Frozen Equestria

by Flashburn37

First published 8th of July, 2014

Nightmare Moon worshipers in the frozen north have a new leader, a natural born alicorn that has declared war on Equestria! But Twilight and her friends are missing! Celestia sends out a brave warrior in search of new talent but will it be enough?

Nightmare Moon worshipers in the frozen north have a new leader, a natural born alicorn that has declared war on Equestria! But Twilight and her friends are missing! Celestia sends out a brave warrior in search of new talent but will it be enough? Follow Captain Auto Tomaton as he finds many friends to fight many foes in this epic tale!

*Note* I began writing this after season 2 and tried but failed to keep it up to date with the series. So there are some consistencies with the show and many inconsistencies. I also am only "half" way through editing it (it is really big!) and I did begin to change one characters name; Know that He-pon and Pwnicus are one and the same.

*Note part 2* Critique is not only welcome but very much appreciated.

Prelude

Author's Notes:

You don't really need to read this part unless you want a lot of exposition as much is restated in later chapters.

Prelude:

In a port town outside of Manehatten lived a young unicorn named Flashburn. He was young but had no one to care for him so he got a job using his special talent, unusually potent pyromancy, to fuel a large cruise ship, there we leave him….

In a secluded glen in the Everfree forest lived a young Alicorn named Rouge. She used to live in a small cottage but sickness and an avalanche took all she knew away a few years ago. She was set on never needing another to help her in anyway and shied from others. She was able to support herself using her special talent, a skill with animals nigh as well as Fluttershy’s and surprising accuracy with a bow, alone but undaunted we leave her…

In an academy for the princess’s army we find a seasoned veteran named (input name) Auto. He alone of his platoon survived an unwelcome encroachment of an Ettin tribe. He serves her majesty with his special talent, an uncanny and impassable shield wall and crushing club skill that is unparalleled by any other in the kingdom of Equestria. We leave him about to enter the princess’s throne room for another dispatch of orders…

In the cold northern wastelands a dark threat is rising unknown to but a few as dark ponies who worshiped Nightmare Moon and believe Luna to be under a spell that changed her entire being. They are furious at the mockery of their great Lady of the Night and it must be destroyed. They gather in force under their leader Evendra, an alicorn bent on destroying all that stand in her way.

Celestia is unable to use the elements of harmony and Twilight and her friends have ventured deep south with Zecora in an attempt to find the staff of Starswirl the Bearded and cannot be reached and her northern intelligence officer Anti-Freeze informs her of a rumor of a rumor that is a rising threat. She must make a decision, await Twilight’s return, face an unknown foe alone with Luna, or attempt to find others who wield great power that can assist her, but what is the correct choice? If she marshals her and Luna’s forces they may prove insufficient and if she awaits Twilight only to have her not return in time… she decides not to dwell on the possibilities. If she searches for new talent and has little luck she will be just as doomed as if she waited.

Twilight and her friends are trapped in an ancient pony ruin and a magic canceling trap leaves them unable to communicate with the outside world. They’re only hope lies with Rarity who was trapped on the other side of the collapse. If she can escape and contact a nearby town they will be saved, but should she falter or be unable to exit than all their hopes are rainbow dashed and they will have to wait for someone to find them.

As the threat grows closer Celestia must make a decision. And that is where we shall begin, with our veteran Pegasus patiently awaiting his Monarch’s command…

Chapter 1: Firestarter

Chapter 1: Fire Starter

Captain Auto entered the throne room to see Celestia pacing. “What is your command your Majesty?”

“Word of a threat has reached my ears, and to defeat it we may need the strength of all my armies. But even that may not be enough! While Luna and I rally the troops you must search for some of great talent and pure heart so we can have a chance at defeating this foe.”

“I shall leave at once your majesty I believe I’ll try around Manehatten or the Everfree Forest.”

“Where ever you think is the best chance, but please you must hurry!”

“Yes your Majesty” He bowed and left.
As he prepared to leave he saw a poster that read “The Great and Powerful Trixie is in Manehatten for two weeks hurry to catch the magic!” “Hmm a unicorn… she may be just what we need.” Computed Auto. He grabbed his mace and shield and headed out. “Sergeant!”

“Yes Sir?”

“I need you to send a group of officers up to the throne room the Princess will probably need help.”

“Yes Sir what of you Sir?”

“I am leaving on a… recruiting mission.”

“See you when you get back.”

“And I you, keep up the good work and a promotion may be in your future.”

“Thank you Sir.”

“Now I simply must be on my way. Good bye!”

“By Sir!”

It had been a long time since Auto had left Canterlot but with a will and bravery that could only be manufactured he journeyed on to Manehatten. The trip was uneventful other than a small storm he was surprised as according to his charts they hadn’t any scheduled but nothing overly dangerous. When he arrived he got a room in a hotel owned by the Orange family and purchased a ticket to the show. He would need to pick it up later that day. He searched far and wide and interviewed many ponies but no leads on any significant powers except this Trixie and a few others. Only four seemed legitimate candidates an earth pony who was supposedly the strongest in all of Equestria, Trixie, a steam boat unicorn and a Pegasus who was called “the best fencer this side of the Everfree Forest. He had a few days before the show and a week before the other unicorn's ship came in so he figured he should recharge and look for the strong pony. According to Flim he lived in the construction district and was named He-Pon. After a quick plug-in at the hotel he left for the construction district. Why Manehatten needed to get bigger he hadn’t the slightest clue, but apparently it would only stop when it rivaled Canterlot for sheer size.

The construction district is just outside the official city limits near the forest. It was dirty, mean, and dangerous if you weren’t always on the lookout for potential thieves and avoid angry workers just itching for a fight. Auto figured the best place to check would be the local bar so he headed to “The Fermented Apple.” It was a dingy place two stories tall and slowly rotting at its foundations. He entered through a door that had the logo on the front, it was an apple that was wearing the strangest hat. The tap room was poorly lit by a few candles and there were about four ponies at the bar and another two at a table. He could tell immediately this was a bad situation for him. If he stayed long there would be a fight and he would prefer not to make a scene. He walked up to the bar and got the barkeeps attention. “Excuse me sir, do you know a He-Pon by any chance?”

“What did he do?”

“What do you mean?”

“Judging by your metallic voice you’re a police officer of some kind and if I have any brains at all I’d ask you to leave. Now who told you to look here?”

“They didn’t say here specifically just the construction district, and it was Flim.”

“Flim! Where is he I haven’t seen him since we were chased out of Ponyville!”

“How do you know him?”

“I’m his brother Flam! We got separated when we fled from a pack of timber wolves in the Everfree Forest. Now where is he?”

“Here in Manehatten he is working in a shipyard as a heavy lifter moving boxes of produce from one ship to the other.”

“I will help you in any way I can! Pwnicus will be here in about ten minutes when his shift is over. Now if you stay here much longer one of those brutes is going to try and test your mettle, uh, sorry, I meant no offence of course! Uh, go into the backroom no one will harass you in there.”

“Thank you Flam.”

“No problem.”

The backroom was as dirty as rest of the bar and filled with casks of cider. He knew it was necessary but he still hated the thought of sitting in this mess. Ten minutes later he was so glad to be out of the room he practically bowled Flam over trying to get out.

“Excuse me, so where is he?” Auto asked.

“Over there with the other three construction ponies, be careful.”

“Thank you Flam, Flim’s address was 9000 Dock street apartment 2”

“So I said to her… This is a private conversation so beat it.” A lanky pony spat.

“Sorry Sirs, I cannot do that which of you is He-Pon?”

“Me, now what of it?” He was huge and built like Iron Will. Did he live in a gym? He was light brown and had a rough look to him, the kind of pony who might punch out your lights rather than talk to you. His cutie mark was a pony lifting a huge weight over its head.

“I am here to test you and if you pass you may join me.”

“Ya hear that? I maaaay join him! Join you with what?”

“Defending Equestria from a horrible invasion of un-imaginable scale.”

“What if I refuse?”

“Then you refuse and I look for others braver than you.”

“Nopony is braver than me! What is this test?

“You must defeat me in single combat, your choice of weapons or no weapons and if you succeed I hope you don’t kill me as I won’t kill you if I do. Also if I win and judge you good enough you may still join me.”

“Fine, here and no weapons!” He immediately rose and swung at Auto who with inpony reflexes only achieved through experience and technology dodge and countered scoring an uppercut to He-Pon’s chin.

“I want to start this fight fair and square, outside now.”

“If you say so.” He said, rubbing his chin.

Captain Auto and He-Pon walked outside the bar. Auto shook off the brown cloak he was using to hide his Canterlot armor and cape. He-Pon immediately charged him swinging his massive hooves furiously but to the Captain it was no faster than the many sword blows he had ducked and for every swing of He-Pon’s Auto had more than one counter. He dodged a massive right hook and replied with a jab. The fight was over soon for He-Pon had only fought drunks before never a veteran solider.

“You may be strong but you are stupid and have no skill for fighting. I could use you after a few years training but I don’t have that much time good day and farewell. You will find compensation if you go to the Manehatten garrison and explain the situation, then you will be able to afford some off time from your job. Now I must away.”

The battered and bruised He-Pon called out, “Wait if you go near the Everfree Forest check the grove two miles from the North road head due east from the crossing you can’t miss it. I once worked for a lumber company and there is somepony living there who you may want to see!”

“Thank you.” Now Auto had to find this so called “best Fencer” he had heard about. He knew the next ponies name was Shadowfax and lived in the market district only an hour away. Might as well check it as soon as possible. The market district was in much better shape than the construction district. Everypony here was in the latest Canterlot style of dress and hairdo. He felt a little more than just out of place. He approached what looked like a likely spot. It was a fencing school called “Sharpest Steel” it was in good condition and from the outside he could see at least twelve ponies dueling, some with more success than others. He entered and walked up to the receptionist who was writing something.

“Excuse me sir just a minute! I have to tally these accounts. There we are now what can I help you with Mr.?”

“Captain Auto Tomaton of the Royal Canterlot army I am here on Royal business is there a Ms. Shadowfax here?”

“Why yes of course she one of the instructors she busy right now but I’m sure she’ll see you as soon as possible. Though I am curious, why do you need to see her?”

“I guess you could call it recruiting.”

“I wouldn’t get my hopes up if I were you; she doesn’t like the army much.”

“Could you go get her please I don’t mean to be rude but I must pick up a ticket and they go on sale in under an hour. I already might not get there in time.”

“Oh of course.” She left and went toward a group of children learning the safety of fencing and upkeep of a blade. “’S’cuse me Shadow but someone needs to see you about some recruiting thing.”

“I told them I quit for a reason!” The mare snapped back.

“Ok I’ll tell ‘im but he is insistent.” He knew where this was going and just walked up to Shadowfax. She pure white even her mane she had a scar that went from her left ear across to just below her eye. Her eyes were blue and intense with a hidden fear shoved right below the surface. She was a Pegasus.

“Excuse me Miss but I must speak to you in private it is of the utmost importance.”

“You have five minutes follow me.” She lead him upstairs to a storage room old broken swords on the walls a stack of dummies on a pile on the floor and a helm split down the middle on a mount in the back it was of the Canterlot army style and was stained all near the hole. A shattered shield lay in pieces beside it and a letter, unopened, lay next to a picture too old and faded to tell what it was of. “Tell me your version of why I should rejoin go on they are always different and sometimes entertaining.”

“What are you talking about rejoin what?”

“Oh your going for ignorant that’s new, fine I’ll play along. You want me to rejoin the Canterlot army and think that your spin on it will succeed where all the others have failed but it won’t! I won’t go back there! Not now not ever!”

“I am not here for the army. A threat has been discovered of unimaginable size and danger. Even Celestia and Luna may not be able to defeat it! I was sent to find talent to aid us and somepony mentioned you as the greatest fencer in Equestria and we could use that! Now will you join me?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“I gave my young life to the military! I got to the rank of Captain and lead a squad! But I wasn’t good enough!”

“What do you mean?”

“My brother joined up to be like his big sister and he was placed in my command. Then one day…” She pauses a moment and collects herself. “One day a Hydra broke through the forest and was on its way to ravage the city. All the other squads were too far away to intercept so I told them my squad would hold it off until help arrived. We fended it off well but then it started to slow and I thought we had weakened it so I ordered my squad to finish it off. It was a trick and I fell for it. It tore through my little ponies and only I and two others escaped its reach. My brother wasn’t one of them. He died because of my judgment call. I was wrong and he died. It’s my fault. If it weren’t for me he wouldn’t even have been in the army!”

“I understand… more than most as I was in the same position a few years ago. I will accept it if you choose not to help me.”

“Thank you” She said on the brink of tears.

“No more recruiters will ever bother you; I will make sure of it.” And he left. He picked up the ticket he needed and went back to the hotel. Now he only need wait.

***

The day of the show arrived and so did Trixie. The Captain got into his seat in the front row and sat down ready to observe.

