

“Ya girls interested in goin’ for a camping trip? Ah know you’ve never been on one Twi. Might like it.” she said, trying to sound convincing.

“Oh… I don’t know. I have a lot to take care of…” Flutters chided. “My little critter friends, I just cant take a week for myself. A night is one thing but a week to Winsome Falls… I cant do that. Sorry.”

“No biggy Flutters. Ah understand. Rares?”

At the sound of the country mare calling her name, she sported a slight blush, which didn’t go unnoticed by Applejack.

“Of course I’m in dear. I’ve got time to spare.” she chuckled nervously trying to hide her blush.

Rainbow then flew about. “I’m so in!”

At this, AJ smiled. She then hoped she could convince Twilight, for Rainbow’s sake, and maybe Pinkie.

“What about you Pinkie?”

Pinkie’s normally active bounce was cut short as she stopped, and pulled a schedule seemingly from nowhere. “Hmm… yep! I’m free. This should be fun! Hopefully more fun than that sleepover you and Rarity had at Twilight’s a few years ago.” that being said, AJ, Rarity and Twilight each began a slight blush.

“Anywho, Twi? You in?”

“Well… I’ve never been out camping before… and I’m really not looking forward to listening to more of Blueblood’s complaining… mind if I bring Spike?” the lavender princess contemplated.

“Well Ah don’t see why not. Ah’m bringin Applebloom, Rarity’s probably bringin’ Sweetie Belle, and Rainbow might bring Scoots so sure.”

“Okay. So when and where do we meet?” she asked summoning a small pocket schedule.

“Tomorrow morning’ at the Orchard. Just to make it easy on Logan. He asked if he could tag along if that doesn’t bother you girls.” Applejack piped, adjusting her hat.

“Why would we mind?” Twilight asked arching an eyebrow.

“Well, after what you just went through down in Ghastly Gorge? I’d be kinda edgy around him.” Rainbow explained.

“I’m not denying that I’m a little shaken about that. Still am actually. But I know he wouldn’t hurt me because it’s what he’s trained to do right? He is Military from his world if I recall.” she explained.

“I remember him saying it was a ‘Militia’. meaning he was a civilian militant. Not officially Military” Rainbow chided.

With a chuckle, Twilight agreed. “Right, Thank you Rainbow.”

At this, Rarity gasped. “Twilight, darling, he could have easily killed you any number of ways down there, and your saying you still trust him?”

“Well, yes. I think he’s had enough of war and death. He’s only 23 after all. Still got a lot ahead of him.”  Twilight said thoughtfully, trying to make a case for Logan.

Suddenly, Rainbow starts backing Twilight, much to the surprise of the other two. “While I didn’t like the thought of you being in the middle of that Tartarus hole down there, I think he’s just got a lot of baggage holding him back. Remember Tornado Day? Flutters didn’t wanna join because she had baggage from Flight school holding her back.”

A quiet ‘eep’ came from Fluttershy as she suddenly agreed. “Yeah. I know when somepony is having trouble dealing with issues from their past. And if what Logan has told us so far if half as bad as what he says it is, then he must be hurting inside. And so must a lot of that group that showed up with him.”

“I know. I know a depressed pony from a mile away. Remember that ‘Welcome to Equestria’ party I threw for them last week? Logan refused to show up. When I went to go ask why not, he just sat under a tree, and said ‘I’m not trying to insult you Pinkie.” she said, trying her best to mimic his voice. “I just…don’t like crowds.’ now I’m not the element of Honesty, but I knew he was trying to lie so he could hide something even more painful.”

By then, the only pony left in thought was Rarity, trying to process what she had heard. “Am I the only pony who hasn’t had some heavily traumatizing event happen to her? That Diamond Dog thing doesn’t count.”

The girls stayed silent. slowly, two ponies started raising their hooves. Rainbow, & Pinkie. Applejack, Fluttershy and Twilight however, rubbed the backs of their necks.

Curiously, Fluttershy asked “What traumatized you so much Twilight? If you don’t mind me asking that is.”

“Remember the Crystal Empire? Sombra’s invasion? Well, when I was trapped in the Crystal tower, I honestly thought I’d never get out. I thought I’d end up in a dungeon, as one of his slaves. Tortured, beaten and violated in ways I cant imagine. Ever since, I’ve kinda understood how Applejack and Fluttershy feel. I still have the occasional nightmare about it.” she explained somberly. “Flutters for that fall during the Pegasus race, her bullying, and AJ for that… well…”

“The loss of mah parents. It’s okay Twi. It happens.”

“Well in my case, I was more afraid of what kind of emotional damage I’d do to all of you, spike, and my family. Anyway, lets end this night on a positive note. We’re going camping. Thanks for the invitation AJ.”

“Not a problem Twi.” she smiled.

“OH! Hey Fluttershy, why don’t you ask Raindrops to watch your critter friends?” Pinkie hyped.

Elsewhere, Logan was trying to ready himself for even more questions. However, one hurdle became clear. The skin and body hairs all along his arms, legs, and torso, began to turn a dark, midnight blue. Keeping a close eye on his sister, he saw her slowly start to turn a light red.

“That shade of red suits ya sis.” he complimented.

With a smile, she turned around. “Tha-whoa! Okay, I thought you might turn blue but THAT shade of blue!? You almost look like a human male version of Princess Luna!” she quipped loudly.

“Anyway, listen. AJ n her friends just extended an offer for us to go campin with ‘em this weekend. If your interested.” he explained.

“No thanks. I’m burned out on camping… you go ahead. I’ll tell dad your out for the weekend. Be careful. Where would you be going anyway?”

With a thoughtful expression, he explained, “Some place called Winsome Falls. I’m just gonna get my bag n be on my way.” he explained.

Chapter 7: Camping

Applejack awoke early the next morning with her sister Applebloom, which was usually a part of their every day routine. All around Ponyville, the remaining Element bearers began to do the same.

However, in the Golden Oaks Library, A young princess and Librarian ran about with a new checklist.

Book,

Tent,

Sleeping bag,

Water canteen,

Bug spray,

Food,

She toiled for what seemed like hours in her mind, but when she looked up, she saw she still had another two hours to get herself and Spike ready.

By the time the clock ticked 8, Twilight, and Spike both found themselves on their way to Sweet Apple acres.

Unbeknownst to her, a Cerulean Pegasus was flying slowly(remarkable for this pony), admiring the mare who trotted ahead of her. Her thoughts buzzing around whether or not she should confess her feelings today.

“Uhm… Rainbow Dash? You okay?” came a gentle, and demure voice to her right.

“Huh? Oh, yeah. I’m fine Flutters. Just… thinking.” she smiled.

“About Twilight? She’s your crush huh?”

“How did you… never mind. AJ told me the other day I was being pretty obvious… except to Twi.”

With a sigh, Fluttershy patted Rainbow on the back. “Since we’re going camping, why not let it out while we’re there?”

“I was just thinking about that…”

“Hey y’all! Flutters! Ya made it!” Applejack called.

“Yeah… I got Raindrops to keep an eye on my critter friends.” she explained with a gentle blush.

“Great. Now we just need to wait for Rarity, Pinkie, Sweetie, Scoot, and Logan.” Twilight chided excitedly.

“YO!” came a male voice between a pair of nearby apple trees. Everypony present looked to where the voice came. Looking at the space between the trees, they saw what looked like a small tent, hanging between the two trees. Then, slowly, a human body began to emerge from the hanging tent.

“How long have ya been there?” Applejack asked

With a sly grin, Logan answered “’bout the past 4 hours. Since you woke up.”

“Ya’ll have been up since before dawn?” Applebloom asked excitedly.

“Yup.” he said simply as he began to take his hammock down, and stuffed in his bag.

Twilight then began to clap her hooves together excitedly. “Oh this is so exciting! I’ve been dying to finally use this book since forever!” she yelped as she levitated ‘Camping for Dummies’

“Is that a ‘how to’ book on camping?” Logan asked warily.

“Yep. She got that book last week. Been dying to put it to use since.” Spike explained.

Before Twilight could even think, Logan snatched the book from Twilight’s magical grasp. “NO! You just do not bring a how to camp book. Camping is something you wing. This is just a mere guideline. I’ll hold on to this, and let you experience camping the way it should be. By winging it.”

“You WHAT?! OH NO YOU DON’T!” she shouted angerly.

Before hooves could be thrown or magic be cast, Rainbow and Applejack threw themselves between the two.

“That’s enough you two. Logan, return the book before Twilight does somethin’ ya both regret. Albeit I do agree with ya.” Applejack chided.

With a sigh, Logan handed the book back over. “Fine. But keep an open mind Twilight.”

With a light scowl, Twi gave him a nod. Just then, Rarity, Pinkie and the remaining CMC’s arrived.

Elsewhere, Princess Luna received an urgent letter regarding a patient in Ponyville Hospital. The guards pulling her chariot flew as fast as their wings could beat, and within the hour, had arrived at the hospitals ICU ward.

“OH! Princess! Thank the sun an moon you came!” cried the sandstone Pegasus.

“Miss Do. May I ask pray tell what happened to you? I have heard tales of your adventures, but I haven’t heard of one going this badly.” Luna chided.

“Princess please. We have urgent news.” came a third, almost calm but demonic voice.

Startled, she turned towards the gold Unicorn stallion. “Who are you?”

“My name is Crystal Clear. I brought Miss Do here from the hooves of Chrysalis.” he said.

“I see. What is it you must say?” she asked, patiently but sternly.

“That Equestria is under threat. I’ve overheard dark plans. Plans of evil. Something about… ugh. It’s hazy. I was heavily tortured. The Cutie mark on my left flank has been branded off. I’ve been skinned, all of my feathers plucked off, my hooves have mostly healed by now. The pain from it all… hours of it… I don’t remember anymore.” she explained with down ears, signifying depression.

“You may not remember. But I do. Almost a year ago, a strange bipedal creature was spotted not far from a changeling nest. Within 12 weeks he turned into a unicorn stallion. But a great darkness fills his heart and mind. Once he discovered the power of magic, he grew ever darker. Then he and Chrysalis began to plot. Plot the end of Equestria. They plan on starting by attacking the nearest town. In this case, Ponyville. Afterwards, changelings are to be sent all over Equestia as sleeper agents. Manehattan, Bayston, Canterlot. All will be under attack.” he explained, looking out the window at the carefree village. “The details may have changed due to my defection, so nothing is certain. What is certain is your nation is under threat.”

“When will this happen?” Luna urged. “And how do you know so much?”

Crystal’s answer came in the form of a flash of green magic temporarily revealing his true form.

The changeling sensed Luna’s darkening mood towards him and bowed. “Please believe me when I say this is only the truth. The changeling invasion a few years ago? I urged Chrysalis to instead negotiate. Come to peaceful terms. She refused. May I continue?”

“Please do.” The dark Alicorn hissed.