“Welcome Mares and Colts! To the Greatest feat of Magic that will ever be seen! You will be dazzled by none other than The Great and Powerful Trixie! The most powerful Unicorn in all of Equestria!” Smoke began to fill the stage obscuring all sight. “She has defeated an Ursa Major! She out does even the famous Twilight! Her magic is so powerful it even matches, no bests, Celestia’s! Here she is! Trixie!” Out came Trixie, she was a deep blue Unicorn in an outrageous costume she came out singing.
“So there you are my friends! Oh so bored, so frazzled!
I know that you came here just to see me and be dazzled!
None of your could comprehend the magic of which I bring!
But be warned of the great powers to and fro I fling!
There is much danger, for you and you and you Sir!
If I fail to contain the powers that I hold!
You will all leave here much more cold!”

It was the worst musical number he had ever heard. Hopefully her magic was at least half as good as she said it is. Suddenly great flashing lights appeared overhead.

“Now be dazzled as I create the greatest feat of magic ever seen by pony eyes!” Suddenly flashing lights and sounds came from all over. Random feelings of heat and cold confused his sensors and he laid there stunned. But he noticed something odd. Her horn wasn’t glowing at all! She wasn’t doing this! He looked around and saw random audience members intensely focused and their horns alight! It was a sham! He left as soon as he was able, glad to have never spoken with her. He returned to the hotel and decided to wait for the ship with the pyromancer to arrive.

***
It was a nice sunny day when the ship finally came into port; Flashburn had grown tired of the same features and few opportunities for fun that the ship provided. Now he could spend his pay at the nearest sweets shop or book store. Whatever he saw first really. He then he looked at his tattered burnt hat and cloak, maybe a tailor would be better... he thought. He admired his nice green boots. They were his pride and joy, so shiny and green. A nice neon green like his cloak but somehow better. Then he realized, he hadn’t been in Manehatten since he first left and got the job on the boat. Well, he had no friends to have left behind so his home coming would have to be a lonely one; at least they always liked him at the cake shop! He remembers working there for that week before he was fired. Too many burnt cakes they said… He wondered if his room at the inn was still empty.

“Flashburn! Here’s your pay, see ya in a week!” The Captain called out as he tossed a sack over to Flash. Who quickly counted the cash.

“Your about fifty five bits short.”

“Damages got deducted from your pay... again.”

“Oh yeah, well I’ll see you later than.”

“I can’t tell if I look forward to that day Flash.” Flash laughed and left. As he walked off the gangplank he was approached by a Pegasus in a brown cloak obviously covering armor. Probably another bandit trying to get the great pyro into his band. Flash had dealt with this before. If you ran fast enough they would stop chasing eventually. He walked toward him then swerved to the left putting traffic between them and booked it as fast as he could. None could catch the flame! He turned a corner and… ran… smack into a Pegasus… in a brown cloak obviously covering armor. “Oomph… so sorry uh, well hello there! Sorry the bandit life just isn’t for me so… I’ll just be going!” Flash turned and just before he turned the corner a metallic voice behind him said:

“Halt. I am not a bandit, but I do need to interview you.”

“Was there another fire? I’ve been gone all of this year so it wasn’t me!”

“It is something different for that. A threat has been detected and the Princesses may not be able to handle it so they sent me to find talent. You have been said to have talent. Do you wish to take the test?”

“What the hay might as well. What’s the test?” Flash thought, invigorated at the chance of a change!

“Single combat me versus you, you decide weapons or no.” He sighed. “And yes magic counts as a weapon.”

Flash laughed “Ok weapons yes just don’t kill me! When do we start?”

“Now if you like.”

“Now works.”

They began circling each other. The Pegasus let his cloak drop and drew a shield and mace. He wore a set of Canterlot’s Captain’s armor. Then all hay broke loose! Flash shot a blast of fire that the Pegasus blocked. He used the temporary blindness to jump over pile of trash. This “Captain” looked around for him and as soon as his back was turned Flash launched a volley of burning cans and other refuse at his back knocking him over and lighting his cape aflame. He then shot a beam of fire at the more then distracted Captain. “Do you surrender Cap?”

“Aye now put me out!”

The idea had never dawned on him, put out fires? Why? Oh yeah they hurt! “Sorry I don’t know how!”

“Cover me with somethin’ like a cloak fast! My circuits are melting!” So Flash threw his cloak over the captain and patted it out. “You’ve earned the right to join up, do you want to?”

“Sure I’m Flashburn by the way.”

“I’m Captain Auto Tomaton and welcome to the fight.” The brohoofed and that was that.

"By the way, isn't that whole thing a state secret? Why are you spouting it off to every passerby?"

"How else can I recruit?"

"Point taken..."

Author's Notes:

Thank you for reading! Please leave a comment or critique below and be sure to be honest, if I suck I suck and if I'm good, I'm good.

Chapter 2: Travel

Chapter 2: Travel

With one recruit Auto began to have his hope restored! Maybe if he got lucky he could get another to join up! He was done in Manehatten and needed to expand his search. In order to live in a dangerous place such as the Everfree Forest one needed to be of good skill! That place would have fewer harder to find candidates but less false ones as well. He simply had to get acquainted with this unicorn and bring him along. Maybe he knew of other special ponies that could help! They just had to restock first…

“We will set out for the Everfree in the morning but we need provisions do you know of any good stores?” asked Captain Auto Tomaton.

“Wait we’re leaving that soon? I need to tell the Cap’ I won’t be there to power the ship! Oh and yes I do there is a lovely shop called “Travel supplies and lawn mowers” they should have all you need, and if they don't you could get a lawnmower!” Flash exclaimed. “Where should we meet up after I talk to my boss?”

“Meet me at the Sugar Cube inn and if I’m not back purchase some travel clothes you look ridicules in that neon green cloak and boots.”

“What do you have against my boots?” Flashburn indignantly huffed.

“You just look a bit out there.”

“Fine I will go get new clothes. You need anything at the tailor’s?”

“No thank you.”

“Ok I’ll see you later then.”

***

It had been awhile since Flashburn had met anyone who thought that his talent was useful for anything other than caravan raiding or fueling a ship. Maybe he shouldn’t have committed himself to this cause. Well what’s done is done. Now to the tailors! Nowhere is there a better tailor than in Manehatten than at Sweetie’s!

Sweetie’s was a higher end establishment being funded by the Rarity Corporation but she somehow managed to help even the poorest of ponies on top of a large workload of the rich. And on top of that she still managed to have an impressive singing carrier! Someponies just get it all don’t they? It looked very similar to the original boutique in ponyville but with a few differences. For instance there were two guest houses attached for whom though Flashburn knew not. Besides he didn’t care and she never spoke of it. It had been a long time since he had seen Sweetie he wondered if she was able to fill that order for Hoity Toity? The door was open so he let himself in. The place was…a…terrible mess. “Did a fabric store explode in here?”

“Oh I’ll be right with you!” He heard from the back room. Suddenly curious he looked at the doors to the guest houses. One was well worn he could tell but the other… Why it was in good condition but it looked seldom used. At least a few years if not more! Then he saw it… the best cloak ever! Even brighter green than his! And the tag said it was fire resistant! A match made in heaven if ever before there was! As he marveled at the fabric Sweetie walked in.

“Flash? Flashburn is that you! It has been months! How’ve you been? How’s the new job? Oh and how’s Sparkboom doing? And what are you up to now?”

“Ok one at a time I’ve been swell, the job was good but a bit dull, and when it comes to Boomie, well we no longer… uh… I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Well that’s unfortunate, So what are you up to now?”

“I’ve been recruited for a quest! I quest to do… something!”

“You don’t even know do you?” Sweetie shook her head and laughed under her breath.

“Not really no. But I do know that I need a new cloak and hat and I couldn’t help but notice that beauty over there!” He pointed to the green cape.

“Actually I made that for you specifically, after we last saw each other call it a gift, something tells me you’ll need the fire resistant fabric very soon and if you run into Sparky…”

“Boomie.” He interrupted.

“If you ever run into her again tell her to visit I found some blast resistant fabric made with magic and I thought she’d want it. And for your hat do want the usual or are you gonna listen to styling sense?”

“What do you think?”

“As always I have one already made, you go through them so quickly I feel not to would be rather irresponsible of me.”

“Well I gotta go how much I owe you for the hat?”

“Five bits after your discount and thank you for your patronage.”

“See you later then!”

“Bye!”

As he was leaving he suddenly remembered his question, “Oh and when I left both rooms were in use but I never met the occupants who are they?”

“Applebloom and Scoo… well she doesn’t visit anymore. We had a falling out over some fight, haven’t seen her since.”

“That’s a shame.”

“You have no idea.”

He left even more confused than when he came in. Sweetie always seemed so happy before and the mere mention of this pony seemed to bring such sorrow into her eyes. Right then and there he vowed to find this Scoot and fix this rift between such obviously close friends. That was for another time though, now he had a world to save. To the Inn! Wait… What Inn was it again?

***

“Alas for my mission! Several weeks into it and I have one recruit! If I even have one, he is over four hours gone and seems slightly... well... insane! Celestia will forgive and understand, but if I fail… At least I have one.” Mused Auto.

“I’m sure he’ll be right along Captain.” Said the innkeeper Poundcake.

“I hope your right.” Unfortunately he couldn’t delay much longer or he might be too late and an outright desertion would surely cripple his search. Besides he didn’t like the idea of heading into the Everfree Forest alone with talk of the Everfree Raiders increasing robberies. How would they respond if they found him? He the Captain of the Cantorlot Guard, the pony who’s been dogging them for years? No the thought did not make him very eager. But he was sent to find talent and to live there one needed a significant amount just to survive there alone. But what if it was a trap or even a false statement, the delay would be costly. Just as he considered this Flashburn walked in, in a neon green cloak and a nigh identical hat as the one he was wearing this morning. The only reason it seemed different was the fact that it didn’t have holes in it. “I thought I told you to get new clothes!”

“I did!”

“No you didn’t you got fresh ones. Well so much for avoiding attention in the forest.”

“Look at the bright side its fire proof! Oh, and it’s green! So green. Like my boots. I love my boots.”

“I noticed. Get some sleep we leave in the morning.”

“Ok so Cap, or do you prefer Auto?”

“Auto.”

“I prefer Cap. Goodnight Cap.” He walked up stairs and went to sleep.

“I’d better sleep as well G’Night Mr. Cake.”

“Mr. Cake is my father," Poundcake laughed, "Goodnight Auto.” And so he went up stairs and plugged in.

***

Flash does not wake up well. Not well at all. This was the first lesson Captain Auto learned of his new companion. He had planned on leaving at the break of dawn, Flash was thinking around noon. After some grumbling Flash woke up a full hour after sunrise and they were on their way to the Everfree Forest. It was a bright and sunny day and the perfect temperature for walking. It would be slower than flying but, if Flash had any magic to get himself in the air he didn’t mention it and with his special talent Auto was afraid to ask. Anyway at least the weather was nice, in the morning. Around three a high wind picked up and clouds formed above. Little did they know that this was no planned pony storm but the Everfree’s tempest that broke the bonds of the encompassing woodlands.

As lighting began to flash and rain fell in sheets Auto realized the dangers they now faced. The trees began to groan as branches cracked and fell away. The rain pounded in from all sides blinding them to all else. Then Auto screamed to Flash “We must find shelter or we are doomed!”

“You find a place I will provide temporary relief!”

“Fine, just don’t burn the forest down!”

Auto ran to a nearby hill as Flash prepared one of his more useful spells that he learned combating storms at sea. He gathered all of the energy he had until his horn was aglow with power and he sent out a wave of heat intolerable to most ponies that evaporated every drop of water in the nearby hills and scorching the land at his feet. The rain stopped for about seven seconds but it was enough for Auto to find a suitable cave that wouldn’t flood.

“Well I think you just proved your worth to my quest! How’d you do that?!”

“Well water evaporates due to heat and condenses into water when it cools down. All I did was heat it up again.”

“It was incredible!”

“Well I sure hope so it is exhausting!”

“We aren’t leaving until the weather clears up anyways so take a nap.” There was nothing Flashburn wanted more than sleep but he had work to do after all the cave is rather deep and they don’t know if they are alone.

“I’ll scout the cave first; after all I have a light.” He really did not want to but he was the obvious choice for the job. The cave had a bend in it that led to a side chamber with nothing in it thank Celestia. He returned to Auto, told him, returned to the side chamber, and slept.

***

Rouge was awakened by the shattering report near here forest home. As she gazed into the night she saw a radiant burst of red light encompass a road not far away and as it reached her she felt its’ heat and it was intense, so intense the rain just stopped. In all her years in the Everfree Forest she had never seen anything like that before. It wasn’t the first time she had to defend her home and it was likely not the last so she strung her bow and left.

By the time she was ready the storm had returned in full force and she was forced to lay low, not that she had a problem with walking it just took too long. She had misjudged the strength of the storm though and had to find shelter, Brumble’s cave would do nicely.

Brumble was an old bear who was never too aggressive and she had grown to like him even if he didn’t make his way down to the stream often enough. As she walked into the dark small cave she heard a confused growling from the back. “It’s me you smelly old puffball.” He grunted and moseyed on down back to his spot. She really did like that bear.

***

“The storms quieted down, we should leave now.” Said Flash. He had a bad feeling that the cave was about to become crowded and he didn’t want to be here for that.

“Why are you so keen to leave?” asked Auto.

“I just have a feeling somepony important is about to show up and knowing the Everfree forest…”

“The Everfree Raiders. Long have I hunted them but their leader somehow remains a step ahead of me every time. I trust your judgment. We must go now.” But it was too late. As a cloud break illuminated the entrance a shadow fell over both of them. The turned to see, at the mouth of the cave, a crossbow leveled in their direction, a hooded figure holding it.

Then in a cockney accent he said “Now this tis lovely the boss pays well fur kidnappin’s but I wonder how much I’ll get fo’ you Capin’ Tomaton… now move it the both o’ yee’s.” He moved so that they had room to exit while staying at least ten feet away from him at all times. “An don’ even think about runnin’ ‘cause we got anotha three of us out side.” He wasn’t lying. At that moment neither Flash nor Auto had any ideas on how to escape without one or both of them being shot.

“Alright now we are heading for the outside. We will make no sudden moves our stuff is in the back chamber of the cave we will make no move for our weapons. Just keep calm we will not fight.” Captain Auto had been in this situation before but always with backup a few minutes away.

“Right grab your things and exit, and no funny business.” As they grabbed their packs flash stumbled on his new cloak, the crossbowman almost fired right then and there.

“It’s ok he just slipped. We are not doing anything to attempt to fight back or escape. OK?”

“Just don’t do it again or I mighten be in the mood fer shootin’,” They grabbed their things and left the cave, a crossbow to their back and several more than three in front of them. Auto knew he could escape by himself but he couldn’t just leave Flash at the hands of the infamous Everfree Raiders. His only hope was to play along and hope they decided to ransom them. “Camps west, start marchin’.”

***

Their camp was ramshackle at best. Everything was built for quick deconstruction and reconstruction to avoid the Canterlot armies. When they arrived they could count about forty ponies all between the ages of young adulthood and near veneration, those who were too young weren’t allowed to join and the old were left behind. In a way Auto was nervous yet excited to meet the pony that had evaded him all this time. He wondered who it was. What was their cutie mark? What kind of pony were they? Pegasus? Unicorn? Ground? Was it a he or a she? For all of his investigations and funds spent he knew nothing of his adversary. His followers were almost as loyal as Rainbowdash! As they went further into the camp it seemed that the world seemed to darken just a bit. If this pony thought death was all he deserved after chasing them for so long… He would have failed the princess.

***

Rouge watched them from atop a cloud. “Humph of course they are Raiders, anyone who enters my forest that isn’t lost or a trader always is.” Then she thought to herself, why? Why did they always do that? Would another ever enter the forest in the search of peace and tranquility? It did not seem likely, after all of these years… a whole century and yet none have come other than Zecora and Fluttershy, but neither seemed much fun. Was she destined to live alone with only animals like Brumble to talk to? At first the isolation had been great but now it was really dragging her down. She wouldn’t return to her home… how could she? After all this time? They must think me dead she thought ponderously. Well she might watch a tad longer initiations were always fun to watch. What test would they face? Even if they succeeded would they be let in? The gang leader was always particular to only let diehard loyalists in. I guess that’s how he’s avoided capture for so long... she inferred. Anyway it was time to watch the fireworks.

***

“Could it be? Has the opportunity finally arisen? Have I finally procured He who has plagued me all these years? Neigh! It must be a farce and a contemptible one at that! So what’s the plan! Are your solders right behind you about to run in? They’ll never catch us… Even if they find me, the Raiders will live on! Now save yourself your dignity and tell me… What plans do you have that caused you to be captured?” He, it surely was a male, spoke in a refined high cantorlotion accent never misplacing a vowel and as smooth as silk. Auto still had yet to see him but already knew this was no decoy, this was he who had evaded him all these years.

“I seem to be at a disadvantage, you knowing everything about me but I knowing naught of you! So tell me at least this much first, your name! Then you will know my purpose on the name of my Princesses’ honor!”

“Well I can trust that! You honor her higher than your own life! Fine I am James Vander Quickhoof! Let me guess, never heard that name before have you?”

“No I haven’t.”

“I have,” Interjected Flash, “You are son of the Rich family but due to the nature of your cutie mark your father tried to erase all knowledge of your existence!”

“Ho-How how did you know that?” Balked James. No one knew that! Not even his closest advisors! You could see a collective shock spread amongst the members of the camp as their leader’s greatest secret laid bare for them all to hear.

“If your families rich, why do you stand for spreading the wealth?” stated one of the bandits.

“Yeah! My father lost his job ‘cause the Rich families company bought out the mill!”

“My job was stolen by him too!”

“Hypocrite!”

“We should mutiny and have a true leader! Not one who is the posh son of a rich family!”

“Did you just bring us out of here for fun? Knowing that you had a safety net? How dare you!”

“Richie Rich!”

“Backstabber!”

Auto was just as confused as the others, “How’d you know that Flash?” He whispered.

“I was there. My case was right after his.” After the questioning glance Flash decided to elaborate. “He was getting his name legally changed and I was the suspect in a sudden fire… it was an accident really! Anyway he was upset and I was curious so I eavesdropped.”

***

This was odd. Rouge had seen many an induction ceremony but never had one gone this way. It seem as if their leader was in over his head for the first time since he started this group, and the recruits seemed more like prisoners than possible bandits. Then she saw it. In the pack of the Pegasus was a set of cantorlotion armor. This was no induction! This was an interrogation and it appeared one of their responses seemed to have upset the group. She had to help the prisoners! But how? Brumble. No one could ignore him! “Hang in solder help is on the way!”

She sped for the cave. For the first time in years she was going to actually do something! She would save them and learn of their stories! Maybe, just maybe they could be the friends she was missing! “Brumble you big oaf get up! We have a job to do…”

Author's Notes:

Thank you for reading and please leave a comment or critique! I love hearing from people! Makes me feel like I'm, not yelling at a brick wall...

Chapter 3: Dimming Spark

Chapter 3: Dimming Spark

James backed against the wall as the mutinous dogs closed in. “Why does my history matter? Have I not fought beside you and lead you well?”

“You lied to us and we need to trust our leader!” Several others affirmed this. They drew weapons and approached threateningly. “Gut ‘em! He knows too much of our stratagems fur ascapin’!”

“He’s right!” Several rushed James but this was not his first fight while outnumbered and he drew a hidden blade from within his cloak and batted their blades away. This is not a good situation, thought James, even if I can hold them off I will tire much faster. How shall I escape? Well the camps nearest exit is a little bit that way but offered no cover and all the others had at least ten ponies in the way. He had but one hope.

“They’ll kill you after their through with me! Join me and have a chance!” He yelled as he cut the prisoner’s bonds.

“Normally I’d not be keen on joining you but the circumstances seem to point in that direction!” agreed Flash.

“We have no choice James, we will fight with you.” Auto begrudgingly accepted. Flash than levitated his trusty mace and shield to his side. “Ah my weapons,” He sighed. “It has been too long. Now let’s fight!”

***

“Let’s fight!” Came a call from the camp. Rouge had to hurry or they wouldn’t last long!

“Oh hurry up Brumble! You old slob!” She scolded her impromptu mount. “That’s it.” She levitated Brumble much faster toward the battle letting him down just out of the camp.

***

The clash of steel on steel and flame on fur soon filled the camp. They were fighting valiantly but with how outnumbered they were, doom was upon them. “Never saw myself going out like this, Auto!”

“How’d you see yourself going out then?”

“Fire. Wait what’s that sound?” Flash turned to the strangest site. A bear busting through a tent with an alicorn on its’ back. “James, that one of yours?”

“No! That’s the guardian of the forest! What’s she doin’ here?”

The strange alicorn yelled “Saving your life!” She then enveloped all three of them in her wings and Brumble charged out.

***

“What in the blue blazes is going on?” complained Flash as he was dumped to the ground. A half an hour later. Before him was an alicorn with large wings and a golden curved horn.

“I just saved your life!” She sighed exasperatedly. Right then a bear trudged in. Flash looked about him, James suffered from a slash to the shoulder and Auto had dried blood on his head. They were in a slightly damp cave large enough to house all of them quite comfortably. He seemed unharmed but the manner of their rescue was suspect. How did she manage to get them all out? Even if there was a reason for that how come he can’t remember the moments after being swept into her wings? What if they weren’t even rescued? Maybe this situation is worse!

“Sorry, I’m just a little frazzled is all, I’m Flashburn and you are?”

“Rogue.”

“That’s a nice name! Where are we? Nevermind I wouldn’t know if you gave me a name, I’m new to the area you see… So now that the uh, pleasantries are out of the way a question I beg of you. Why’d you save us? We were outnumbered ten to one by my count even with your help, a lost cause if ever I saw one.”

“I’m not sure I know.”

“Well thank you anyways. I think my friends are in need of medical attention.” He went to Auto’s side. His wounds were superficial and the blood on his head wasn’t his own. James shoulder needed a bandage but would heal fine.

“That pony had just captured you, yet you count him friend? How do you forgive so easily?”

Flash looked down and shuddered as memories flooded back…

***

“I’m so sorry! I couldn’t help it! I can’t control the fire! I can’t! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry…”

***

“Ponies make mistakes and I know that better than most. Besides what was he supposed to do? Two ponies arrive tied up being lead by his minions? To lose face in that group is to die as I’m sure you saw. If I can forgive him maybe… nevermind.”

“Your friend will be awake soon. I must go. We don’t have enough food for all of us and some of you are unfit to travel. Brumble will watch out for you don’t worry.”

What a strange pony she must be, Thought Flash, I only hope she stays a friend. Now all he could do was sit lost in the memories of what could have been and what shouldn’t have been. “I miss Boomie.” He spoke aloud, it felt good to hear her name. “I wonder how old Sparky is anyway? She was so angry when I left, I thought the whole of Equestria would explode! I wish they’d wake up. Lazy buggers we have work to do! We need to find that glen in the forest with the archer in it!” Oh no wait! how will Auto and James react? They’re old nemesis right? That won’t be good. You know putting out fires was a good idea, if only Auto had met me sooner…

***

Auto had a terrible headache when he woke up… as his systems rebooted he rubbed his head and looked about him and came face to face with James vander Quickhoof. “Wh-what happened?”

“Rogue saved us!” called out Flash from behind Auto. “Thank Celestia your awake I’m no medic so I had no idea if the bandage I used was sufficient or not. Now we have to find that archer.”

Auto turned to him. “Where are we?”

“A cave. I assume it’s in the Everfree Forest.”

“Can you be more specific?”

“A damp cave in the Everfree Forest.”

“Thanks... Where is this, Rouge?”

“Hunting. Now I have one for you, can you remember anything after she saved us? And what will you do about James? I like him! He’s cool.”

“No I don’t remember; I had a head wound ember brains. When it comes to James… Maybe he can help with our quest? He certainly is talented and if he refuses I’ll have to arrest him. There’s no other way. He can earn penitence through saving Equestria.”

“Sweet, I hope I can.” Mumbled Flash.

“What was that?”

“Nothin’ Rouge just asked something that got me thinking about my past is all I’d rather not speak of it.” At that moment James awoke.

“What happened? Where am I? Am I in jail? Is this what prisons are like? Wait. This isn’t a prison. Oh hello you two! No bad feelings? Oh OW my arm is killing me! Who bandaged me? Was it the bear?” He grabbed his shoulder and undid the bandage. “Much too tight, much, much, much too tight.”

“Oops sorry. So James can you remember what happened after she rescued us?”

“No I cannot I was unconscious at the time. Now Captain what will you do with me? Mind you I wouldn’t like to be thrown in a dungeon! Or banished. Or banished than thrown in a dungeon in the place I was banished to! I’ve seen it happen, look at Princess Luna!”

“Actually I was just discussing that with my colleague Flashburn over there and I have a proposition for you. I was sent on a quest by Celestia to gather talented ponies so as to protect Equestria from a new possible threat. Will join me and defend Equestria? It’s that or jail.”

“Well that’s not much of a choice is it? Well than I’ll help you. Besides it’s not like I can rejoin the Raiders or start a new gang, my identity will be known throughout the world in a few days. Sure I’ll help you, on one condition though! Freedom. After this I want a clean record. No jail time no nothin’.”

“I can only promise that if you also join the army and it only lasts if you are released from the obligations, no dishonorable discharges.”

“But-“

“It’s all I can do without Celestia present.”

“Fine.”

“Yay! Both of you agreed so now I won’t have to fight you James! What do you say, friends?”

“Sure Flash sure.”

“Sweet! I can’t wait to do battle with armies of darkness with you at my side!”