“Then I had heard something about a resurrection. The subject being a dark Unicorn who ruled an empire millennia ago. Sombra, I believe his name was. They intend on using him as an ally to get at the Crystal Empire. Another major target. However, this stallion has plans of his own. Where Chrysalis just wants to feed us, this stallion is power hungry. Bent on becoming more powerful than any pony in existence. He found a tome, in a temple Miss Do here was exploring, and attracted the attention of Ahiuzhotl. Their newest ally. When this attack will happen, I do not know. But I can say it is imminent. And there is nothing we can do to stop it.”

Luna paced in the room, carefully digesting what she had just heard. “Miss Do, I’m going to take you, and you ‘friend’ here to the Canterlot Palace medical wing, where you both can tell my sister, and our niece what you know. The details will be sent to Princess Twilight via Dragonfire.”

“Princess Twilight?” Daring inquired curiously.

“I have a feeling you will meet her yourself pretty soon.”

Back out on the trails leading to Winsome Falls, Logan walked, carefully listening to the sounds of wind rustling the trees, of the Cutie Mark Crusaders laughing, and of the six mares in front of him gossiping.

“Whew, I need to get out and exercise more.” Twilight panted.

With a chuckle, Logan looked back and offered her a drink from his spare canteen. “Cant hurt.”

“Yeah. Hey Logan, I was wondering…” she began as she took a sip.

“Go for it.”

“Why did you bring your AK with you? And I assume any other weapons?” she asked cautiously.

“Paranoia. Prior to The War, I never left the house without a knife at least. Once it started, nobody went anywhere without a weapon of ANY kind. Death began to linger more and more behind every blade of grass. Those who chose to run, more often than not died. Everyone else began to fight, tooth and nail, too the death.” he explained simply.

“Did it seriously get that bad? Your world I mean?” Asked the rainbow colored Pegasus.

“Rainbow, the things I’ve seen and done, make the stuff you guys have done look like a bad day at kindergarten.” he said coldly.

“Whoa…” was all she could say.

“Surely you had stuff that helped keep your spirits up while in those dark times.” Fluttershy chided.

“There your right. Depending on your goals, or where you stood in life, there was plenty of music to keep us strong. Some of it I’ve memorized because of how many times I’ve heard it.” a small smile slowly creeping onto Logan’s face.

“Mind singing us one dear?” Rarity asked, who was soon followed by the remainder of the group wanting to hear a song or two from him.

Chuckling, he agreed, and pulled out a small rectangular device. “Want me to sing with it so you could understand it?”

“Please?” came the hyper bubblegum mare from nowhere.

“Only if you get out of my face please. That’s just creepy.”

“Sorry.”

Sliding his thumb across the small device, music began to play. It began with electric guitar, followed by the quick, rhythmic beat of drums.

“Some people live, That selfish desire,

Some choose to shout when they speak,

And they’ll be the start.

Guarding the flame of those deep in fire,

Seeking out those with a voice,

One for tomorrow!

They say we’ve lost our minds

We’ve just gained control.”

Much to Logan’s surprise, Rainbow and Twilight both began to sing with him.

“Search Endlessly

Fight till we’re free!

Fly past the edge of the sea

No bended knee,

No mockery!

Somehow we still carry on!

Silence your fear, we’ve got to move higher,

Unlock the stars in the sky

Guarding us all.

Battle the will of those who conspire

Take back the passion to live,

Vanish the sorrow!

Destroy their perfect crime,

Watch the power fold!

Search Endlessly

Fight till we’re free!

Fly past the edge of the sea

No bended knee,

No mockery!

Somehow we still carry on!

The group of ponies, dragon(and one human) began to watch as Rainbow began to do an air guitar impression as the music continued through a solo

Search Endlessly

Fight till we’re free!

Fly past the edge of the sea

No bended knee,

No mockery!

Somehow we still carry on!

CARRY ON!”

“Whew whey, Ah’ll say that song was a might… interestin’.” Applejack inquired. “Cant say Ah’ve ever heard a song like that before.”

“Indeed darling.”

“That was super cool! Is there a teeny tiny DJ in that thing?!” Pinkie asked hyperly

“Where can I get one!?” Scootaloo asked.

“This was just a music player from my world. As you already know my world, technologically was more advanced than you are. I also got… country, classical, a bunch of others.” he explained. “Sorry Scoots. Cant get ya one of these.”

“Aw.”

“Do you have any romantic songs on that thing dear?”

With a chuckle, Logan flipped through. “I wont sing along to this one though.”

The sounds of drums emanated from the device. Soon followed by a woman’s deep singing voice.

“They came for him one winters night.

Arrested, he was bound.

They said there’d been a robbery, his pistol had been found.

They marched him to the station house,

He waited for the dawn.

And as they led him to the dock,

He knew that he’d been wronged.

‘You stand accused of robbery’

He heard the bailiff say.

He knew without an alibi,

Tomorrow’s light would mourn his freedom.

Over the hills, and far away,

For ten long years, he’ll count the days.

Over the mountains and the seas,

A prisoners life for him there’ll be.

Rainbow consistently kept up the air guitar motions as the song continued to play, Pinkie joining in doing air keyboards.

He knew that it would cost him dear

But what he dare not say

Where he had been that fateful night

A secret it must say.

He had to fight the tears of rage

His heart beat like a drum

For with the wife of his best friend,

He spent his final night of freedom.

Over the hills and far away,

He swears he will return one day,

Far from the mountains and the seas,

Back in her arms he swears he’ll be

Over the hills and far away!

Over the hills,

Over the hills and,

Over the hills and far away!

Twilight chuckled playfully at Rainbow and Pinkie constantly playing their air instruments.

Each night within his prison cell,

He looks out through the bars

He reads the letters that she wrote,

One day he’ll know the taste of freedom.

Over the hills and far away,

She prays he will return one day

As sure as the rivers reach the seas

Back in his arms is where she’ll be.

Over the hills and far away,

He swears he will return one day

Far from the mountains and the seas!

Back in her arms is where he’ll be,

Over the hills and far away!

She prays he will return one day,

As sure as the rivers reach the seas

Back in his arms is where she’ll be”

The song faded away as it ended.

“Wow, that was such a pretty song. But… what did it mean?” Sweetie Belle asked, cocking her head to the side.

“It’s about a man who has done wrong, and has to face the punishment of his crime. So he’s stuck in a prison, far from home, and the someone he loves.” he explained.

Rarity couldn’t help but get somewhat misty eyed at the song.

“What kind of country songs ya got on that there doohickey?” Applebloom asked.

“The sad kind.” He said simply. “Some courageous, but still sad. I’ll play two more songs. That work for everypony?”

All ten gave nods of consent.

“Alright. So, first country.

The song began with a gentle country mans voice.

“Hello, I’m Chris Kristofferson. On November 8th, 1965, the 173rd Airborne Brigade on Operation Hump, in Warzone D in Vietnam, were ambushed by over twelve hundred V.C. Forty eight American soldiers lost their lives. Severely wounded, and riskin’ his own life, Lawrence Joel, a medic, was the first livin black man since the Spanish-American war to receive the Untied States Medal of Honor, for savin so many lives in the midst of battle that day. Our friend Niles Harris, retired 25 years, United States Army, the guy who gave ‘Big Kenny’ his top hat, was one of the wounded who lived. This song is his story. Caught in the action of kill or be killed. Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his brother.”

Piano, Acoustic guitar, and violin began to sound louder and louder. Everypony listened closely.

“Said goodbye to his momma, as he left South Dakota,

To fight for the Red, White and Blue.

He was 19 and green, with a new M16,

Just doin what he had to do.

He was dropped in the jungle

Where the choppers would rumble,

With the smell of napalm in the air.

Then the sergeant said ‘look up ahead’

Like a dark evil cloud, 1200 came down

On a hill then 29 more.

They fought for their lives,

But most of them died

In the 173rd Airborne!

On the 8th of November,

The angels were crying as they carried his brothers away.

With the fire rainin down and the hell all around

There were few men left standin that day.

Saw the eagle fly, through a clear blue sky, 1965,

The 8th of November.

Now he’s 58, and his ponytails braid,

But the battle still plays in his head.

He limps when he walks,

But is strong when he talks

About the shrapnel they left in his leg.

He puts on a grey suit,

Over his airborne tattoo

And he ties it on one time a year.

And remembers the fallen,

As he orders a tall one,

And swallows it down with his tears!

On the 8th of November,

The angels were crying as they carried his brothers away.

With the fire rainin down and the hell all around

There were few men left standin that day.

Saw the eagle fly, through a clear blue sky, 1965,

The 8th of November.

Saw the eagle fly, through a clear blue sky, 1965,

On the 8th of November,

The angels were crying as they carried his brothers away.

With the fire rainin down and the hell all around

There were few men left standin that day.

Saw the eagle fly, through a clear blue sky, 1965,

The 8th of November.

On the 8th of November,

The angels were crying as they carried his brothers away.

With the fire rainin down and the hell all around

There were few men left standin that day.

Saw the eagle fly, through a clear blue sky, 1965,

The 8th of November.

The 8th of November(the 8th of November!)

Said goodbye to his momma, as he left South Dakota,

To fight for the Red, White, and Blue.

He was 19 and green, with a new M16,

Just doin what he had to do…”

Everypony was silent, and still. Fluttershy was quietly crying, right by Applejack, and Sweetie Belle. Rarity, Twilight, and Applebloom all had tears tugging at her eyes. Scootaloo, & Rainbow Dash both looked at each other trying to process the lyrics

Having experienced what the song had described to a ‘T’, Logan quickly began to scan for another, happier song.

“W-Well Everypony, we’re at our first Camp sight. Why don’t ya play one more song while we get set up?” Applejack asked trying to put on a smile.

“If it’s okay with everypony else, I’ve already divided us up into sleeping arrangements.” with a subtle wink to Rarity, she continued. “Rarity and Applejack, split a tent, as do Pinkie and Fluttershy. CMC’s, and Spike, you all get a tent, Logan brought your own so your good, leaving Rainbow and I to share a tent.”

Rainbow could help but mentally do flips and dance in the air. ‘I’m going to be sharing a tent with Twilight! Just the two of us!’ she screamed in her head. ‘but wait… if I tell her tonight… wont she… she might not want to sleep in my tent…’

Her thoughts were halted as she felt Logan grab her by the back ankle and pull her back down to earth.

Everypony nodded in consent to Twilights idea of organization, and began to set up camp for the night.

“Hey Logan, weren’t you going to show us one more song?” Spike asked.

Quickly scanning through his music player, he looked carefully for a song, both up beat, and inspiring. “hmmm… how about something more to Pinkie’s taste… dern. Got nothing…. Hmm… haven’t heard these girls in a while.” he said as he selected a song.

It started with drums, followed by various strings and brass wind instruments, followed by a near heavenly voice. Instantly catching Sweetie Belle’s ear.

“Sometimes it is life we hear

Calling from somewhere,

Sometimes it is loud and clear,

Sometimes it is so softly there

Much to the surprise of everypony, Sweetie Belle joined in. Easily matching pitch and tone.

Sometimes it is in the sea,

Sometimes in the sky

Sometimes it’s in you and me,

And sometimes it’s a cry

How can you hide?

I am calling you!

Right from the very start,

Your wounded heart was calling to.