“Wait what?”

“Too late you agreed! You did! You heard him right Auto?”

“Yep.”

“ROAR!” yelled Brumble.

“Sweet Celestia Brumble we’ll shut up! Guys keep it down Brumble’s trying to take a nap. Why are you guy’s cowering?”

“I wasn’t cowering!” protested James. Both Flashburn and Auto Tomaton laughed as Rouge entered carrying a freshly slain boar on her back.

“What’s going on in here?” She said as she dropped the boar to the floor. Auto noticed it had been slain with one bow shot to the eye and had strange claw marks all over its back. Was she the great archer that he searched for?

“Nice shot, but what are the claw marks?” he commented.

“Oh thanks the claws are from Woof-Woof don’t worry you’ll meet her soon. She never leaves my side for long.”

“What manner of beast leaves such marks as that?” Flash interjected.

“Timberwolves stupid.” Explained Rogue.

“Why is everyone calling me stupid all of a sudden?” Yelled Flashburn angrily.

“Cool it hot-head,” Said Auto, “Now Rogue I have a question for you. I was sent to this forest in search of a great archer who lived in a secluded glen in the Everfree Forest. Are you that archer?”

“Depends why.”

“All of Equestria may be in danger and I was sent on a talent hunt, so far all I have are those two, and if you joined it would be helpful. First though, and only if you want to join, you must pass a test of skill.”

She then used her horn to bring her bow from her back notched and fired six arrows in rapid succession each hitting one of the ponies cloaks, pinning them to the ground. “Extremely dangerous?” she asked.

“Yes.” Auto said impassively.

“Chance of success?”

“Low.”

“Let’s get started then, I’m in.” she looked outside, “Woof-Woof come! We have an adventure too far away lands and I know you’d hate to miss that!” A howling echoed through the forest as the ground began to tremble.

“My new cloak!” Flash complained, “And what’s the boar for anyway? We’re all vegetarians here! You know, cause we’re ponies not well whoever you usually have over for dinner…”

“Did you assume I went hunting for you? Ha no I have plenty of food for us it is Brumble and Woof-Woof.” She explained.

“Well where is um, Woof-Woof?” asked James.

“Her she is!” At that moment a large timberwolf prowled in and sat next to Rogue glaring suspiciously at the three other ponies. “Oh Woof-Woof don’t be like that, they’re our friends.” Woof-Woof barked twice and lolled her tongue out. “That’s a good girl now eat up.” She than tore into the boar with a voracious hunger.

“I cannot tell whether it is beautiful or disgusting or terrifying.” Flash gasped in awe of the scene before him. “Would Woof-Woof prefer it cooked?”

“She doesn’t mind all that much but yeah, unfortunately we haven’t the time to build a fire.”

“We won’t need one! So rare, well done, or medium?”

“She prefers it medium, what are you going to do?”

“We are all on this team for a reason and I kind of want to show off my talent after all, this adventure has revealed so many facets of it I want to try every possible application!” He then took his hat off, narrowed his eyes, and bit his tongue in concentration. His horn began glow its customary red and the boar had an aura around it and started to sizzle. Woof-Woof looked up in confusion than at the aura. Soon the boar began to brown slightly and Flash stopped. Woof-Woof tore into it with a new found abandon.

“I guess every adventure group needs a cook,” James joked, “What is your talent anyways?”

“Fire and other burning things like that, such as heat waves. I especially love fire bolts and heat rays. A good heat ray can make an enemy uncomfortable and give up. A good fire bolt can kick them in the pants as they run off.” They all laughed at that. “So how early should we set out? And to where?” Flash asked Auto.

“I was thinking about heading north to evaluate the enemies, but first stopping by Cantorlot and showing you all to Celestia. As to when we leave, well, that’s up to Rouge here. How soon are you willing to pack up and go? Know that time is a factor here and I would hate to tarry longer than necessary.”

“I’ll have everything ready in the morning. You can sleep here, but do not venture out of the cave. I have many animals guarding my home and if any see you without me…” She let the warning stop there.

***

Flash slept well all through the night and awoke early that morning before even Auto. What a glorious day, he thought to himself. It would be a shame to spend the morning quite and cooped up in a cave. Besides what could go wrong?

He sauntered out of the cave a breathed in deeply, “What a morning! Rouge are you here?” When no answer was forthcoming he trotted a short distance out into the clearing. The clearing was fairly large about one hundred feet in either direction from the center. On one side was the strange little hill that the caves were in and on the other was the forest as dense and dark as ever. “Practice makes perfect.” Flash said to himself.

There was a small patch of stone that rose above the vegetation that would be perfect for some nice, safe burning things practice. Flash stacked some stones to use as targets and others behind them in case he missed. He started by shooting one bolt at a time, carefully aiming each shot. He hit his mark dead-on every time. “Time to mix things up…” he mumbled as he started firing the bolts in bursts of threes. His accuracy decreased slightly but it was much more effective. “Time to try full auto!” He pelted the bolts out one after the other barely a half-second between them. He missed several times but as he continued to fire and focused all of his attention on his fire his accuracy started to improve. This is what he lived for! The Pure adrenalin of unleashing a flame! He could do this foreve… and suddenly he was on his back.

***

Rare were ponies this far into the Everfree forest and this Spiderling wasn’t about to miss the opportunity for such a meal. It had even gift wrapped itself, expending all of its dreaded magic and leaving itself so open and un-expecting. It screamed but the guardian was far away preparing the wells of power that allowed Everfree to remain without the help of ponies. It was not afraid of the guardian it had stolen three meals from under her wings already; she made hunting more difficult that’s all. As it was being wrapped up, oh the terror in its eyes, knowing doom was but a short while away and not being able to do anything to prevent it.

It heard a sound behind it and if its' prey would die from being unwary it would not allow itself to have the same happen to it. It spun about to see an armored Pegasus flying straight at it wielding a mace and shield. “HELP ME AUTO!!!” screamed its' prey.

It tethered the last line to the entangled prey and began dragging it away towards its' lair. The Pegasus was close now but it wouldn’t catch such a predator as the Spider. Once it reached its webs it couldn’t be followed. “Auto! Help! Please,” the spider couldn’t escape with such a racket so it bit the prey,” Au-Au-Aut… toe… what are toes? I feel weird… Au…” They prey fell into sweet unconscious and the predator fell into the embrace of the webs.

***

“Flashburn!” Auto screamed at the top of his lungs as he saw his friend slip into the wilds in the clutches of the eight legged beast. He flew in at top speed straight at the spider but it was too late. As he crashed through the forest his wing caught the edge of a web and was nearly pulled from its socket. Auto hung there in despair. “Flash… I have failed you…” He tried vainly to sever the web that clung to him but a mace was useless.

“What in the name of Equestria is going on?!” exclaimed James from the cave.

“James help! I’ve been caught in a web and Flash… he… he’s gone, James, he’s gone.”

“Pony feathers! I’m on my way what happened?”

“Flash was training outside and was grabbed by a monstrous spider! Now cut me down!” James ran to Auto and tossed him a knife.

“I cannot reach you from down here! I’m gonna climb up!” As James cut him down they discussed what to do next.

“We can’t go out there without Rogue, Auto, or we too will die.”

“We can’t wait either! How can we save him before he… oh sweet Celestia we can’t… we can’t even try… how could we? What good would it do? We must attempt to contact her! Rogue will know what to do!”

***

Rogue was just wrapping up the preparations on her forest fire prevention ward when she saw something strange, off in the distance near her home was a smoke signal. She couldn’t read smoke signals but it wasn’t natural. Maybe something had happened? “Better safe than sorry…” she mumbled to herself. She flew back to her camp but kept an eye out for any clue as to what may be happening. Oh no… what if Flash had accidently lit her forest on fire? The ward had only just been placed! She sped back all the faster.

When she got about half way there she saw Captain Auto fly out to meet her. “What’s happened?” she called out.

“Flash has been taken by a giant spider! Help me find him!”

“What?! What happened? What did the spider look like? Where did it take him?”

“He was training in the clearing when it jumped him, it was red, orange, and black covered in fuzz with large fangs, and to the east!”

“NO! It was Shakarok! It is a deadly spider even I don’t mess with! How long ago was he taken?”

“About half an hour ago.” They now flew side by side toward the clearing.

“Auto… I have lost three timber wolves to Shakarok. I’m sorry but… it’s too late. Shakarok knocks them unconscious with a bite and as soon as it reaches its lair it bleeds them out… He’s gone Auto, Flash is gone…”

“No, no, oh no, no there must be a way! He must be alive!”

“Even if he’s lasted this long by the time we find the lair and cut through the webs it will be dark and going in to that lair would be a death sentence. If we search for him, we die and there is no way he’ll make the night. Shakarok feeds constantly. I’m sorry. But why did he leave the cave? I warned you about this!”

“We cannot blame each other Flash wouldn’t want that. Besides it is likely my fault… I should have been more attentive and watched over his training or something.”

“There is nothing we could have done.”

“I know.”

***

Flashburn was feeling strange. It was a light feeling as if he was filled with a cool breeze. It was so strange. He knew that he was dreaming. What else could it be? He looked out across the horizon as the sun rose over a burning world. The forest was in flames, the towns incinerated, the castles melted. It was not the first time he had this same dream, but somehow it was more vivid this time. He didn’t want this. This is what he knew would happen if he couldn’t control the flame. He skin crawled as if a thousand butterflies flew just under the surface… Is this a dream? Or is this… Death? "Nah." Flash assured himself.

Author's Notes:

Thank you for reading and as always please leave a comment or a critique below. I'd love to hear from you!

Chapter 4: Fury of the Sun

Chapter 4: Fury of the Sun

It was with a heavy heart Captain Auto left the Everfree Forest with Rogue and James. They trudged slowly along. None felt like flying, as somehow it was fitting to wallow in the mud left by the storm instead of soaring along the clouds. It was a silent walk each lost in their own thoughts of how they were to blame and what they should have done, even James. But none so much as Auto.

When they stopped to make camp it was dark and they were at the edge of the Everfree Forest. They all set up the camp rolled out their respective bedrolls without a word. None of them could find the will to even try to start a fire. After all, the discomfort of the cold would be less of a burden than the warmth of memories.

Auto awoke around midnight to see Flashburn sitting next to a roaring fire his back turned. “Flash! How did you survive? I’m so happy you made it!”

“You left me to die. You didn’t even look back, did you? Did you!?” Flash yelled as he turned around. Only, where his jovial smile and bright green eyes used to be there was a grimace so dark. His eyes blood red and a light glowed from within them. His smile was replaced with a growling maw of fangs, dripping with poison. The light from his eyes grew in intensity until the bonfire behind him seemed but a candle. Slowly the entire world took on a red hue.

“There was no hope! Even Rogue…” Auto turned to where Rogue was supposed to be sleeping and saw only a split in the earth where fire erupted.

“You chose to leave! You did! You were the one to give the order! She only advised you! It was your decision! You took me from my life, with the promise of adventure and left me to die at the hands of a spider! Did my life really mean so little!? BURN! BURN FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!!!”

The earth split and flames filled the sky and Auto fell deep into the earth. As the flames enshrouded him he heard Flash scream as he did when the spider first took him…

***

“FLASH!” Auto opened his eyes with a scream. He looked about wildly and saw only the forest, his camp the rising sun and Rogue and James with weapons drawn.

“It was only a dream Auto! Only a dream.” Rogue said softly. “You are safe here.”

“I am, but what of Flash? We just abandoned him!” Auto yelled in frustration. “We should have done something… anything.”

“He deserved better, that is true, but there was nothing we could do, Auto. Just, try not to think of it. He wouldn’t want us to wallow in it. Now with that threat to the north would he want us to sit around grieving for him or saving a world he cared about?” James asked comfortingly.

“I don’t know. None of us really knew him did we? He was with us for a few days! I couldn’t even keep him safe that long… How can I keep all of you safe? How can continue to recruit after this colossal failure!?”

“Then don’t. We have enough solders now; me and James can do this! Besides we have Brumble and Woof-Woof. But we can’t continue this if all of our hearts aren’t in it. So will you drag us down? Will you let Flash’s death be in vain?”

“No. We are not to blame. It was I who recruited him yes, but it was those in the north who threaten our peace and harmony. It's their fault! We must defeat them, for Flash!”

“For Flash!” They all called in unison.

“Let’s hunt some Northerners!” They all then flew off at top speed toward Cantorlot James on Rogues back. The land fell beneath them faster than ever before as they were carried by not only their wings but also the inspiration that they forced themselves to believe in.

***

Finally they arrived in Cantorlot, the journey took but two days since they flew through the night. The city was still lit up even at this late time as it prepared for war.

“Halt who goes there!” a guard called from a tower.

“It is I Captain Auto Tomaton returning from my quest for Celestia!”

“Sorry Sir but you will need to wait out there until I can arrange an escort to lead you in! Can’t be too careful during a war ‘eh?”

“I understand! It will only be a minute or two we should land over there.”

“How often I have wondered about this city since last I was here…” mused James, “Of course the lasted time I was here my father was disowning me.”

“Well, hopefully Celestia will be more forgiving to us than your father was to you.” Rogue joked.

“Celestia will great us all with open arms I’m sure of it!” Auto assured them. “I just wish I had more ponies with me is all.”

“Captain Auto you have been ordered to report at the Throne Room, bring your recruits.” A guard called from the wall as the gate opened and a hole appeared in the shield. As they walked into the city both James and Rogue were surprised at how the city had changed since they last saw it, James twenty years ago and Rogue over a thousand. The entire city had expanded exponentially and the walls were all marbled, polished to a shine. Towers and turrets stretched high all about the city, each topped with flags and they had banners stretching from building to building. James noticed several small bits of graffiti in hard to see places that marked the Cantorlot Cutthroats several little hiding spots or safe houses. He looked at one particular piece on a shop that marked it ripe for a robbing.

“They are well organized…” James sighed wistfully never again would he get to live that life.

“Everything alright James?”

“Yeah, just thinking’ of home.”

As they passed through the city they saw signs of it preparing for war, shops were closing early, recruitment posters were up and few ponies walked the streets without a uniform of the Canterlot Army on. Several businesses were actually working overtime to meet the demands of war such as Chariot makers and blacksmiths. The entrance to the keep was covered with guards as officers ran to and fro with plans and counter-plans for the defense of Equestria.

They entered the throne room and saw Celestia and Luna arguing with an Officer who was saying, “But they’re target is Luna! We need to focus on defending her and Canterlot!”

“We cannot abandon the rest of Equestria! How are they to defend themselves from raids?” Celestia rebutted.

“Besides we can defend ourselves! I mean… I can defend myself.” Luna added.

“Are you so certain?” He then noticed Auto, Rogue and James, “Halt! Who goes there?”

“Oh don’t mind us keep going, this is actually kind of funny.” James joked.

“Celestia It is I, Auto Tomaton and my recruits, James Vander QuickHoof, and Rogue at your service, Highness.” Captain Auto bowed as he explained.

“Ah, Auto I’ll see you in about ten minutes I need to finish up a meeting.” He bowed and left the room. They waited outside of the room for about an hour before the Officer left. They then entered the throne room.

“He’s a good soldier he just cares for your safety sister! Besides at least he agreed to lower the guards a bit… Oh there you are! Sorry Auto but you know how Stormsheild can get. Anyways who’d you say they were…” At that moment she recognized Rogue. “R-R-Rogue!? Is it really you? Rogue! Oh how I’ve missed you! Auto were you the one who found her? Oh thank you so much!” She ran up and hugged Rogue then Luna did as well. “After you left when I banished Luna I thought you’d never come back!”

Rogue’s jaw just dropped, she was expecting her to be mad at here for running away from her duties during such an upheaval! She smiled and hugged back, old emotions she had thought buried rose up and engulfed her. And she wept. She wept for her joy at her reunion with her best friends after so long of solitude she finally had come home. “I’ve missed you so much.” Then she remembered the cause of their meeting. “But we have business to take care of.” She re-composed herself as she prepared herself for war.

“Thank you Captain but where is the other one? When you sent word from Manehatten you said you had found a Unicorn.” Luna asked.

“I-I would rather not speak of him at the moment. We lost him in the Everfree Forest…” Auto took a step back. “Speaking of recruits though, Celestia I have a favor to ask. Will you please pardon James for his crimes and recruit him into the army?”

“What crimes? He doesn’t look like any of the wanted posters…” She looked closely at his face. “I do recognize you though; you got your name changed about twenty years ago, right?”

“Yes, and the whole, uh, pardon thing… well you wouldn’t recognize me as no pony has ever found me or gotten a description… I used to run the Everfree Rai...” He started to explain.

“WHAT!? IT CANNOT BE! AUTO IS NOT FOOLISH ENOUGH TO BELIEVE THAT YOU WOULD EARN ANY RESPECT HERE!!!” As Celestia screamed the walls shook and the night lit up with her rage. “YOU WHO HAS PLAGUED MY LITTLE PONIES FOR SO LONG?” Her anger turned from a boiling outrage to a simmering hatred. “All of you leave us. NOW!” They all ran for the door Luna included. “Not you Auto, we have much to discuss.”

***

James paced in what little space he could as the chains were not very accommodating and the guards even less so. He had only ever been this worried twice before, once when his Father disowned him and the other when his gang abandoned him. What punishment would be awaiting him? Banishment? Dungeon? Or what if she banished him and then locked him in a dungeon in the place she had banished him in? What if Auto got punished for fighting on his behalf? Oh no, was that moon worthy? What made a crime moon worthy? Or sun worthy for that matter? “Oh… I hope that it’s going well.”

“Not likely scum, you’ve plagued Equestria for far too long. You’ll get what you deserve and that’s at least life in prison. If not a thousand years on the sun…” James hadn’t considered that.

He paced more worried than ever until the doors were thrown open. “HOW COULD YOU EVEN CONSIDER THAT!? WITH ALL HE’S DONE!? A PARDON!? HE IS GOING TO THE MOON RIGHT NOW!!!”

“But sister we do not approve of it! The Moon is a far worse punishment than you could imagine! Trust us in this, dear sister, what could he have done to anger you so?”

“Celestia please listen to reason! He will serve his penitence! He is a genius in hit and run tactics! Think of your Kingdom!” Auto pleaded emphatically.

Celestia then turned her gaze upon Auto as well as the backside of her hoof. “Silence! All of you! I do as I must! None of you can understand the burdens I am under at all times! Running a Kingdom meant for three, alone? Do you think I pass out judgment frivolously? How many hours I have thought of this pony and that is the only punishment he deserves! He has labored on his crimes long since then!” She turned to James, horn alight. “How long have you been the leader of the Everfree Raiders? Do not lie as I will know.”

“Since they’re founding, Highness I beg forgiveness.”

“Do you admit your guilt fully and without restraint?”

“Yes. Please your High…”

“Then you should feel at piece during your ten-thousand year imprisonment, pending execution.” As soon as she finished speaking he began to glow incredibly brightly and the sun rose to sit beside the moon, and light shot from the sun to land upon the ground at James’s hooves which than rose toward the moon and he began to fade.

A tremendous roar echoed throughout the hallway as Brumble and Woof-Woof burst in the very vines crawled indoors to surround Rogue. A stifling gale encompassed Celestia as Rogue screamed, “CELESTIA! LOOK AT WHAT YOU ARE DOING! SEARCH YOURSELF FOR THE EMPATHY I ONCE KNEW! I UNDERSTAND THAT I WILL NEVER KNOW THE BURDENS THAT YOU WERE FORCED TO ENDURE BUT I DO KNOW THIS, THE OLD CELESTIA WOULDN’T PLACE REVENGE OVER THE SECURITY OF HER SUBJECTS!” As Celestia’s conviction wavered so did her spell. “If you cast him out, ponies will die. Without his skill in survivability and keeping ponies hidden in enemy territory we may even lose. If you still go on with this foolish act, you and Luna will have to divide the control over nature or let Equestria fall back into chaos because I will leave it. I won’t even help you in this war because if you don’t care enough about the lives of your citizens then why should I?” The sun moved back to its appropriate place and the room was lit only by flickering torches. Celestia took a step back and her head dropped low.

“I’m so sorry Rogue and Luna; I let my emotions take control and almost sentenced innocents to die on his behalf. Captain Auto, you and your party will leave at first light for the north. I will allow him to serve and be pardoned but he is banished from my presence. I never want to see him again unless it is upon the field of battle or a court hearing.” With that she slowly walked into her chambers wings and head low from both exhaustion and shame.

“Well that actually worked better than I thought it would…” James began awkwardly. “At least I’m still on this planet. So where to next, I think she was serious about never wanting to see me again.”

“Well Luna, catch up later alright? She said all of his group and I’m in it so I gotta go at first light so we’ll need to resupply.” Rogue said to Luna.

“We look forward to it. Now hurry.”

***

They restocked and left that very night. Not only to the north but to a war and away from guilt, shame, anger, and fear. Early the next morning Celestia sat down and wrote a letter warning her agent Anti-Freeze of her impending company and all that it entails. The letter would arrive mere days before them, she hoped that Anti would have time to prepare.

***

Anti-Freeze sat and read the letter for the fifth time. How was this possible? Him, here? He who destroyed her life? She had a successful trading business until one of her largest shipments was raided and her friends killed by The Everfree Raiders and now she gets a letter from the Princess saying to try and abide his presence? It was a direct order but after all he had done why does he deserve other than the moon? Maybe he deserved a short drop with a sudden stop. She set about preparing her headquarters to accommodate three more ponies. It was small building that’s only entrance was a trapdoor that was hidden under about a foot of snow. The walls were covered in maps and notes on enemy movement and one poster of Sorin, he was the best Wonderbolt, and there were four rooms. One was a kitchen, one was her war room, one was here room, and the last was the entryway. So the alicorn could sleep in the war room, Auto could sleep in the entry way as a guard, and James vander QuickHoof could sleep in the kitchen. She should probably take the Sorin poster down too. She was almost done when from outside she heard a huge explosion! She rushed to the door and stuck her head out. It appeared that the enemy was fighting itself? A white pony, a brown pony, and a pony that was… from this distance it looked green… were in battle with a camp she had been watching. Then she heard it. On the wind a song carried as the camp was blown to bits, ”What do we do with do with the things we don't like? We burn them! What do we do..."

“Slowly back down the ladder Anti. Slowly does it.” She said as she stared at the display in front of her. It was just so strange. As she shut the door she thought about reporting it to Celestia. She shook her head, “She wouldn’t believe me anyways and I don’t even have the foggiest idea of what that was.” Then an idea came to her, “Maybe that’s Auto Tomaton! He’s really early if that is him.” She poked her head back out but the ponies she saw before weren’t there anymore. If it was Auto he’d of come to her base. “Well I guess Celestia should at least get some intel on this.” She then wrote and sent a letter that said “There has been a disturbance… It appears enemy forces have engaged themselves.”

***

“Celeeeeeeeest! You promisssssssed!” Princess Miamora Cadenza whined, “I’m not whiiiining!” She complained. “We were scheduled to have dinner tonight! Me and Shining Armor waited for hooooouuuurrrrssss!”

“For the last time Cadence I was busy almost moon banishmenting somepony oh and we’re in the middle of preparations for a war!” A letter fell from the sky and impaled itself upon a very bored looking Luna’s horn.

“Letter for you dear Sister, from the front lines.” She levitated it over to her.

“Case and point Cadence this is from one of our spies! Her name is Anti-Freeze.” She then began to read the letter, ”There… disturbance… appears… enemy… engaged themselves… Well that makes no sense.”

***

“I hope you realize that if we could just leave Brumble and Woof-Woof behind we’d get there twice as fast!” Auto commented.

“How could you even suggest that? They knew the way to Cantorlot but even I don’t know the location of Anti-Freeze’s secret base!” Rogue rebutted. “Hey on the way can we pick up somepony else to join with us?”

“Who?”

“My sister Wildpaw. She’s a Pegasus who lives just a little to the west of our path. She’s a great archer, we actually used to have arrow splitting competitions.”

“How old is she? I mean you’re an alicorn so live thousands of years but most of us live only eighty if we’re lucky.”

“Well technically she’s my great-great -great-great-great-and-then-some grand niece but she grew up calling me sister so we basically are.”

“Sure as long as it doesn’t take too long but are you sure you want to bring her into this?” Auto inquired.

“She’d probably be mad at being left out if I didn’t get her.”

***

“That’s funny she’s not here and most of her stuff is gone. Maybe she’s in the process of moving, again. She never tells me anything!”

“No worries we can still make up the time we’ve lost if we hurry!” James put in.

“Aye now let us away!” Auto ye-olde englished.

***

Evendra sat upon her frosted throne as in came her trusted general AbsoluteZero. “What is it Absol, what news hath thou brought forth from the advanced invasion forces?”

“Word is not well Nightwarden. It appears the Frozen Fang garrison has been routed by three ponies of questioned allegiances as it is not the group that Celestia sends forth. We know for we are tracking them. Neigh this is a new force altogether. One that is our bane it seems.” He spouted in his guttural tone.

“Then we have but one course to follow, send in the Ice Brothers, they have yet to fail me.”

“Your will be done, Nightwarden.”

Author's Notes:

Thank you for reading and well, you know. Leave a little somthin' somethin' for me to read, I appreciate it.

Chapter 5: Mysteries Revealed

Chapter 5: Mysteries Revealed

It was late when Auto and his party finally arrived at Anti-Freeze’s secret base. They then set about to try and find it. As they searched Auto looked toward the north. “So this is where the doom of Equestria is attempting to rise from. We will meet them as we have met every other opponent, with hope and friendship in our hearts.”

“Come now Captain, you’ve been a soldier far too long to be so sentimental.” A voice came from behind.