Open your eyes,

You will find the answer when you answer to

The call.

Pretty soon, Everypony, dragon, and human began to sing.

Sometimes it is in desire,

Or in the love we fear,

When the call keeps calling us

Till the fear all disappears.

When we have no doubts to doubt

The call is in us all.

When we have no voice to sing,

Then the call is calling strong.

Open your heart,

I am calling you!

Right from the very start,

Your wounded heart was calling too.

Open your arms.

You will find the answer when you answer to

The call.

Open your heart,

I am calling you!

Right from the very start,

Your wounded heart was calling to

Open your arms.

You will find the answer when you answer to the,

Open your heart(your heart)

You will find the answer when you answer to

The call!”

“Holy Guacamole Sweetie Belle. That was great singing! Maybe you should try to get a singing cutie mark next time.” Spike praised.

Rarity beamed excitedly. “Sweetie, darling, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you sing like that. That was wonderful!”

Sweetie couldn’t help but blush at the praise.

Looking up, everypony saw it was getting late. “Well ya’ll, guess we’d better get a fire lit. Applebloom, would ya mind finding some fire wood?” Applejack asked.

“Sure sis.” she answered as she, and the other fillies ran off.

Logan watched carefully as Applejack began to set up a bow drill. With a nod of disapproval, he stepped forward.

“Mind if I start this one?” he asked plainly holding up a small tin can, with what appeared to be cannon fuse sticking out of the bottom.

“Ah don’t see why not… what’s in that can though? Some kinda explosive?” Applejack chided cautiously.

“Yes and no. when put under extreme pressure, it can be explosive, but not in this meager little can its not.” he chuckled.

“Wait, a weapon you didn’t bother to demonstrate yesterday? I wanna see!” Twilight and Rainbow almost shouted making their way to the fire pit.

“This was used more as a tool than a weapon… ya know? Sabotage? Breaking and entering? That sort o thing.” he explained waving his hand as the Crusaders arrived, each carrying a load of fire wood.

Logan smiled as he stacked the wood carefully into the shape of a small teepee, and continued to add more. Making two more stick teepees, each a bit larger than the last, and all centered around the small tin can.

“Now, Twilight I’m sure your going to love this. Inside that canister are two kinds of powders. Iron Oxide, and powdered Aluminum. Do you know what you get when you mix those two in the right ratios?” he asked quizzically.

With an audible and excited gasp, Twilight beamed. “A science experiment!” her mood suddenly dropped as she had no clue what those chemicals created when mixed. “And to be honest. I don’t know.”

Pinkie suddenly gasped. “Twilight! You don’t know what two chemicals make!? Your supposed to be the super smart one of us all!”

“Easy. I didn’t know when I first heard of it. It’s called ‘Thermite’. when ignited, it produces an exothermic reaction reaching in excess of 1200 (centigrade). I can melt my way through a steel door with enough of this stuff. Now pay attention as the tin can will now melt into a puddle of molten metal.” with an almost twisted smile, he pulled out a small metal lighter, and lit the fuse.

Everypony backed away a few steps as the fuse retreated into the canister. Really quickly however, the can began to smoke, and suddenly burst into flames, igniting the wood sticks placed around it. Sparks flew energetically as the can slowly melted into a golden colored goo, only to slowly harden and turn black as the fire show came to its inevitable end.

“A science demonstration, and a camp fire.” Logan smiled.

The group ate, told jokes and stories, and much to Scoot’s appreciation, the Crusaders(Spike included), were sent to bed before the scary stories could be told.

Chapter 8: War Stories pt. 1

Logan found himself drinking the cider Applejack brought on the camping trip much slower than usual, and much to his discomfort, the six ponies around him noticed the somber mood surrounding him.

“You okay Logan? You seem to be depressed.” Twilight observed.

“Yeah… I’m fine.” he lied easily.

Applejack scoffed loudly “Horseapples you are honey. Ah know your upset. If it aint too much trouble, would ya mind telling us what happened durrin’ this ‘War’?”

With a light sigh, he swallowed the last third of the cider bottle in 3 large swallows. “Fine. But only if ya got more liquor. This is hard to talk about. And I mean HARD.”

With a brief rummage through her saddlebags, Applejack pulled out a pair of bottles. One of Rum, and the other of Bourbon. “Whatcha prefer?”

“Rum please.” Logan smiled as a shot glass was passed to him. “Thanks. Now… I gotta start a few years prior to the war to understand why I became such a target. So… in the year 2008, we had inaugurated a new president into our country. I was only 12 then, so Politics were far from interesting at the time. But as time went by, and I grew older, I began to see that this new president was such a mistake. He lied through the teeth every time he gave a speech, et cetera, et cetera.”

Swallowing the shot, he continued, seeing everypony present listening intently. “for civilians in my country, we are legally allowed to own any form of weapon we choose. Be it simple handgun, rifle, for hunting, competition, or fighting, or shotgun. Our newest president however felt otherwise. He felt it necessary to ban ALL kinds of weapons, healthcare was to be united under one logo, religion was to be banned-”

“Religion?” Rainbow asked interrupting, receiving a sharp elbow from Twilight.

“Don’t interrupt! although… I am curious too.”

“It would take too long to explain. Maybe some other time. Anywho… the day I turned 16, my pop came home with a gift. I found it was pieces for a gun.” he said holding up his AK. “I spent 4 months putting this thing together. Of course it was legal, as long as it was built to spec, which varied state to state. My home state said you had to have a lock on the mag release, and ten rounds max. Me? I obviously just blew it off and didn’t bother. I spent several hundred on various other weapons. Now for us, my family was conservative. Others however, weren’t. Gun owners were more often than not conservative. Those who didn’t want guns were liberals. Several years of political chaos, tension, and whatnot eventually took it’s toll. I would now and then build more guns, making and spending money.”

“Because of our political tension, eventually things reached a breaking point. A government agency called the Bureau of Land Management, BLM for short, now nobody truly knows why they did this, but they attempted to seize a farmers land. They claimed it was because he refused to pay a fee, others say it was the BLM trying to protect a turtle, nobody knows. Their first attempt failed miserably. They tried again to another farmer in another state, Texas, I didn’t get to find out what happened there. It was their second hit at the first rancher in a small town called Bunkerville, that started it all.”

“So a rouge government agency snapped the tension?” Twilight asked gently.

“I wouldn‘t say rouge. I think they were under orders. I wasn’t there the first time, nor in Texas. couldn’t afford it. The second time however, Myself as well as the rest of my family was there with hundreds of others in support for the Rancher.” Sipping his rum with a sigh, Logan breathed to catch his breath. “The crowd came from all over the country. People as far away as the east coast had shown up.

“Nobody knew who started it there. I didn’t see who fired. But when I reviewed the footage, I saw a new recruit, shaky n everything. Practically pissing himself, get twitchy and fire into the crowd of unarmed protesters. Damned kid panicked, thinking he saw someone with a gun in the crowd? I don’t know. He was dead when I found him.”

“So… your own government tried to take land from a farmer, and you, being against big government, disagreed, along with a great amount if not majority of your nation‘s civilians, and both sides resorted to armed confrontation?” Pinkie asked with a slight shake.

“Yep. They knew we’d resist, but once they saw we were armed, they just assumed. I guess. Nobody really knows the truth.”

“Why were you armed however dear? that’s what I’d like to know.” Rarity inquired gently.

“Because it was supposed to be a show of force. If armed guys show up to take your business from you, and you’ve already gone through the legal rollercoaster, but they still try to take over, what do you do?”

“Makes sense I’d put up a fight if someone tried to take something that never belonged to them in the first place.” The lavender alicorn implied.

“Exactly. Anywho, the fight lasted for about, half an hour. They pushed us back at first, but we outnumbered them 3 to 1. Once we finally got our bearings, we shoved them. that’s when it started…”

______________

Logan Mason,

June 25th, 2015.

The Nevada desert outside Bunkerville

11:22 Hours

The winds gust through the desert like a bat out of hell, adding a nice breeze to the sweltering desert heat. I reveled in the cool breeze, as my recently watered down Remington ball cap had just warmed up. Taking a sip of water from my canteen, I eyed the crowds below. They seemed to be getting more agitated.

Reaching down to pick up my custom AR, I flipped the scope half of its hybrid sight into view, allowing me to take a slightly closer look at the crowd below. Within moments, I found two civilians I had been looking for. My mother, Svedka, and my sister Savannah.

By the looks of things, our mother had just shooed Savannah to their car, parked near the bridge where Pop and I were perched.

Clicking the talk button on my radio I called “Savannah, what’s going on down their?”

“The crowd’s getting hella antsy. I told mom to get back up here the moment something even feels off.” she said as she waved.

Within minutes, she was sitting on their trucks tailgate, nursing a grape soda, next to our father who was happily munching down on his home made sub sandwich. Myself however, while hungry, decided to stay put.

Within moments of a particularly large yawn, a burst of automatic fire rang out along with the screams of women and children. Flicking the safety off, I was the first to return fire. Others on the bridge however had hesitated. I couldn’t help but wonder, and be scared as to how I could so easily pull the trigger against another human.

Quickly pushing the thought from my mind, I continued to fire. Screams permeated the air, the smell of blood, concrete dust, and burned cordite flooded my nose. Carefully, I aimed and fired.

Sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control, recoil mitigation. Repeat. Aim, squeeze, repeat. Others around the bridge and on the ground were firing much more panicky, and some even fired up into the sky. Looking up, I snuck a glimpse of a small black helicopter shot full of holes, smoking and spinning wildly out of control. Shaking my head, I returned fire back down to the ground.

Within 30 minutes, the BLM(or what remained alive) fell back and ran. Vehicles were shot to hell, a small helicopter was turned into swiss cheese, and left in a shattered, burning wreck. The wind didn’t help in the visibility stand point. Looking around, I saw hy sister, holding her Kriss Vector carbine, barely holding back wails of emotional pain, and pop, visibly shaken. The concrete safety barriers were also shot to hell, but the angle fortunately is what saved most everybody on the bridge.

I watched as the dust settled, revealing a score of scattered bodies, blood stained the desert sands. Slowly I walked down the hill to look for survivors. Coming up to one of the bloodied bodies, I rolled the body over. Right in front of me, mother’s eyes, while lifeless, stared in panic. Underneath her body lay another, younger body. A child, probably only 11 at best, shot, her face frozen in agony and fear.

I tried my best to not break down at mother shot dead while protecting another’s child, I closed their eyes, and choked on a prayer for them to be watched over in the afterlife.

_____________________________

Logan chuckled, taking another shot of rum. “That’s when it all started. Afterwards we joined the local militia. In another protest incident on the other side of the country, the national guard was called in. Damned idiots got the order to fire, and… they did. Then they found out they were tools in the government’s oppression machine. Within a week, about two thirds of our military sided against the government which we grew to nickname ‘The Federation.’ In the following months, we began to gain the edge. That didn’t last. It soon became a stalemate… neither side backing down… I don’t know how many I killed. I lost all care after the third in Bunkerville.”

“Darling… We knew something was troubling you, but… we didn’t know it was so bad.” Rarity sympathetically said, patting his back with a hoof.