“Anti-Freeze, still an optimist I see. How have things been up here?” He said without turning.

“It is beautiful at times but this does get tiring. Will you understand what it’s like to not talk to another pony for years? Could you? Is it even possible to know without living it? The most communications with the outside I have are the occasional letter from Celestia and they’re almost always just orders.” She said as she walked up behind him.

He turned to look her in the eyes. “There is no way I could ever understand, just as you could never understand the pain any other goes through without having led the same exact life. I for one wouldn’t have been able to last as long as you have, all the way up here. And you couldn’t handle the pains of the losses I have been responsible for. Not just those of my own soldiers but also of my friends and the enemy soldiers who are only following orders. I’m glad to see you again, let us rejoice in that and not compare wounds lest we reopen old ones.”

“Aye, my base is over there, be on the lookout though. A mysterious group of ponies have assaulted an enemy position near here but I haven’t been able to commune with them so their loyalties remain unknown.”

They then walked to her base, after fetching Rogue and James, and all went to sleep without a word. James did not sleep well at all. Somehow he knew her from somewhere, but where? He knew he had seen her face before. Was she yet another of her former comrades, or a former victim? He tossed and turned pondering this. What if she was? How would she react? Did she know who he was? Celestia probably sent word ahead of them… Even if she wasn’t a former victim what if she was related to one? Everypony had heard of his gangs exploits and anypony living so high up north alone, the only others she could talk to for miles around being enemies, might be a tad vengeful. All things would be revealed in the morning… if he survived that long…

***

Anti-Freeze considered bashing him over his head and leaving him for dead in the frozen wastes but she couldn’t. Her family hated revenge. Her father actually said “An eye for an eye and the whole world’s blind! Remember Anti that people will always cause problems for you and if you seek revenge on them they will then seek revenge upon you and you unto them for an eternal cycle. Don’t allow that to happen! Remember what Equestria stands for… If Celestia had counter attacked the griffins during the war would the world be as we know it now?” Her father was a wise stallion and she had followed his advice up to this point and she had risen high in the military, after she had here trading entire empire crumbled. She than set herself to allow him to earn his honor and judge him as a pony, not the murderer who destroyed her life. It would be tough but she had to try. For her Father’s sake…

***

That morning was cold, one of the coldest he had ever seen, and dark as if something knew of the events that were being planned that day. The wind tore into the trees which creaked and moaned as frost slowly coated and cracked its surface. Clouds blotted out the sun and whatever warmth it had to offer never met the earth. Yet even here there was beauty. Icicles hung from the entrances of caves and the branches of trees forming little bars that reflected the little light into a prismatic rainbow of splashing color and life. It had snowed during the night and the ground was heaped with snow several feet thick and pure, not a mark embellished its beauty or showed the dangers it posed. The ruined camp to the north was completely encompassed by the snow that rose to devour it and hide its very existence. To the south one could see the clouds part as shafts of light dappled the forested landscape and far, far to the south barely in view were the mountains that held Cantorlot. Captain Auto took this all in with his first glance of the outside world before the clouds shifted obscuring all but the darkness.

He was sent here on a quest to defend Equestria and right now that meant spying on the enemies and discovering this unknown threat. He would stop at nothing to accomplish his goals and bring peace back to his home. He steeled himself for the approaching strategy talks and planning. This was the one part of conflicts he hated most, he could fight, he could rebuild, but to wait and plan for an inevitable combat? He needed action! It was what he was made for and what he understood best. He took another look around and went back indoors to begin the grueling process with Anti-Freeze.

***

No one else was awake except Auto and Anti as they trotted into the war room. Maps covered the walls and notes were strewn about the table. Auto noticed one the maps had several red x’s upon them covering blue dots. “What are those?”

“Our first mission. Those are the camps that have been hit and those are the ones that haven’t been yet. As you can see, the party seems to be heading west in its rampage on the enemy camps. I believe that one will be next to fall and, unfortunately for the group that has harassing the enemy, the enemy has also reached this conclusion and has fortified the position. Word has it that Absol, the general of the armies of the north, has also arrived. If they attack there they are doomed.”

“So we need to somehow find them first?”

“The enemy of my enemy…”

“Is my friend.” He finished. “Where do you think they've holed up at? Is that the yellow dot right there?”

“No, that’s us. I think that if they don’t know the area they will be either there, or there. If they have much knowledge of the terrain though they will be in the ridges there and judging by their assaults, only attacking from an advantageous position, I’d say they have at least some idea. We will start our search there. First though we need to wake everypony up and teach a little geography, can’t have you getting lost can we?”

They went about awakening Rogue and James. James woke up as if he expected to find a knife to his throat but Rogue took quite a bit of prodding. “When you live alone for so long,” she said with a yawn, “you get used to sleeping on your own schedule. Why are we getting up so early anyway?”

“We are at war and we need to understand the terrain, so time for some geography lessons before we go out to try and help the mysterious group.” Auto explained.

“Oh no, geography? Back to school? I skipped like half of that and it returns to haunt me… Do we have to?” she complained.

“Yes.” Auto sighed.

“Ponyfeathers…”

***

After several hours of study they finally had the terrain memorized well enough to find their way back to base. They then set about leaving, each preparing weapons and getting ready to finally encounter either enemies or find new allies. Anti grabbed her daggers and crossbow and observed her new companions. Auto took only a mace and shield, completely ignoring ranged combat. Rogue grabbed a longbow, a quiver of arrows, and a hunting knife. James grabbed a long sword, dirk, and a crossbow. At least one of the others was ready for anything. It had been awhile since she had last fought another pony. It had been short but terrible. It had been an enemy scout in the days right after she sent her warning to Celestia. He had been an earth pony, young, and fearless believing nothing could possibly kill him. She had given him a chance to back off and leave… a chance to live. But he spat in her face and charged, short sword raised foolishly high. It would never again be lifted by him. Two quickly thrown daggers in the chest and a slash to the throat had secured her victory but in a way even she had lost. As she saw the life slip from his eyes she wondered at what had brought him to this point. Had he been like her? Joining the military because it was that or starve? What if she had been in his shoes? What made her cause any different? War is the real enemy but if Evandra takes over and executes Celestia and Luna… Equestria would die without them. All hope and love and friendship… The world would become dark as it was under Discord. She wouldn’t let that happen, even if it meant fighting every enemy pony in that accursed army. “This way.” She ordered, hoping it sounded braver than she felt. “If they know the area than they’ll be there and trust me, it is easily defendable.”

“Let’s get this over with.” Auto grunted as he climbed the ladder up and out.

***

“I will find them. No matter what it takes. If I have to burn every encampment and fight my way through that army I will find Auto.” She said as if trying to convince herself.

“We know you will, after all you found me!” He said jokingly, “And how lucky a meeting that was! Don’t worry we will find them and all our questions, guilt, and whatever it is you have will be dealt with! Besides... you're not the one doing the burning... lazy bum, it's harder than it looks!"

“Ha ha ha you always know what to say.” She laughed.

***

They climbed up a hill at the edge of a wooded area. On their right was a ravine and to the left was a river. They made their way along the trees until the ravine began edging toward the river. It got so close that they ended up needing to hug a tree or fly around a ledge. “See what I meant about easily defendable? Just the four of us are having difficulty and the majority of us can fly. Unless you brought a boat that is. Even then you have to paddle upstream the whole way or climb a mountain that’s even more impassible than this. We are almost there though.” They reached a waterfall that connected the river to the gorge. “Must have rained in the mountains yesterday, it usually doesn’t crest the ridge.” She then cast a simple spell that she had known since she got her cutiemark and froze a small section of water hopped to it and then to the other side. “Shhh quiet now. If they posted a guard they should already know we are here but if not we will get to observe them first.” She whispered as the slowly climbed a hillock and looked down into a small camp.

***

Absol had grown restless in the night. He knew his trap was fool-proof but his spies had lost track of Auto’s party a few days ago and didn’t want to risk them contacting the strange invaders. He had grown up in this area and knew where he would hide out from an army. He would send a squad of pegasi to greet them. “Private Darkcloud this is your lucky day,” He rasped, “You are now a sergeant in control of the seventy-seventh squadron. Your first mission is to attack the little spot we spoke of earlier. I no longer think just waiting will work on these rats.”

“Sir yes sir! Thank you sir!” He flew off to gather his men. They would leave immediately as expected. He would succeed or die, if he or any of his men retreated it was insubordination resulting in death. They had a no prisoner’s policy, that would make this easier. Evendra would be pleased at his success and he may be promoted twice this day.

***

As Anti-Freeze looked over at the camp she readied a dagger, just in case. She turned back to say to the others, “Make sure your Cantorlotion armor is visable so they don’t mistake us for the Freezers.” When she turned back she saw something in the sky. Suddenly the hill they crouched upon exploded into flame and arrows filled the skies. “The Freezers are here and the group down there thinks we are part of the force!”

“How can we help? If we sit and do nothing they may die and if we go out they may attack us!” James yelled back as more explosions filled the air. “How many Freezers are there?”

Auto stood, “We help by fighting. I will not idly sit by as possible allies are slaughtered and it looks to be about twenty to three if we don’t do anything! CHARGE!!!” He flew in the air, sun glinting off his armor as he charged the nearest Pegasus. “CELESTIA!!!”

The others took wing or pulled out ranged weapons and called out either, “CELESTIA!”, “EQUESTRIA!”, or “PLEASE DON’T HIT ME!” James and Anti fired their crossbows in sync and covered Auto and Rogue. Rogue flew to a higher altitude than any other and shot arrow after arrow each hitting its mark. Auto was locked in melee combat with four opponents his mace too slow to strike the opponents but his shield too well placed for him to take a hit. Until one did. It was a glancing blow but took Auto of center and he lost altitude giving his opponents a huge advantage. Now he fought only defensibly but slowly more and more blows almost hit and he ended up taking several glancing slashes. That is, until one opponent burst into flames with a scream. Now only outnumbered three to one he managed to regain his lost altitude and fight more offensively. He quickly dispatched the rest of his opponents and looked around. He detected no enemies and landed soon thereafter. A few moments after his touchdown he felt his wounds for the first time and collapsed. As he slowly slipped into unconsciousness he saw six shapes crowd around him. He faintly detected frantic worried talk and he was lifted into the air.

***

“Is he awake yet? I’m so worried!” Auto heard a strangely familiar voice say. As he drifted back into consciousness.

“I’m sorry… whatever your name is. What was it again?” That voice was definitely Rogue’s.

“Sh…” and he fell asleep once more. His dreams were strange. For some reason he didn’t have a guilt dream. Had he finally gotten over his abandonment of Flash? The world around him was strangely blue. He was back in Cantorlot but something was wrong. He turned about and saw what it was. The entire castle was encased in frost and ice.

“Oh no!” He ran as fast as he could toward the main square. When he made it he screamed in horror. In the very center of the town Celestia and Luna sat encased in ice screams of pain upon their face. He failed! How could he have failed? "No! No no no no no no no no no no no no no! It’s a dream! It must be!”He awoke in a cold sweat and shot straight up. Where was he? He looked about and saw he was in his cot at Anti’s base. He turned to the right and gasped.

“Hey Auto nice of you to wake up. How are you?”

“In a bit of pain but good none the less.”

“Good, we have work to do.” Laughed Flashburn.

Author's Notes:

Thank you so much for reading this far! Five whole chapters and still you plug away! You must like me... /blush... Well you can tell me how you feel with a comment or critique!

Chapter 6: Explanations

Chapter 6: Explanations

Auto awoke to the sounds of pots and pans’ clacking together as breakfast was being made. He heard murmured talking as he slowly rose from his bed. It hurt. It hurt really badly. Mainly it was his shoulder and head. He stumbled over to the door and checked his wounds. He was covered in several gashes and his shield arm was bruised from blocking so many attacks, he would need time to repair. He limped out of his dark room into the light of the kitchen. At the stove sat Rogue and a brown Pegasus he didn’t know. So they had found the party after all and it seemed that the two were already fast friends. “Wh-what happened?” He croaked, surprised at the state of his voice. The two of them straightened their backs and slowly turned to look at him.

“Well I’ll take the five bits now.” Rogue said awkwardly.

“Ponyfeathers.” The other said as she flipped a few coins to Rogue.

“What was that?” He asked.

“I bet you’d wake today she bet you wouldn’t wake period.” Rogue explained.

“Who are you?” Auto questioned the newcomer.

“Oh how rude of me,” She blurted, “I’m Wildpaw, Rogue’s Niece.”

“Nice to meet you Wildpaw. How long have I been out?”

“Well the first time you were out for about a day, the second time it was just a few hours.”

“What do you mean the second time?”

“Well you see after you woke up the first time you were so shocked at seeing F…”

“AUTOTOMATON!!!!!!!” A voice screamed from the hall way. Auto turned just in time to see a green blur charge right into him. “You’re finally awake! You cannot believe how much I’ve wanted to talk to you! Oh, I’m sorry your injured aren’t you! Sorry but I’m so excited! I just have one question,” He paused for a moment walked backwards and his smile turned into a frown. “Why did you leave me?”

At that moment all the guilt he had thought he had forgotten came back and quadrupled in intensity. “I-I, I’m so sorry Flash. It must have been a horrible experience, but I honestly thought that there was nothing I could do. The spider moved too fast and the forest was far too webbed to follow. I almost had you but my wing caught and I dangled for too long and you were lost… I know that it doesn’t matter much now but I truly am sorry, can you forgive me?”

“I never blamed you, well, I did for like a moment when I returned to the clearing and you were all gone. I knew the final destination though and finally found you!”

“How did you escape from the spider’s clutches anyway? Rogue seemed sure you’d be dead!”

“Oh, I completely forgot! A stranger helped me. She wore Cantorlotion armor so I assumed she meant no ill will and I let her come with! Where is she? She never did tell me her name even though I asked her loads of times! Oh she went outside! I’ll go get her!” He shouted as he galloped from the room.

“Do either of you know who this pony is?”

Rogue looked at Wildpaw who shrugged. “Nope.” Flash then blasted back into the room and was followed much more slowly by a figure in a hooded Cantorlotion officer’s cloak.

“It’s me Auto,” She began as she threw back her hood. “Shadow.”

Auto’s jaw dropped. “How'd you get here?”

“That is a long tale and I promised Flash he could tell the parts he was there for, so be ready…”

***

After you left me in that attic I closed the fencing studio for the day and thought about what you offered me. A chance at saving the world. But it was more than that. It was a chance to earn atonement. A chance to clear my mind of the guilt of my brother’s life. By saving others I could save him. He died because he saw me standing up to defend Equestria and I threw away his sacrifice by shirking my duties and no longer defending what he stood for! Now I had the chance to save myself.

I had a few affairs to get in order so I left a day after you and the trail was stale. I knew you’d head for the Everfree so I made my way there and almost immediately became lost. I slowly ended up deeper and deeper into a dark side of the forest. Out of fear I drew my blade and stayed cautious. I heard a scuffle to the right and went to investigate. I cut my way through a few webs and then I saw it. A lump of web being dragged along by a giant spider. I was about to leave but then I saw a horn poke from within the webs! A pony was stuck in there! I charged and the spider turned and bared its fangs. I slashed off a leg and it knocked me down. I thought I was doomed but I was able to roll out of the way. I then landed upon the web sac. Which groaned. The pony was alive! I slashed it open and a head popped up…

***

“Sweet this is when I come in!” Flash called out.

“Yep that means you get to take over.” She told him.

***

I lifted my head and saw a figure shining in gold holding a saber dripping in green with a cape flowing in the wind. It was an angel in gold and purple armor who said to me, “You are still alive? Help me fight! Help me slay this evil spider!” I turned and saw the spider I had thought had killed me.
“Am I dead?” I started to say, at least until it leaped at us. “Oh my sweet Celestia! I guess that question will have to wait for later!” I screamed as I charged up a burst of flame. Just as it was about to land upon us I released the wave and it was pushed back into a tree. The angelic pony leaped forth and impaled it upon her blade pinning it to the tree. I then switched my tactics to the flame-thrower mode and burned it until it moved no more. Thankfully we were able to keep the blaze under control and eventually put it out. I looked about and saw the burnt remains of a town; it had been years since I had seen this town. I quickly shoved back the memories that flooded back. Afterwards we both sat down in the ashes of one of the many trees that got burnt down, sorry Rogue, and talked. I’m having difficulty remembering what exactly we said because I was exhausted. I think it went something like this.
“Thanks for the save, what’s your name?”
“I'm no one of consequence.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m Flashburn! If you don’t mind, what brings you out into the forest?”
“I’d rather not say…”
“Oh, I understand. I’m on a secret mission for Celestia! I got recruited by Captain Autot-“
“YOU ARE PART OF THAT PARTY!?”
“Yeah?”
“That’s why I’m out here! I’m looking to join. Auto said I could if I wanted to.”
“Well then what are we waiting for? Let’s go! The camp is that way!” I then ran off and got us both lost, but eventually we made it to the clearing a day-ish later. “Well where are they?” I realized that you had left me. “Oh no. No, no, no, no, no. They couldn’t of. No, no, no. *gulp* Th-th-they left me… They Left Me… THEY LEFT ME!!! HOW COULD THEY NOT EVEN TRY!?” I am sad to say that for the first time in about a decade I lost control over my emotions and thus, my magic. Sorry Rogue. Heat radiated from around me and my horn gleamed bright red. So brightly and red my very eyes changed color. Fires sparked upon the ground and I turned and focused all my rage on one thing. Myself. A pillar of flame rose about me and flew several hundred feet into the air. I then brought my fury down upon the very earth. And dug, with only heat and flame twenty feet into the ground. I was about to blow up a few trees when suddenly I was soaking wet.
“STOP! FLASH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? FLASH! STOP!” I don’t know why but at that moment I just looked around and saw myself. In a hole, soaking wet, lost, and tired. I started laughing. Not because I found it funny! But the sheer hopelessness of it and my reaction mixed with how plain sleepy I was made me laugh. “Are you ok, Flash?”

“Yeah, don’t worry I know where they’re going. Hehehe. They think I’m dead! Hahaha! Just like everypony else… Hahaha! It keeps comin’ back to that. Hehehe… Oh well let’s go north. Hahaha!”

“We should stop in by Cantorlot first and resupply.”

“Yes let’s.”

So we traveled to Cantorlot and probably arrived right after you! In fact if you hadn’t gone straight to the Princess we probably would have bumped into you at the store. We didn’t stay long, that is to say we didn’t stay at the store long. Some crazy things happened and we made some new friends! We were shopping when I felt my money slowly drifting away… Just so you know bits don’t usually do that around me! I turned and tried to catch the thief. “Stop!” I yelled. “That’s my money!” I must have followed that pony all over Cantorlot before Shadow finally tripped them up.

“You’d better not hurt me! I’ve got connections with the Cantorlot cutpurses!”

“I just want my money back.” At that moment I heard a click behind me and spun about and deflected a crossbow bolt before it struck with fire. “Now no need for that! I just want my MONEY!!!! I have been dragged away from a spider, robbed, and I don’t want to add thrown in jail for murder and fire starting to the list!” I glared into the shades of the pony holding the crossbow bolt. The shades were purple and had symbols gliding across the surface at incredible speeds.

“There is a ninety-five percent chance that you will actually follow through with that threat, Flashburn. The name's Vespa right-hoof lady to the guild master. Know this though there is a forty-five percent chance of you succeeding in killing me and ninety-nine percent chance of you dying immediately before or after. That little pick-pocket kills you twenty percent of the time, I kill you thirty and Scout kills you half the time. Now back off. Sneaks, give him back his money and we will bring him back to the Guild Master to deal with this. I’m only eighty-five percent sure of her decision and I don’t like those odds. Shadow, be a dear and help him up, eh?”

“We are on a bit of a tight schedule, can we just go?” Shadow interjected.

“No. Trust me I don’t like the odds of what would happen to me if I disobeyed the Guild Master’s direct orders and neither would you.”

"Trust her? Don't ever trust Vespa, trust me! We don't want to make the GuildMaster upset!" I told her.

***

We were led into the bowels of the City, deep into the Crystal Mines and through several secret passages that completely confused me. I still cannot remember how to get back there. But we were led into the headquarters of the Cantorlot Cutpurses. The walls were lined with gems and statues. From the ceiling hung that big chandelier that was stolen from the throne room a few years ago and in the back of a long hallway a throne sat atop a pile of jewels and gold, sitting on which was a orange Pegasus with purple hair who wore a black jumpsuit as did all the others, including Vespa, only the part that normally covered the cutie mark was cut away, revealing a blank cutie markless flank. “Guild Master, I’ve brought a few who thought to attempt to catch one of our thieves. One of them is he whom you’ve had me search for.” The blank-flank looked up slowly revealing a scar over her left eye.

“Welcome to the Jewelry Box, I am Scootaloo the Guild-Master of the Cantorlot cutpurses but you already know that, don’t you Flash?”

***

“YOU KNOW THE GUILDMASTER OF THE CANTORLOT CUTPURSES!? I HAVE HUNTED THEM FOR MY ENTIRE LIFE AND THE GUILD MASTER KNOWS YOU PERSONALLY?!” Auto yelled in surprise, outrage, and a little bit of admiration. “How?”

“I had a rough childhood and she helped me out of jail. Let’s just say most ponies are happy when they find their Cutie Mark, and I wasn’t. It’s a bit of a sore spot so please drop it, after all, I am here now.” Flash explained.

“Fine.”

***

“Scootaloo? It has been years! So it was you who started the Cutpurses? Ha! I should have seen it coming. You turned that little gang into a legitimate organized crime ring… Oh by the way Sweetie says hi-“ As soon as I mention Sweetiebell here visage darkened. “-or at least I assume it was you she didn’t really finish your name…”

“Oh now she wants to see me? After the way she and Applebloom treated me? I used to be ashamed that I never got I CutieMark. I used to think It meant I wasn’t special. Now I know it just makes me all the more special, the only pony in the history of Equestria to never have a cutiemark! Flash, I have been looking for you, but you always dodged my recruiters. Why is that?”

“I left that life behind Scootaloo you know that. Besides I didn’t know they were from you, only “The GuildMaster!” and I didn’t trust any of them. You know I hated all the crime thing. Taking what wasn’t ours and hurting innocent ponies…”

“Oh shut up Flash I need you for a job then you can go. We are trying to break into one of the lower vaults and we need your help to get through the door.”

Sorry Auto.

“Fine, but I’m in a hurry.”

“As if you had a choice. Scout, dear, take him to the target. Be quick about it too, we have a date.”

“I know, I’ve been looking forward to it GuildMaster.” Flash turned and saw a Pegasus glide down from a hidden perch. “Hurry up I have to be back by six. Styx, Gripps, Bump, come with we won’t have much time to load the loot. Follow me Flash.”

“Shadow is coming too. I don’t want to leave her alone.”

“Fine.”

“I can handle myself Flash.” Shadow complained.

“I was worried about me…” I whispered. I then said louder, “But you don’t have your sword and I don’t trust these ponies.”

“Hurry up it’s quite a ways.”

***

We journeyed through the underground tunnels for about an hour until we found a section that appeared like the bottom of the castle had broken through the ceiling. “Wow that’ll take some work to get through.” I gasped.

“Well get started! Gripps put the wagon under the center. So the gold falls into it then we scram before the guards unlock the vault.” Scout commanded.

“Right, boss.”

I started to charge up a powerful spell Boomie taught me, wait do you know Boomie? No? Well she’s an old friend who specialized in demolition magic. And I launched an explosion at the roof. Boomie would have done better but I still cracked the floor in one shot. After a few more the floor gave way and gold fell into the wagon. The majority flowed over the sides of the wagon. “Alright I did my part now how do I get out?”

“There is a path you can take a little ways from here, Gripps clear off the top of the wagon, No need to be greedy I’d hate to leave a trail of coins back to the box.”

“Aye.”

The quickly secured the wagon soon rumbled through the caves and Scout pointed to a small tunnel that had a light at the end of it. “We heard from the pick-pocket that you were in a travel supplies store getting stuff for cold weather. We set some supplies out for you take what you need then leave. Look to find us no more, or be greeted by blade and bolt. If we need you we will send Vespa.”

“What about our stuff, and Sweetie will kill me if I don't ask, what did she mean "date"?”

“It's lingo for a job where we... nevermind, and I'm sure your stuff will be with the other supplies.” He then flew back to the wagon.

“So just a few days after joining the Cantorlot Army we rob the royal treasury?” Shadow sighed, “This is going well. What will we do next join a charity and beat up hobos?”

“Did we have much of a choice?” I said.

“Let’s just go before they start sending out patrols to try and find possible thieves.”

“Yeah.”

***

We marched to the north all of our stuff back, excluding a few coins, about a day before you must have. It was without incident until we reached a small forest to the north of Cantorlot and I told Shadow how I met Sweetie and Scootaloo, “So that’s how I know Scootaloo and Sweetie. Haven’t met Applebloom yet… I wonder where she is?”

“That was an incredible tale. But I’m still a little confused about one or two parts.” Shadow said before we were rudely interrupted by an arrow striking the ground at our hooves. Shadow instantly whipped out her blade and yelled out. “Where are you!? Fight me with honor!”

The air was filled with laughter as a Pegasus landed from one of the trees a bow drawn and an arrow notched. “And what would be my chances in melee combat?”

“What is with forests and Archers? Seriously it’s starting to get annoying.” I complained aloud.

“What are you doing in my Forest? And what do you mean Forests and Archers?” She questioned us.

“We are just passing through on our way to the North. Oh and the archer thing, well, I’m looking for a couple of ponies and one lived in the Everfree and was an Archer.” I explained.