“Oh it got much worse. The Federation called in help from two other superpower nations. China, and Russia. Within a week, it was one army against two. Out numbered militaristically, by 5 to 1. By a body count, it was almost dead even. Of course my sis was a reservist until she turned 18. Pops gave her that .45 carbine as an early present.”

__________________________

Logan Mason,

October 12th, 2015

09:45 Hours

Just outside Yuba City, California

“What’s the situation sir!?” I shout trying to be heard over the roar of helicopters and large vehicles.

“We got refugees being hiding in a local shopping center. We need your team to get them out, and to safety in Reno.” the sergeant replied.

“Just my team alone, sir? We don’t have that kind of firepower to escort civvies from here to Reno on our own. Especially by car sir.”

“I’m well aware of that. But your not going by ground transport.” he said cryptically.

“Sir?”

All the sergeant said from there was just a finger pointing up, showing three Chinook helicopters.

Gobsmacked, all I could think to shout was “Holy hell! Sir why wasn’t I told we had Helo transport!?”

“I found out about 5 minutes ago. They flew in from Las Vegas not two hours ago. They were a part of a bigger convoy meant for San Francisco, L.A, San Diego, and Sacramento. I managed to get you a few of them to make your life easier son. don’t break anything!” and with that, he walked off.

So, I went to go gather my team, and get them ready for a civilian extraction. We drove in, and we were to pop off smoke on the roof when we had the refugees. The sounds of gunfire grew more and more evident the closer we got, so we sped up. Sure enough, the Federation  had begun to round up more and more people. Slowly clearing the building, looking for collaborators of the ‘domestic terrorists’ as they called us.

If you knew a resistance member, or had a family member who was in the resistance, you were either shot on sight, or held prisoner. Guilty by association basically.

_________________

“Hold on dear… the government of your home country, was rounding up, imprisoning, and even executing members of your resistance? Not only that but family members and friends as well?!” Rarity half shouted, trying not to wake the sleeping Crusaders behind her.

“Yup. That’s what happens when your government goes power mad and doesn’t want to loose its power just because of an election.” Logan hissed gently. “Please tell me someone packed s’mores ingredients.”

“OOH! S’mores! I love s’mores!” Pinkie quietly shouted excitedly as she unpacked the marshmallows, chocolate and crackers.

“We’ve gone from telling a war story, to s’mores? How the hay-” Applejack started to ask out of annoyance.

‘AJ, I haven’t had a good s’more in years, and in times of desperation, you gotta enjoy the little things. It’s a law of life.” Logan smiled.

“I agree. It’s just like presents on Hearths warming. It’s the thought that counts.” Fluttershy added.

“Not the analogy I would have used but okay. I‘m not even sure it would work as an analogy, but same principle.”

Logan smiled like a kid as his marshmallow started to turn golden brown. As he placed the golden brown cylinder of sugar on top of the thin brick of chocolate, he felt at peace. Genuine peace for the first time since the war in his world began.

He began to tear up as he and the other six mares bit into their sugary treats. As he ate, he decided to return to his story.

“So anyway, we got down to trying to stop the persecution/execution…

_____________________________________

So we flew down the hills. The big M2 machine guns on the roof start firing on those in The Federation, refugees running as fast as their feet could carry them back into the store.

The hummer I was in managed to slow down enough for myself and 3 others to jump out and book it into the store. Anyone wearing a ‘Federation’ pin or colors, we shot em. By then I had become desensitized so shooting and killing hardly affected me as much as it did when everything started,

I made my way as fast as possible to the shop, and burst inside, yelling for everyone inside, men, women, and children, to follow me to the roof, where the helos were waiting.

“Logan!? Oh my god is that really you!?” I hear a voice yell.

“Cadence!?” I couldn’t believe it. I thought my High School sweetheart had moved to Reno… but here she was.

“Oh my god, LOGAN!” before I knew it I was tackled and held in a tight hug. “Oh I am so glad your ok! When I heard they were coming around to take people away I thought-”

“Shush. I’m fine. I’m not hurt. But right now, we need to get you guys to safety. I’m here with a group of Helicopters to fly all of you to Reno. It’s the nearest safe zone, Federation free. Now if you’ll all, calmly, follow me to the roof…” I assured.

Climbing up to the roof was rather tricky I admit, but we made it with only a few extra scrapes and cuts. What I didn’t account for was a hidden sniper on the top of the Wal-Mart. He pulled out his cute little PDW(Personal Defense Weapon), and started to aim it at us. Just as I’m about to dive and shove someone out of the way, there’s a loud ‘TECRACK!’ that missed me by inches, but nailed him square in the chest.

Only then my radio crackled to life. “You owe me one Brother.”

“Savannah!? What the hell are you doing!?”

“Uh, I think I just saved your life. Would you prefer it if I put a bullet in your chest instead?” she snarked.

“Ugh. never mind. We’ll discuss this-”

“Speaking of, Dad wants to have a few words with you about this whole ‘Resistance’ mess.”

“Later. Keep me covered.” I snide irritably.

“Sister in the Resistance too?” Cadence chuckled playfully.

“For all I know so is the rest of my family. We all joined separately.” I growl as we push the refugees into the giant, dual rotor Chinhooks. As I climbed in we started to fly towards Reno.

We got there thankfully without incident. Weren’t fired at or anything. Of course since I was Militia, I had to keep watch. Make sure everybody got what they needed, within reason of course.

____________________________________

“Now as I explained earlier, I built guns as a hobby, and as a way to make money, despite the government declaring that doing so was a federal crime, punishable by a hefty fine, and almost twenty years in prison.” he explained.

“Your mare friend-”

“Girlfriend in human terms Pinkie.” Logan corrected.

“Right. Girlfriend. Her name was Cadence? that’s Twilight’s sister-in-law’s name!” the bubble gum mare bounced.

“Cadence was a common name back home so I’m hardly surprised. Besides, I’ve met her. Cool girl.” Logan smiled, remembering the first time he met the sweet Princess of the Crystal Empire. That smile however quickly turned to a dark frown. One mixed with both sorrow, and rage.

“Anywho, It was about 3 weeks into our stay at the Casino haven in Reno, I had just finished unloading a shipment of food and clothes donated by others loyal to our cause of a genuinely true, free America, when what sounded like thunder rocked the entire building. So, I ran in as fast as I could to find that a bomb had gone off. People everywhere were screaming in pain, fear, and anguish.”

It became clear to the six mares what had happened before Logan got the chance to say. They each wanted him to stop, but none found the words to do so. “Then came the thing I dreaded more than having to live through a war. The one person I genuinely loved… I found her, my Cadence, laying against a roulette table… a six inch long piece of plate steel stuck out of her chest.”  

“I looked over the damage as best I could. I promised her I’d help. That she’d live, and so that we could both grow old… just as I promised that I’d make sure she’d survive, a second explosion rocked the casino. This time from outside, and the blast was much larger. I picked Cadence up, and carried her outside as best I could. Just as we past the doors into the parking lot, part of the building collapsed. I don’t know what the death toll was… I just know Cadence was one of them. She died, in my arms. Not 3 days before our 5 year anniversary.” as Logan cried, he reached into his back pocket, and pulled out his wallet, showing a picture.

“Darling… I’m so sorry… to loose your one true love… I cant even begin to imagine…” Rarity tried to comfort.

“That’s just… so sad…” Fluttershy added, as Pinkie wept as quietly as she could.

Rainbow did her best to hold back the tears, thinking about how she would act if her crush were to be killed in front of her.

Twilight and Applejack however, kept calm, but let their tears fall. Rarity took the wallet in her magic and examined the picture. It showed a khaki tan young adult woman, her long brown hair wrapped in a bun, her blue-ish green eyes radiating happiness

“Ever since… I literally lost all forms of patience. I didn’t talk for a solid month. I went off on my own. I felt nothing but hatred, and rage. So I hunted down the terrorists who did that to her, to us. I’m ashamed to say I didn’t kill them quickly. When I returned home, everyone said they heard what happened.” Logan sniffed quietly.

“That’s when I noticed something off. Our militia at the start of the year had well over 342 members strong. Varying in jobs. From cooks, to medics. Scouts to snipers. By the time I came back…we had only 72 remaining… myself included. Even with military help, we still got our asses kicked.”

“Darling… I’m sorry to ask this but… did Cadence ever… tell you anything? Before she passed away I mean.” Rarity asked, carefully.

“Rarity, aint that a might personal?” Applejack hissed.

“She said… ’thanks for all the love, and adventures. You’ve been my hero… go be… someone else’s… hero.’ As she said ‘hero‘ her last breath left her.” he sniffed.  

Applejack was the first to wrap Logan in a hug. Quickly followed by Fluttershy, Pinkie and Rarity. Twilight hesitated, but gave a hug at the same time as Rainbow.

“Why don’t you get some rest? You’ve told us an awful lot and its almost midnight.” Fluttershy suggested gently.

With a yawn that quickly spread to everypony, Applejack added “Ah agree. Ah think it’s time we all get some sleep.”

The six mares and one human each made their way to their tents. Pinkie fell asleep almost as soon as she was in her sleeping bag. As was Applejack, Twilight, and Fluttershy.

Rainbow and Rarity both however found it difficult to sleep. Each wondering what they would do if their love interests met an untimely demise. Their thoughts were interrupted however, by Logan’s gentle whisper in his hammock.

“Enough power for one more song… this one’s for you Cadence. For all of you.”

Rarity and Rainbow both snuck up and poked their heads out of their tents, curiously, as slow music started.

“I… I wish I could swim.

Like dolphins, like dolphins could swim.

Though nothing, will keep us together…

We can beat them, forever and ever

Oh we can be heroes… just for one day.

Oh we can be heroes… just for one day.

I… I would be king.

And you… you would be queen.

Though nothing… will drive us away…

Oh we can be heroes… just for one day

Oh we can be us… just for one day…

I… I can remember…

Standing… standing by the wall.

And the guns… shot above our heads.

And we kissed, as though nothing could fall

And the shame… the shames on the other side.

Oh we can beat them. Forever and ever

And we can be heroes… just for one day…”

“Inspiring, isn’t it?” Rarity whispered, seeing Rainbow awake, across from herself. They both got out and then walked towards the embers of the camp fire.

“Cant sleep either huh?” Rainbow inquired.

“I’m afraid not darling… too much on my mind.”

“Wanna talk about it?” Rainbow offered as she sat on her haunches by the embers.

“Well… I was just thinking about what I would do if I were to loose my special somepony…” she started.

“Applejack you mean?” Rainbow chuckled.

“Don’t start with me dear. You were thinking the same about Twilight.” the fashionista growled aggressively.

“Yeah… I was. I don’t know what I’d do without her…” the Pegasus confessed.

“I don’t think either of us do… lets try and get some sleep. Else we wont be able to think properly in the morning. Though, I must admit I am a bit annoyed with you Rainbow Dash. Why didn’t you tell me you were crushing on Twilight?”

“I-I-I...” she stammered quickly.

“You can tell me tomorrow dear. For now, lets get some rest.”

“Yeah…” Rainbow chuckled weakly. “Goodnight Rarity.”

“Good night, Rainbow Dash.”

Unbeknownst to Rainbow, Twilight had awoken just as Rainbow had left the tent… and heard every word.

Chapter 9: War Stories pt 2

“Applejack?” the young alicorn called.

“Yeah sugarcube? What’s up?”

“I know that you knew Rainbow was crushing on me. I have to know… how long?” she inquired.

With a defeated sigh, AJ complied. “About the past few weeks. She didn’t tell me until about the day before last.”

“So that explains…” she started before she became lost in thought as she walked.

Her pace began to slow as she thought. Before she knew it, she had fallen behind to the point of being with the Crusaders, and her Number One Assistant.

“You alright Twilight?” came the voice of her dragon friend.

“Huh? Oh yeah… I’m fine Spike.” she tried to lie. “I’m just… thinking.”

“What about?”

“If you can keep it secret.” she warned.

“Promise.”

“Rainbow’s crushing on me.” she sighed.

“Your only now learning this? I saw the looks she was giving you since they started a few weeks ago.” the drake chuckled, receiving an annoyed glare from Twilight. “Okay, tell ya what. Here’s what I think. I think you should acknowledge Rainbow’s affection. Let her be this way towards you, and see how it develops.”

“The kid’s got a point ya know.” a voice came.

Jumping, the princess shrieked. “GAH! Even with all that stuff how do you do that!?”

“Not important. The drake’s right though. You should just let it happen and see what develops.” Logan smiled.

“Thanks Logan.” Spike chuckled.

“HEY Spike! Which of us has the better singin’ voice?” Applebloom asked from the front of the group “Me or Sweetie Belle?”

“Want me to be honest or sugar coat it?” he called.

“Honest!”

“Sugar coat!” they both called out in unison.

“Hmmm… you both have great voices… but… Sweetie Belle would be my choice.” he answered carefully.

“Darn it. Oh well.” Applebloom started as spike ran forward to rejoin the crusaders.

“But seriously. See what happens.”

“I’ll try… I’ve… never considered having a special somepony…” she somberly mumbled “I’ve always been to busy… what with learning magic, my new royal duties, having to listen to locals and nobles bicker all the time…”

“Pfft. Seriously? Heh. Learning? that’s just school. Royal duties? that’s just work. I will say that yes you could be a bit over burdened, but at least Celestia and Luna have never asked you to balance the royal budget, and whatnot. But that’s what camping trips like this are for. To unwind, blow of some steam, and have fun.” he chuckled as he ruffled her mane playfully.

“Applejack, Darling, how much further?”

“Another five miles.” AJ answered.

“At this pace… about two hours.” Logan added snidely.

As they walked, and talked, they came to a new clearing, where Spike let out a loud belch, and another.

“Hey Twi, seems like Royal business.” Rainbow called.

“Yeah yeah, I’m coming.” she said as she levitated the two scrolls. “Hmm… ‘Dear Princess Twilight, it has come to our attention that…” she read quietly. Upon finishing the scroll, she let out a gasp as panic began to spread over her face. “girls… we may want to start heading back to Ponyville…”

“Twi, what about this one? Rainbow asked holding the other scroll in her wing tips.

Levitating the new scroll, She read, silently. As she read, the look of panic started to slowly fade, and become replaced by a look of nervousness. “The princesses have increased the number of undercover guards all over the nation… Daring Do it seems was also attacked, taken hostage, and tortured by some Unicorn… a Changeling of all things saved her…”

“Changeling?” Logan whispered to the young dragon.

“Shape shifting bug pony thing.” he replied.

“Hmm…”

“They’re being held and treated at Canterlot as we speak.” she finished.

“Daring do… was tortured?! How bad is she?!” Rainbow screamed.

“It doesn’t say. But it does say she is recovering well, and that Celestia and Luna have appointed their best doctors on it.” Twilight assured.

“I hope so…” the prismatic Pegasus muttered.

“Shall we continue onward? I’d rather not spend the night here as it’s getting rather cold darlings.” Rarity asked, nervously impatient.

“Hey Sweetie, I was wondering, when we last came out camping, you had to pull a huge cart full of Rarity’s stuff. Where is that thing?” Scootaloo asked, finally noticing the lack of a mountain of bags.

“Oh. She found a spell in the library that makes all her stuff tiny. So all she has to do is pull it out of her saddle bags and reverse the spell.” the young white unicorn explained with a happy smile.

Logan sadly found out that pony miles were about twice as long as human miles. By the time they had reached campsite number two, a large but dark cave, it was sundown, and he was exhausted. But years of running from his own, and foreign governments had taught him, really quickly how much the body can truly take.

Looking around inside the cave, he felt forced to turn on the upside down L shaped flashlight on his left shoulder. He looked and eyed the cave, but after not finding anywhere to set up his hammock, he settled with the floor, like everypony else.

As he walked outside, he opted to show them another method he had to use for starting fires.

“You gonna use another one of those thermo-thingies?” Rainbow asked excitedly.

“Nah. Not gonna be as good a show. I may have a couple dozen cans, but that’s it. It’s finite.” he answered, receiving a depressed ‘aww’ from the group.

As he reached into his pocket, he pulled out a small grey block of metal along with a multi tool from a pouch on his waist. On one side of the block, was a small metal rod imbedded into the block. He carefully scraped shavings of the block with the knife on his multi tool onto a small pile of kindling, then flipped the block over so the rod was facing up. He then proceeded to scrape along the rob, causing sparks to fall all over the mess of metal and wood shavings.

After about 5 strikes, he had started a small fire. Carefully and gently, he blew on the tiny flame, careful to not blow it out. Before long, there was a fair sized fire roaring as the group roasted marshmallows, told jokes, and stories. From the Crusaders antics around town, to the old adventures Twilight and the gang had gone on. While instead of the war, Logan told of the antics he had gotten into during high school.

As Applejack had begun to dig out the liquor, the young fillies and dragon all decided to crash from the long hike. However, much to her surprise, Logan had stopped her.

“Not needed. Nothing of really great importance happened in the next two years of the war. Sure a few foreign countries who supported my government swung by to provide aid but nothing really major happened.” he started.

“But darling, last night you said you had lost your lover, and found out that your militia had suffered terrible losses.” Rarity scoffed, calling his bluff.

With a sigh of defeat, Logan took the drink offered to him. “Fine. So anyway, we had gone from over 300 down to 72. Most of us were civilians. Families of the fighters, that sort of thing. Well… when they told me the story, they said someone had willingly betrayed them, giving away our hiding spots.”

“They pointed out where they were hiding at the time, and at midnight, foreign warships off the coast line unleashed a barrage of artillery strikes.” he started.

“Artillery?” Rainbow asked curiously, speaking what was on her love interest’s mind.

“uhm… Artillery is… like a gun but… super sized. Heavy firepower like that was never a strong suit of mine. Well anyways, they then told me that once the shells started landing-”

_________________

“RUN! GO!”

“GET OUTA HERE!”

The screams and shouts of panic were constant, only to be temporarily drowned out by the sounds of whistles, and explosions. Screams of agony and sorrow filled the air.

“GET A DOCTOR! WHERE’S A FUCKING DOCTOR!?” one voice cried out

“THE DOCTOR’S ARE ALL DEAD!” another shouted.

The chaos lasted for what felt like an eternity, but in all reality, it was just a mere 2 minutes. Once the artillery had stopped, the rumble of helicopters wasn’t far behind.

What started as an artillery attack, quickly turned into an aerial duel as helicopters each shot rockets, and machine guns at each other. Before long the jets arrived and a massive dogfight took place over the refugee camp.

“How many did we loose?!” Savannah shouted.

“We don’t know ma’am! Its too soon to tell.” answered another.

________________________

“They called that night ‘The Redwood Massacre’. those who weren’t killed, were lost.” Logan said with a sigh. “That was a month before the Reno bombing took my girlfriend from me…”

The six mares each were shocked. Each trying to picture, huge flying machines overhead, all shooting at each other, and falling out of the sky in flames.

“Who won?” Rainbow asked quietly

“Stalemate. Nobody won.”

“Whoa…”

“Yeah… anyway… so, we had lost 270 of our comrades, I lost the love of my life, may all of their souls rest in peace, and now we’re pretty much running from county to county. We held a few skirmishes here and there, most of which we won. That was pretty much year two.” Logan explained simply. “That’s just the nutshell version.”

“Year three was… not as rocky. It had pretty much stabilized by then. The entire east coast, save for the south, was gripped by the Federation, as well as most of the west coast. what few guerillas there were attacked relentlessly. Myself included. But that was also the year I met who became my best friend… even a brother figure” Logan said with a smile.

________________________________

The fog outside had just dissipated, much to the great appreciation of my sniper sister. Myself however, I was pissed.

“Ghost, you copy?” she called over the radio

“Yeah, I copy Guardian. Comms check?” I asked.

“Negative. But I got you on target. Your target is about, 4 buildings to your right. He should be in the bar.”

“Great. A bar assassination…” I grumble.

“It’s the best Intel we got. If you like we can always leave this to the mercenaries…” she harassed.

“Fine, fine. Fuck me…”

“Ew. You’re my brother. I cant do that.” yeah, my sister was a wise crack.

“Keep that up and this op is over.” I growled.

She then replied through the radio with a light chuckle. “Yeah, yeah. Always so serious. You need to lighten up. I mean come-”

I had had enough so I just turned my radio off, and proceeded to meander my way into the bar/diner. As I walked inside, I sat down and ordered pancakes. It was still breakfast hour so I could order breakfast. And I hadn’t eaten yet.

As I ate, I noticed a group of locals walk in. Little did I know that these guys would be nearly the death of me. They sat, ordered their food, chatted, joked, and told stories. Then I noticed one of them start to eye me suspiciously. Trying to look as casual as possible, I pulled out my Ipod, and saw that the guy eyeballing me was my target. Quickly typing a text on my phone, I told Sav that our target had guards, and that I was deathly outnumbered.

Just as I sent the text, he had recognized me from photos he had seen taken of my militia. Turns out I was one of the top ten on the Federation’s most wanted.

He jumped up and yelled “ANARCHIST!” sadly that was the Federation’s name for us patriots.

His buddies all jumped up and pulled out their guns. I dove over the counter to try and find sufficient cover as bullets of various kinds whizzed past me. I had faced worse than this, but those times I was armed with almost everything I needed. This time, all I had was a handgun. At least, until a stranger hiding in the back room slid a Micro Galil to me.

I poke out, occasionally firing a shot or two, and before I know it, the whole place is surrounded. The stranger who had slid the gun to me, had called me over saying he had a way out. Turns out this guy was also a patriot, but kept it secret, claiming neutrality. But I digress. He led me to a hidden tunnel behind a fridge, where in we then walked. After about 2 minutes we came to the end of the tunnel leading up and into a different building.

Turns out this guy had been watching me since the start of my op. I saw cameras, photos, maps, computers, even radios. He then told me that it wouldn’t be long before they started a search of the town. So he pressed a key on his laptop.

The sound of an explosion just a few buildings away shook the tiny neighborhood.

“That wont hold them off for long.” he explained grabbing a Vector carbine. “We should get to a safe spot. C’mon.” he urged.

Raising my Galil at him, I barked “Hold on. I don’t know you, I’ve never seen your face before, and yet you expect me to just listen and trust you!?”

“Look, without you I never would have been sure that the guys who attacked you were Federation.” he explained hastily.

“I WAS BAIT!?” I practically shout.

“Yes. Look, you and your sister are essential to this town’s eradication of the Federation. I’m a member of the Ferndale resistance. Keegan MacWelch is the name.” he chuckled holding out a hand.

I looked down at it unsure if he was telling the truth. Waving it off, he pressed a few more keys and we descended down into another tunnel. This one leading off the east. Before long, two more explosions rocked us. As I turned on my radio, I got fuzzy chatter.

“Gho- ghost!? Do you cop-” it said as static over took it from time to time.

“Yeah I copy Guardian.” I replied

“Oh thank go- your ok I was so- ied about you! What happened?!” she shouted.

“Mission successful” I said simply. “Heading east.”

“Mission incomplete. You two are helping my Resistance. By that time, we will have pushed the Federation, and the Chinese off our west coast soil.

________________________________________________

“Within a week, the three of us pushed the Federation and those Chinese off our nation’s soil.” Logan said.

“Whoa…” Rainbow said astonished.

“Didn’t take much. Couple car bombs here, bridge bombing there, shootout in an alley, or two, etc.” he shrugged. “To be honest, he saved my life more times than I dare to count. After a few weeks, the three of us were back on the California/Nevada border. Our militia pushing from the east, other militias, even military were pushing from the north, others from the south pushing north, eventually they had only one place left to go. The California state capitol city of Sacramento.”

“Then came a final blow in year four. I had gotten word that Federation, and Soviets had put together a MASSIVE fuel depot. My militia was the closest, so we we’re charged with taking it out.”

“Darling, what pray tell is a ‘fuel depot?” the marshmallow mare interrupted curiously.

“Can your steam locomotives run without coal?” The human replied sarcastically.

“Fair enough dear.”

“So anyway, we got that fuel depot out of the way. And to be honest, that was perhaps one of the biggest fireballs I had ever seen. Then we got word that our president and state governor would be in the same building together in that war zone of a city, ‘Sacramento, but the military needed specialists help.”

______________________________________

“So wait, your telling us that WE are the best qualified for this kind of kidnapping!?” Keegan yelled over the headset.

“This isn’t a kidnapping.” the soldiers voice said. “It’s a kill/capture mission.”

“Great… in short were here to kill the sumbitch arnt we?” I groan irritably.

“Maybe.” he said.

The flight was… not too eventful until we reached the suburbs of Sac-

____________________________________________

Logan found himself interrupted by the arrival of the three other princesses along with approximately 30 royal guards, including Captain Shining Armor, an injured Daring Do, and a disguised Changeling.

Shocked, he jumped back and almost shouted “What the Devil!?”

“Princesses? What’s going on?” Twilight asked as she noticed cuts and bruises all over the princesses and their soldiers.

“We were… betrayed… Canterlot was… invaded…” Celestia panted.

“The city was overrun in a matter of hours” Cadence added. “I don’t know how they did it so fast…”

“Why didn’t you send a letter?” Twilight demanded.

“Because we had to get them out. At first we thought it was a simple store looting, but it quickly erupted into full scale Chaos.-” Shining started.

“Chaos which I had nothing to do with.” Discord interrupted as he appeared from Cadence’s mane.

“Anyway, before we knew it they were burning buildings, and storming the castle.” he finished.

Suddenly, everypony began to hear a hissy, static kind of noise. Digging into his pack, Logan found an old, nearly forgotten radio.

“Ghost! You copy!?” came a female voice.

“Yeah, I copy Red Tail, go ahead.” he replied.

“Ponyville is under attack! We’re outnumbered but fighting back. The invaders seem to be some kind of shape-shifting, bug-pony thing!”

“Changelings… okay, get as many civilians as you can and hide in the Everfree! I’ll meet you on the pathway to Winsome Falls outside the Orchard. Hide as many as you can!” he shouted into the coms.

“YESSIR!” she shouted back.

A stunned group of ponies all stared at Logan in disbelief.

“What?”

“P-ponyville!?” came a small voice

“Under attack?!” came another

“We have to go and help them!” turning to look at the tent, everypony present finally saw the three Cutie Mark Crusaders, and young dragon, all with worry printed on their faces.

With a gentle sigh, Logan knelt down in front of the three young mares and teen drake. “Look, we cant just run back to Ponyville, guns a blazin. That’s a death wish. I’ve seen many try to do that and they all paid the price. We cant risk it.”

“But our friends-” Sweetie belle started

“Will most likely be waiting for us to return while they hide out in the Everfree. They’ll be fine.” he assured.

“You Pinkie Promise?” She begged.

Biting his lip, he agreed. Knowing full well it was a promise he could never completely fulfill. Throwing a curious glance over to Pinkie, the goddess of the pinkie promise, she knowingly nodded.

“The Princesses need their rest. We rest until dawn. We leave for Sweet Apple Acres at sun up.” Logan commanded. “I know it’ll be hard to rest but do your best.”

“Hehe, cool rhyme Logan. We must do our best to get our rest.” Pinkie chuckled.

“That means you too girls.” Applejack added.

______________________________

Canterlot, Equestria.

0:32 hours

Royal Throne Room

“I told you I always deliver on my promises Prince. You are now the Ruler of Equestria.” The silver unicorn Stallion smiled wickedly.

“You have done well sir. Though I do wish I had gotten your name.” The white unicorn prince responded.

With a chuckle, the silver unicorn began to walk out. “My name means nothing. Actions are what matter. What shall be your first act as ruler of Equestria?”

“There is a mare I want found. A unicorn mare. White coat, purple mane and tail. Diamonds for a cutie mark. Goes by the name Rarity. Once she is found arrange a wedding!” he shouted.

“She will be found.” the second unicorn smiled, and in a flash of light, teleported away.

Chapter 10: The Beginning

It was a restless night. Most ponies couldn’t sleep. The few who did, where the three princesses, and their royal guards. Logan himself felt sleepless. He sat outside, wide awake, poking the remaining embers with a stick.

“Back in a familiar lifestyle I presume?” came a gentle voice.

“I wish it wasn’t, Luna. But yes.” he replied. “How are you holding up?”

“It’s been over a thousand years since I acted in a war. I admit I may be rusty in combat, and a new war is not something I look forward too”

With a sigh and a gentle smile, Logan held out a steel mug full of chamomile tea offering it to the Night Princess.

“I always did love the night you know. It provides me both with a sense of fear, and safety.” he said, trying to reignite a conversation.

“Oh?” Luna inquired. “Fear and safety?”

“Fear because I cant see the other things that lurk in the shadows. I may be a night owl but I don’t have night time eyes. And safety because I can be one of those things hiding in it’s shadows. As I’m sure my sis has told you before.”

“I see. So you use your fears as a weapon to create fear in others. Am I correct?”

With a chuckle, Logan answered “Spot on. But when I don’t have to use it as a weapon… I admire it. The gentle light of the moon and stars, enough to see by, and nowhere near enough to blind… then there are the constellations.”

Luna sipped the tea as she listened with a slight blush. She knew that Logan was aware of her ability to raise the moon and stars, as well as guard pony’s dreams. She even watched as he drew constellations from his world in the dirt with a stick. The Dragon, The Hunter, Pieces, Cancer, the Dippers, Taurus, even going to point out Polaris. Catching Logan off guard, she reached out with her magic and pulled him into a gentle hug.

“Thank you Logan. I’m glad ponies enjoy my nights these days. I wish there were more like you a millenia ago.” she chuckled. “But in hindsight it was my own fault.”

“The Nightmare Moon fiasco. I heard about that. I wont argue that yes it was your fault, and I know it hurts. Knowing you tried to do evil. It’s like a stain on a white shirt. It’s all some see.” the comment hit home for Luna. Cringing as the words came out of his mouth. “But… I see it as a way to learn. A way to better ourselves, as I’m sure you’ve learned. We both have done wrong, Luna. All we can do is accept it and move on.”

Logan watched her nod as her horn began to glow, signaling the time to wake. Twilight was the first to climb out of her tent.

“Morning princess.” Logan said gently.

“Morning…” she droned, obviously not a morning pony. As Logan leaned over to offer her a hot cup of tea, Luna noticed details about the weapon Logan carried virtually everywhere.

“Logan?” she inquired.

“Yes?”

“May I get a close look of your assault weapon?” she asked politely.

Sliding it off his shoulder, he unloaded the weapon and held it out. Levitating it in front of her, she examined it closely. Starting at the muzzle, she saw what appeared to be a tube about two inches wide, with holes and notches cut and drilled into it. There was nothing special about it’s front sight, other than the sight post seem to be a florescent green. The gas tube was at a straight 90 degree angle. The for grip around the barrel was a molded rubber with a pebble texture, reminding her of a special something hidden under her pillow back in her chambers. But this rubber felt… firmer. The part covering the gas tube seemed to be made of a plastic material. On the plastic was carved ’HONEST HEARTS’ The rear sight seemed average enough. Marked with an P and had increments from 1 to 10. The entire receiver was made from what seemed to be sheet metal, obvious to Luna was the scratched black paint along its sides. The bolt was also pretty beat, with the paint so scratched it was showing the bare metal underneath. The safety lever had a notch cut out of it to act as a bolt lock. The grip behind the trigger was a black plastic. On the left was labeled Magpul, and on the right was M.O.E AK. The butt stock however, was made from wood. Carved into the wood on the right side, was ‘WAR… WAR NEVER CHANGES’ and on the left was a heart with the initials ‘L.M + C.D’. along with the heart, was the word ‘FALLOUT’.

The magazine had a distinctive curve, and a significant weight fully loaded. They too were scratched, dented and basically beat up.

“I see this weapon has seen better days…” Luna said solemnly. “Pray tell, what does the word ’Fallout’ mean?”

“It’s a long story. Never got a chance to tell ya. Ask Twi‘s family. They know.”

“I see…

Just then, a hyper active Pinkie Pie appeared. “Fallout? Why not have the words ‘Sacrifice, Perseverence, Hope, Innocence, and Compassion’ carved on it?”

“Pinkie, I’m serious. You keep sneaking up on me like that, one of these days it’s gonna get you shot. And I’m pretty sure your NOT made of cotton candy.” Logan growled. And to help get his point across, the sound of a 1911 cocking on his hip resounded throughout the camp. “Besides, that’s it’s name. Fallout.”

“Hehe, sorry.” she said backing down. “But why name it that?”

“Because I can. Everyone up?”

The solar regent was the last to wake. As she slowly climbed out of the tent Rarity generously loaned, she wondered when they were going to leave.

“Not a chance your highness. Princesses stay put. Guards with them. Twilight, I suggest you stay as well.” Logan ordered.

“I am not staying. Ponyville is my home, and I will not stand for my friends being attacked!” she demanded, stomping a for hoof in defiance.

“What about family?” he asked raising an eyebrow.

Twilight Velvet’s voice, while gentle, held a strong resolve. “Twilight, Sweetie, we’re fine. Don’t worry about us. Save your kingdom.” the glare on her face immediately told Logan to not stand in that filly’s way.

“Ugh. Fine. But you do as I say, when I say and- hey, we’re the kids at?”

_________________________________

05:30 Hours,

1 week until to Nightmare Night

Border of Ponyville/Everfree forest

CMC’s watch in horror as Ponyville is attacked

“Sweet Celestia…” Sweetie Belle gasped in awe as some of the town’s buildings were burning. “Still think this was a good idea Scootaloo?”

“Can we not start a fight? We got other, bigger problems. Besides, we got a dragon on our side.” Scoots chided confidently. “Now, how do we get in there unseen?”

By then Spike had grown impatient and was hiding behind the school, carefully poking his head out, he examined what had happened.

The last time they had a changeling problem, they just attacked at random. Like everyday ponies not in the equestrian military tried an invasion against a military base. Last time they only won because of attrition. This time however, this time seemed to be military precision, as well as attrition. Some ponies still put up a resistance, but others were trapped in a sticky green goo.

“Spike! What the hay! Ya couldn’t wait?!” Applebloom growled quietly.

“You guys wouldn’t stop bickering. Sweetie, isn’t that Button Mash?” Spike asked pointing towards a young adolescent colt seemingly glued to a game station by the park.

“Oh my gosh it is! Spike? Ideas?” Sweetie whimpered.

“I thought unicorns always thought better when under pressure.” Scoots chided.

“Okay, okay! Uhm… Spike, do you think you can burn the stuff away? We can try and rescue as many as we can, as long as those changelings don’t see-”

A sudden growling hiss got their attention. Slowly looking up, were three changelings, hovering with wicked grins. A large burst of green fire caused them to back off slightly.

“GET THEM!” One hissed.

“Run!” Applebloom shouted as they ran towards the young colt. Upon reaching him, they began to hold back the changeling squad. It took two or three breaths of fire before an exhausted Button Mash was freed.

“S-Sweetie Belle? Applebloom? Scootaloo? You guys need to get outa here!” he tried to shout.

“Not yet! Where is everypony else?” Sweetie asked as they holed up inside the school house, barricading themselves inside with desks and chairs.

“What do we do now?” Button asked. Sweetie in response looked at the clock. It read 5:55.

“Oh Rarity, please hurry…” she whispered quietly. Within moments, changelings began to bang their way in. a loud crack immediately got their attention. Looking behind the teacher’s desk, was Applebloom, kicking her way through the floor and into the basement.

Scootaloo quickly rushed over to help. “Well? Afraid of ruining your hooficures!? Get over here and help!” she shouted, snapping the others out of their stupor, causing them to quickly rush over and join.

Quickly managing to bust through the floor, the teenagers were quickly in the school basement, headquarters of the Foal Free Press.

“Great. What now!? We’re trapped!” Sweetie belle shouted.

“They’re in the basement!” they heard changelings shout as windows and doors smashed. “Surround them.”

The young ponies and dragon found themselves quaking. They had faced dangers before, Cockatrice, Manticore, even Timber wolves. This was a whole new game of hoofball.

“We’re doomed…” Button whispered. Moments later, the sound of magic impacting the wooden structure resounded.

“You have 30 seconds to surrender!”

“Buck off!” Scootaloo shouted.

“GET THEM” a changeling shouted. The sound of magic charging filled the air and then… silence.

A shrill scream filled the air. Thinking it was a spell, they looked around, only to find changelings starting to swarm in. looking in the opposite direction, Spike saw a crying, and wounded Sweetie Belle.

“Sweetie no!” he screamed. “You monsters… I’ll destroy you…” his livid expression of pure hate instantly warmed the room from the increasingly chilly air. With a loud growl and a burst of green flame, he tackled the first changeling to enter the basement. His fangs tore square into its neck, forcing a purple hued blood to ooze from the gap between the dragons mouth, and changeling neck. With a sharp tug, half the changeling’s neck was torn off.

Without thinking, Spike tossed the twitching shape shifter to a corner, and with a sharp intake of breath, lit the next ablaze. Soon enough, cracks and thunderous booms filled the air.

______________________

“What do you think those kids were up to?” a sniper asked.

“I don’t know Taylor. Eager to help friends? You were pretty eager to join the resistance yourself when the Great War hit us.” Savannah answered as she ended another changeling by the school.

“Hey! Logan’s back! He’s bookin it to the schoolhouse too. Covering fire!” Taylor barked over Savannahs rifle.

________________

Sliding through the small window leading to the schoolhouse’s basement, Logan assessed who was in there. “What the hell were you kids thinking!? never mind. don’t answer that now. Lets get the hell outa here!” he shouted as he picked up Sweetie belle and slung her over his shoulders. “Spike, use this! Pull the trigger with your pointer claw, but ONLY point it at changelings!” he said tossing him the AK he aptly named ‘Fallout’

Spike managed to come down from his rage enough to take heed of Logan’s instructions.

“It’s got a fresh mag, so yell if it goes click. Work the lever in front of the trigger to drop the old one, and I’ll toss you a new one. Just toss the old ones back.” he said as held Sweetie Belle’s hooves with one hand, and his .45 in the other. “Look. Our friends are making their way to Sweet Apple Acres. That’s where we’re going. We haven’t got time to save everyone. Lets go.” he instructed as he kicked open the cellar door. Changelings dropped left and right as he saw two glints from a nearby hill.

“Thank god for sniper cover.” he whispered. Nearby, magic blasts hit changelings, stunning them temporarily. A streak of rainbow color overhead signaled the arrival of Rainbow Dash, who bucked, kicked and punched every changeling in the sky.

“Thank Celestia ya girls are alright. We’ve been worried sick!” came the country drawl of Applejack.

“Indeed we ha- wait, where’s Sweetie Belle?” Rarity asked in a sudden panic.

Without so much as a word, Scootaloo pointed to the still crying and bleeding Sweetie Belle on Logan’s shoulders.

“What happened?!” the alabaster unicorn shrieked.

“Changelings. They used their freaky magic to bust through a wall and she was hit by a large piece of wall-”

“A Support stud” Applebloom corrected.

“Whatever.”

Further up, Logan was trying to reassure the wounded filly. “Trust me Sweetie Belle, I know it hurts. Just hang on a bit longer and I promise we’ll make the pain go away, ya hear!? Tap your for hooves together twice if you believe me.”

In response, he got two shaky taps of hooves. Finally looking up, the barn, and the forest behind, came into view.

“I need a new mag!” Spike shouted, tossing the now empty AK-47 magazine towards Logan, who responded in kind by tossing a full one back. He watched as Spike, almost instinctively loaded the rifle, and fired well. Hitting almost everything he aimed at.

“Damn…” he whispered. “Come on kids, almost to the forest!” glancing behind him again, the princess, farmer, athlete, dress maker, party animal(who was oddly enough using a cannon that shot confetti and balloons) were all to be seen and accounted for. (Fluttershy had preferred to stay behind with the princesses.) all easily keeping pace.

Looking back at the woods, he estimated the distance at 700 yards. To his left were his sister and her fellow sniper Taylor, AKA Red Tail, also running alongside, using their side arms to keep other changelings at bay.

600 yards,

525...

415...

275...

112...

68...

5...

Finally!

Chapter 11: Motherly Advice

“Alright Twilight,  I’ve spoken with my crew, and we’ve come to a decision.” Logan spoke calmly. Behind him, children from infants to 4 years of age who had once been human, were now fillies and colts of the three various pony types. The slightly older children who hadn’t fully changed, were halfway through. Some had horns protruding from their heads, others had wings of various colors twitching and protruding from their backs. The remainder had neither.

“And?” she inquired.

“We’ve decided to align ourselves with you. However, due to no actual experience-”

Feeling insulted, Twilight barked indignantly. “I’ve taken on Tirek alone! And I put up enough of a challenge for him!”

“That was a Stalemate and you had the advantage of extra alicorn magic. I shan’t deny that yes, your powerful. But you’re a royal, and a civilian. Have you ever drawn blood in anger beyond today?”

“He’s got a point princess. I saw those spells you fired. They were all stun spells. Just enough to incapacitate without doing damage.” a white unicorn added.

“And you are?” Logan smirked.

“Name’s Vinyl Scratch. AKA DJ Pon3. Ponyville’s best DJ.” she replied happily.

“You know better spells?” Twilight growled irritably.

“I got infra sound spells, sonar, amplification, and the like. If I focused hard enough I can turn a bad ponies insides to jelly with just my voice.”

“Hmm. Would ya look at that. Not only do you get a militia, but an all new asset just falls into your lap. Look, we need a mind. And a brilliant one. I’ve spoken with the other three princesses. Celestia has agreed to be our diplomat, Cadence, the motivator. And Luna, the commander. But we need your mind. A strategist. You know this area better than us. Where is it most important? Who would make good spies? My people don’t have long.”

“Hell, I’m gonna grow either a horn or a pair of wings any day now! Anyway, I wont demand an answer. Take your time. I know this is a tough choice.” The militia soldier said quietly, patting Twi on the shoulder. “In the mean time, why don’t ya go chill with your friends. You’ll need them as much as they’ll need you. Especially now. Vinyl Scratch, with me. I want to talk with you.”

“Right-o capy-tan!” she said  with a mock salute.

In the impromptu medical tent, 4 friends sat around a currently unconscious but bandaged Sweetie Belle.

“Is she gonna be okay?” Applebloom asked quietly.

“She’ll be fine. She was banged up pretty badly but she’ll be fine.” a dark haired human assured.

“Mind me asking what your Callsign was back in your world?” Scootaloo chided curiously.

“Razor.” she answered.

“I see why…”

Aside the bed, the young dragon had cried himself to sleep. In his claw, was one of Sweetie Belle’s front hooves. From the tent entrance, another white unicorn had watched. Not just her younger sister getting patched up(even though she got nauseated and left momentarily after her medical help had begun), but of the young dragon now sleeping, face down on the medical cot. Ghost’s rifle, ‘Fallout’ laying on the floor at his feet.

Elsewhere, Twilight was thinking about that she had been asked. ‘Can I do that? I know I should. For Equestria… but… this means other ponies will die… there has to be another way…’

“Thinking about what’s going on sweetie?” a familiar voice asked.

Looking up, startled, she found her mother, obviously looking concerned. “Huh? Oh. Yeah… I don’t know what I should do mom…”

Taking a spot next to her daughter, Velvet sat, and placed a hoof over her daughter’s shoulder. “Your friend Logan did say you didn’t have to make a decision immediately. He suggested you take your time. But that’s not all that’s on your mind, is it?” she winked trying to lighten the mood.

“Yeah… that’s not all…” she sighed, hanging her head.

With a nuzzle and a pat on her back, Velvet calmly asked “Well? What else is it dear? You know for a fact you can tell me anything, and I’ll do my best to help.”

“It’s not as important as what’s going on out there…” Twilight said gesturing to her burning home town with a wing.

“Hon, I’m your mother. If something is troubling you, I want to know. Now please… tell me what’s troubling my brilliant little filly.” Velvet insisted. “I know what’s going on out there. But I want to know what’s going on here.” she said playfully and gently bopping Twilight on the back of her head.

“Okay, okay!” the lavender princess said as she rubbed the back of her head. With a sigh, she continued. “Somepony’s crushing on me… one of my friends… and-”

“You don’t know if you feel the same way?” Velvet asked, finishing her daughter’s explanation, receiving a nod in return. “So, who’s the lucky pony?”

“Pony? Your not gonna ask if it’s a stallion or mare?” Twilight asked, her ears shooting straight up in surprise.

“Sweetie, you’re my daughter. I don’t care if your straight, gay or bisexual. As long as your happy, then I say go for it.” Her mother said, pulling her close with a hoof. “So tell me, this friend of yours, the one crushing on you. Are they a stallion or mare?”

“Mare…”

“Aww. That’s sweet. I always did adore seeing two mare’s in love. Ponyfeathers, my first date was with a mare.” Velvet reminisced with a smile. “So, which mare is it? I’ll bet it’s that dress maker Rarity. If not, I’d guess… Fluttershy?”

Hanging her head, the young princess sighed. “Rainbow Dash”

“Oh? The brash athlete trying to be a Wonderbolt?”

“Mhm”

Velvet then tapped a hoof to her chin.

“Mom?” Twilight asked.

“Yes hon?”

“You’re a Canterlot Noble. How are you… you know…?” Twilight asked, blushing.

“How am I okay with you possibly being gay?” Velvet chided, tipping her head to the side.

“Yeah. Arnt the Noble’s supposed to be all… anti-gay and all that?”

Velvet hung her head, hoping she’d never have to tell this story to her children of all ponies. “Hon, I wasn’t always a Noble. I was actually just an amateur writer, trying to make it big. I would’ve been happy to just sell 1 book. Eventually mom and dad stopped supporting me. I had to do something for money, but nopony would hire me.” she explained. “You want to know what I chose to do?”

Twilight was at a loss as to where this story was going. “No, I don’t.”

“I became a call mare.” she said, hanging her head. The memories of that semi-shameful part of her life came flooding back. “I wasn’t proud of it, but it got me the bits I needed to survive. After a while I grew a reputation. Still have it too… if you ask the right ponies. Mare or Stallion, I pleased both. I still do enjoy the feel of both. Then came that night… I was called to a hotel room to ‘entertain’ a bachelor party. I’ll spare you the details-”

“Thanks” Twilight said, blushing immensely, unsure how to react to learning this about her mother.

“Anyway, I didn’t, shall we say, ’play’ with them, but it turns out your father paid for my services. Hehe… he got my service on the house. After that night, I couldn’t get your father out of my mind. I got called to another room the next night, and there he was. He wanted to get to know me. So instead of… ’playing’ we went out to dinner, learned what we could about each other. After that… your brother was born 11 months to the day. And I still don’t regret a bit of it.”

Twilight was gob smacked. Her ‘commoner’ mother had met her ‘Noble’ father at a bachelor party, went on one date, fell for each other, and got pregnant… typically such actions would disown Nobles. Ruining their lives. “Surely the other Nobles would have heard about this and gone after dad like it was the Changeling hunts all over again. How did he escape that?”

“Funny story that. One of my clients one night afterwards was a lovely Unicorn mare… Sunny Days I think her name was. Afterwards she noticed I had something on my mind, with the exact same look you had not 3 minutes ago. She managed to get it out of me that I was pregnant, and in love. She told me she had connections with Princess Celestia and promised me his reputation and life wouldn’t be ruined, and that she could pull a few strings to get me noticed as an author, and out of the Call Mare business” she explained.

Twilight however, was now shocked(well, more so now). “Uh… mom? What if I told you I knew that mare named Sunny Days?”

“Oh? Does she live in Ponyville with you? Oh I hope she has a family now.” she said wishfully.

“Uh, no… mom, When Sunny Days appears… Its actually because Princess Celestia wants to go out and interact with the populace without them making a scene.” Twilight explained. However… Twilight Velvet’s mind had gone into lockdown, focusing on just two words.

“Sunny Days… was… actually… P-P-P-Princess C-C-C-Celestia!?” she quietly screamed.

“Yes… you got ‘banged’ by Princess Celestia, and she kept you two from being run out of Canterlot by a mob of pitchfork and torch wielding Nobles.” Twilight said, still flushed red. “does… does dad feel the same way? As you I mean.”

“Yes. He’s open minded about that too.” Velvet assured. “So don’t be surprised or offended if he decides to ‘play a game’ with you. Pretending to be anti gay.”

“I’ll try to keep that in mind mom.”

“That’s my girl. So I guess you want advice as to what to do about how you feel?”

“Yes please.” her lavender filly asked excitedly.

“Well… how do you feel when she stopped by the library to read with you?”

“I… when we lay down to read together, I usually feel like I have bugs in my stomach. I typically found peppermint tea worked best in making that feeling go away.” the younger Twilight explained.

“You love her.” her mother said with absolute certainty.

“I what?! How can you tell?!”

“Twilight, hon. I felt the same thing when I first laid eyes on your father. Tartarus I bet right now your hoping she’s okay, given what’s going on.”

Sure enough, her mother was spot on. While yes they were there for all her friends, they were strongest for Rainbow.

“What should I do mom? I… I feel lost” the young alicorn confessed.

“Well, you could let her confess… ask her out, or you could buck each other and see what happens… but I wouldn’t suggest that last bit.” the grey unicorn smiled.

With a squeak and a blush turning her cheeks crimson “MOM!”

“Want a pointer?” she winked.

Looking left and right, her blush still growing, she nods.

_____________________________

“RAINBOW!” a pink and orange mare called.

“MOM!” she called back. Both pegasi flew at each other, colliding in mid air, and hugging and nuzzling. “Are you okay mom?”

“I’m fine sweetie. I’m more worried about you. Where were you? Did you ask that filly out yet?” she rambled.

Blushing at that last question, she diverted to answering the other questions. “I’m fine mom. And no… I haven’t told her how I feel. There’s more important stuff going on.”

“Yeah, what is going on?”

“Your guess is as good as mine, mom. I was just out camping with my friends when I heard what was going on.” Rainbow explained as they landed.

“ALL RIGHT EVERYONE!” Logan hollered from a nearby tree. “I know your all scared about what’s going on out there. And if I’m at all honest, I don’t know either. All I can say is its time to get our bearings, and rest. Stick close to family and friends. You’ll need them now more than ever.” he finished, hopping out of the branch.

“Who was that?” Rainbow’s mother Firefly asked curiously. “One of your friends I take it?”

“Yeah… he’s cool.” Rainbow said. “So… what were you doing in Ponyville?”

Firefly flew up and landed in a branch, overlooking a small clearing, closely followed by Rainbow.

“It was my last stop on my trip around Equestria. Thought I’d pay my daughter a visit and talk to her about this crush she’s been having.” Firefly explained with a giddy expression.

“Must we mom?” Rainbow began to complain.

With a giggle, Firefly nodded. “I’m afraid so sweetie. So… speak your mind. You‘ve already told me it‘s a mare, and no I’m not going to judge you, smart, gorgeous, and so on.”

Rainbow hung her head. Her windswept mane fell over her eyes,  her ears and wings began to droop. “Fine.” she started. Her head craned around, carefully searching. Turning 185 degrees to her right, she points with a wing.

Squinting, Firefly saw two identical mares,(in looks, not color) talking with each other. “The grey mare? Unicorn?” she asked.

Rainbow’s ears shot up instantly. ‘What the…? Wait… who is that ma- oh my goddess that’s Twilight’s MOM!’ her thoughts screamed. “No! mom, I was pointing to the purple alicorn she was talking to!” she quietly shouted.

“Alic- oh my sweet Celestia your crushing on Princess Twilight! I NEVER would have seen that coming…” Firefly muttered. Her face went through various emotions, from shock, awe, then happiness.

Dash hung her head, her ears and wings drooped. “I know… I don’t have a chance with her.”

“I never said-” Her mother began, before Dash interrupted.

“She’s a princess mom! A PRINCESS! She’s a daughter of Canterlot Nobles, student of Princess Celestia, and I’m just a Wonderbolt rookie… and Captain of Ponyville’s weather team… I’m not cool enough for her…” She quietly barked as a (Not) tear rolled down her face, prompting her mother to wrap her front hooves and wings around Rainbow.

“Look at me Dash. Look me right in the eyes.” She demanded, still holding Rainbow close. The commanding, but gentle tone grabbed Rainbow’s attention and did as was told. “Is she your friend?” Firefly asked, receiving a nod. “Do you feel happier around her? In your head, and heart?” another nod. “Then, when your next alone with her, tell her everything. How long you’ve felt this way, everything. Okay?”

Rainbow, now dumbstruck and tear soaked, nodded. Elsewhere, The apple family had just received the worst news.

“I’m so sorry you guys… I- I did what I could…” a yellow coated Pegasus said.

“N-no… you did your best Raindrops… and… that’s all you could’ve done… thanks for telling us…” Mumbled the deep voice of Big Macintosh.

“A-Ah cant believe… Granny…” Applejack mumbled quietly as she held a crying Applebloom in her grip. The youngest Apple balled her eyes out, not caring who saw her.

“Was it quick?” Applejack asked carefully.

“Yes. She told me to tell you that she’ll miss you, but not to worry about her. Gave me this to pass on to you.” Raindrops answered as she pulled an envelope out of her saddlebags. “I’m sorry… but.. I have to go.”

“Okay Raindrops. Be careful.” Applejack sniffled, tears staining her face, her sister wiping away tears and snot on her fur.

Opening the envelope, Applejacks eyes widened.

____________________

“Any sightings on the Unicorn Blueblood described?” Courier asked in a flat tone.

“Yes sir.” A changeling drone hissed. “She was spotted in Ponyville along with other mares, and a strange upright creature. Where they went we don’t know.”

“Anything else?”

“No sir.”

With a sigh, Courier dismissed the drone. “Such incompetence… Chrysalis?”

“Yes?” the changeling queen asked.

“How were the other attacks? Baltimare? Fillydelphia? Manehattan? Stalliongrad? Crystal Empire?” he asked, a wicked smile growing on his lips.

“The attack on Stalliongrad has reached a stalemate. The winter there has set in sooner than normal. Fillydelphia, Baltimare, and Manehattan however are under our occupation. The Crystal Empire… they repelled us. Some of the smaller villages however… like Ponyville, have all been taken, but at major cost. Half of the villages have been burned, with collateral damage on both sides. I fear those smaller villages may be quite the problem in the future.” she concluded.

“They will be…” he said as he eyed the map from Canterlot castle’s war room.

“And that Blueblood. Why did you put that arrogant plothole in charge rather than I, or yourself?” she asked, annoyance and venom in her voice from the current situation.

“All in due time my Queen. All in due time…”