“What was her name?”

“Wait how’d you know she was a girl?”

“The name, now!”

“Rouge.”

“Ok I’ll come with.”

“What?”

“If you’re trying to find Rogue I’m coming. It has been far too long since we last spoke. How do you know her?”

“We are on a top secret mission together!”

“So much for secret…” Shadow mumbled.

“How’d you end up split up?”

“I was dragged into the dark forest by a giant spider and they left me, assuming I was dead. Now that I think about it, that was the logical choice. So I am to understand that if we don’t let you join you won’t let us through, is that it?”

“Yep.”

“Okay the more the merrier!” That’s how Rouge’s niece joined up with our little party. Later we found out that none of us had any idea on how to find a secret base so we needed to be found by you guys. I came up with the idea that since we were here to fight the armies of the North we might as well get found that way. After all who can ignore a giant fire? So we decided to burn out a giant signal to you! Anyways you know the rest after that…

Author's Notes:

Thank you for reading and please feel free to hit me up with a strong wording comment or harsh critique! Or you could just say "boop" to tell me you're still here!

Chapter 7: Grasping Ice

Chapter 7: Grasping Ice

“That’s an amazing story Flash, you should write about it someday.” Auto suggested.

“I think I will! Now what do we do from here?”

“Well, tell the Princess about your joining, but apart from that, we just need to watch and gather information on the enemy forces. Unfortunately your actions may have sped up the wheels of war and we need to be prepared to send word at any moment that a strike is coming. I believe the public has taken to calling these ponies, Freezers. Maybe we should as well?” Anti-Freeze answered and offered.

“Agreed, we’ll need posts on their front line in these three locations,” He gestured to the map pointing at their current location and one to the West as well as one to the East. “I suggest we split into three groups two in the ones on either side and the rest of us here in the central base. We will work in shifts between keeping watch, scouting, and resting. For now I want Rogue and Wild to go to the East while James and I head to the west. That way we have wings on the outside and James is the lightest on his hooves amongst all of you. Anti, Shadow, and Flash hold out here, does everyone agree?” Auto strategized all the while marking the map with enemy positions and different routes for possible escape and invasion.

They all approved the plan, and James asked, “What of the Crystal Empire? How do they fair?”

“The shield is strong and Evendra wouldn’t risk attacking them. Their magic is far too powerful.”

“Why not call on them for aid?”

“Their magic is solely defensive and isn’t so powerful as to shield all of Equestria.”

“Where are Twilight and her friends? Aren’t they usually the ones that Celestia throws at everything to end all of Equestria's problems?”

“As of yet, they are missing.”

***

Rarity crawled out of the ruins covered in mud and filth. “I am filthy! How long have we been in there? I’ll have to run to the next town and get help!” And she galloped off toward the town. It was about five days of travel away, luckily they had packed loads of extra food and with Twilight’s rationing her friends should last at least a few more weeks. She would have to hurry though.

***

Celestia was sitting in the throne room when yet another stack of papers were brought in by her secretary. “More tax sheets?”

“Nope, these are the preliminary recruiting and resource gathering reports. Also there is a letter from the Horn and one from Anti-Freeze.”

“I’ll take the letter from Anti-Freeze first, the Horn can wait, they always do.” She levitated the letter over to herself and read it. “We have recovered a recruit by the name of Flashburn and gained the loyalties of Shadowfax once more. Wait! Flashburn? How many criminals is he going to recruit? Check the name Shadowfax will you? No telling who she might be. Is she the Assassin we’ve been chasing?”

“No that was Shadowblade.”

“Wouldn’t put it past him.”

***

“Forward the plans Absol! You know what will happen if we allow them to use the Elements of Harmony!”

“Your will be done my Queen.” Absol exited the chamber that held the scrying pool. It was incredible how, even though they spoke through magical communication, exactly how much power he felt when she spoke. “Squad one! I have a mission for you! One of such importance that I will be accompanying you. We are going to remove the Elements Of HARMONY FROM THE POSSESSION OF THE TYRANT CELESTIA AND THE FALSE NIGHTMARE MOON!” He heard a cheer from around him as all but the ones he had selected celebrated on such a brave strike. Squad one knew it was a suicide mission that only he Absol would escape from, but they had their orders.

***

“This is strange.” Anti said as she looked through her binoculars. “There is a commotion in the central camp. Absol gave a speech.”

“Is he rallying them?” Flash inquired.

“I have no idea, but it seems that one squad is unhappy… I recognize them… that one is Bladeheart. That one is Snowchaser. That is the most loyal squad he has. Why are they so unhappy I wonder?”

“Maybe they were selected for something?”

“Flash… that’s a good guess actually. We should scout it out. By the way how did Auto find you?”

“I was on a boat and when we landed he was waiting for me.”

“I think I recognize your name from somewhere.”

“I’m nopony.” They then trotted toward the enemy encampment.

***

“Why did I have to pull watch again?” A voice complained from up on the hill that separated Flash and Anti from the encampment.

“Bad luck mate, that’s all, bad luck.” Another said.

“Anyways can you believe that Absol’s actually gonna do it?”

“Not really I mean how’s it possible? The El-“

“Silence! What if somepony overhears you! You know we aren’t supposed to talk about it!”

“Why not?”

A voice sounded from behind them and their position was struck with a beam of light, ”This is why.”

“Captain Snowchaser!”

“Seize them!” He yelled as the very ground around Flash and Anti froze. Flash threw out a bolt of fire but missed. He began to charge yet another but he was so cold. He looked down and saw frost climb up his legs to form frost.

***

“Where are they!?” Auto yelled franticly. “They left hours ago and should have been back by now! Ugh, Rogue do a fly over. It shouldn’t be hard to spot Flash’s ridicules cloak out there!”

“He left it here actually, something about trying to be stealthy. I’ll go don’t worry.” Rogue explained as she left.

“Where could they be?”

Auto waited for hours upon hours as Rogue scoured the night sky. She finally flew a bit closer to the Enemy camp and saw a Flash of light. “What could that be?” She flew closer to investigate and saw Flash and Anti being dragged away as ice cubes. “Oh no!” She flew with all the speed she could muster back toward the base. As she landed Auto and James rushed out bombarding her with questions.

“Where are they?”

“What took you so long?”

“Did you find them?”

“Shut UP!” She yelled. “They have been captured by the Freezers! We have to hurry!”

***

Absol had been putting his travel armor on when the guards rushed yelling for his leadership. He knew he had to leave soon, but he also knew that they feared him enough to not waste his time. He was shocked when he saw two Equestrians frozen before him. “Who is responsible for this apprehension?”

“It was I, Snowchaser, High General.” He elegantly put as he bowed gallantly.

“Excellent Major, you have provided us with the distraction we needed to slip past the Enemies lines unnoticed. They will certainly need to rescue these ponies and while they do we shall slip through undetected.”

“Sir, excuse me but I’m a Captain.”

“You were, congratulations now we ride out. Gather the Squad.”

***

Deep in the jungles beyond the Everfree Forest a glen is covered in dresses made of leaves and atop this heap of foliage sat a weeping unicorn with a speck of mud upon her hoof. A brush levitated over but only spread the muck further upon her hoof. “Curse this GAK! It won’t come off!” Rarity sobbed as she slowly rose and walked down the hill of leave dresses. She looked back at the entrance of the dungeon she had escaped but a day ago. “How come it took us twenty minutes to get in there and trapped, but it took me a week to escape!?” It was a good thing Pinkie had brought her spontaneous cupcake generator. That would keep them fed indefinitely and with Twilight’s create water spells they’d be fine for a long time but she had to hurry back to the town.

***

“CHARGE!” Auto yelled as they stormed the camp. The cubes of ice had been locked away near the edge of the camp. It seemed strange to him that Absol would make such a simple mistake. Shadow slashed her way straight into the tent while Auto rushed to the entrance. Rogue flew above and kept the enemies at bay with her bow. James kept the escape route clear. At first there was not much resistance but slowly it grew as reinforcments arrived.

James was beginning to have difficulty holding the escape route as he began to be out numbered two to one. "Confound this! Auto hurry up! We have to leave!" He yelled as he dodged a swipe to his head and countered forcing his opponent to retreat with an injury. "Ha!" He grinned until he spun about and saw three ponies flanking him. "Oh, you've got to be kidding me. Auto! Hurry up!" He retreated so as to have them all in front of him. He parried and reposted, countered and slashed but all his skill could not allow him to gain advantage over these four trained soldiers and he was beginning to tire. "Auto... help... I... can't..."

"One step ahead!" yelled Shadowfax as she leapt into the battle dispatching two of the four quickly and with James's help drove back the other two.

"What took you so long!?"

Auto was bashing away at the ice block that held Flash and Anti until finally he broke through enough to have Flash regain consciousness. "Auto? What's going on? Oh I remember ! Back up... now!" Flash began charging his magic and quickly melted all the ice. Anti didn't wake up. "Help me pick her up. We have to get out." The rushed out holding Anti and ran right past James and Shadow. "Time to go!" Wildpaw landed with a rope and secured Anti to her then flew off toward their camp. Flash had never galloped as hard in his life and yet still the Freezers were closeing in on them. "Auto, fly! I have a plan!" Auto took off into the night and looked back to his friend as Flash spun about and set fire to the fields behind them.

Auto looked behind at the fires as they raged separating them from the pursuit behind them. They casted a myriad of strange shadows across the field. Flash was always confident in his ability to make fires without hurting himself but Auto felt the wind shift unexpectedly and he knew soon the blaze would spread towards Flash. Auto scoured the burning fields for any clue that would lead him to Flash. Auto saw Flash atop a hill surrounded by fire as a unicorn, a master of the winds, used their talents to entrap Flash within his own. Auto knew he had one shot at this, but it was a shot he needed to take. He flew as high as he could within the few moments he had to prepare. Like an eagle, or osprey, he dove. He shot like an arrow toward the ground pulling up mere inches from the fire. With his added momentum he managed to cut through the firestorm surrounding Flash.

The contact hurt. Whether it hurt Flash or Auto more only Discord could know but it did hurt. Flash hadn't the slightest forewarning he just knew that he was slowly losing control of his fire and was then hit by a train. He then felt very light. When he looked up he saw he was was hooked in Auto arms. Auto flew them to safety and dropped Flash on the ground.

"You can walk the rest of the way; we don't want them to see us in the air do we?"

"Ah, I guess you're right." Flash began to trot toward the camp home and slowly his left front hoof was getting colder and colder. This perplexed him. Also his hoof felt sticky and gross. When he looked down he stopped immediately. "No. No. Nonononononononono... NO! We have to go back!" He told Auto as he spun about.

"What? Why?" Auto questioned as he drew his mace.

"My boot! Where is it? Where is my boot!?"

"PBHT! Your BOOT! Is that all?" Auto laughed.

"I need my boot." Flash glared, "I love my boots, if I am missing my boot we are going to have serious trouble. I NEED that boot!"

"We can just get another!"

"We can't my mother made it!"

"We can't go back, not for a boot. There are Freezers and a FIRESTORM back there. It's probably burned away by now any way."

"What do I own for an extended period of time that isn't fire-proof? If you don't go back I will." He said as he turned around.

"No! I just saved you!" When Flash continued back Auto said," At least wait for daylight! We will return home then re-supply and come back, ok?"

"Fine..." Flash grumpily conceded as he slunk back toward Auto.

***

Flash, Auto, Rogue, and James returned to the base. Wildpaw and Rogue were nowhere to be seen as Shadow greeted them in the front room.

"I have some bad news. Anti isn't wakening up. Rogue and Wildpaw are in with her now, she has a fever and they're doing what they can. They say that she has a chance, but... I'm not so sure. I've seen injuries caused by frost burns before and they are not easy to predict." Shadow explained with a surreal seriousness.

"Isn't there anything we can do?" Auto pleaded.

"Not that I know of." Shadow sighed as she shook her head.

"What about me? Maybe what you need to counter some frost burn is some Flashburn!" Flash suggested with concern. "I could at least keep her warm..."

"Go and ask Rogue." Shadow conceded as Flash ran into the adjoining room. "Maybe you should rest, you look exhausted Auto."

"You're right, but I have work to do. James, we cannot afford to drop our guard especially now. Me and you need to do a patrol just in case they managed to chase us this far."

***

Absol pushed his squadron of soldiers through the woods at an incredible pace until they were miles away from Captain Auto Tomaton's camp. "Slow yourselves. We are now in enemy territory; stealth will be more important than speed. Snow, send out scouts to map the regions in front of us. We must get to Ponyville undetected or all will be for naught. We must have the Elements before a fortnight has passed. I need not remind you the cost of failure."

"Yes Sir. You three go map out the surrounding area. Remember to be seen is to feel my wrath and then the wrath of Absol."

"Yes Sir!"

They continued to march toward Ponyville as the sun sank and night aided in their passage.

***

Auto and James returned from their fifth patrol that night, James understood the need for caution, but it seemed that Auto was taking out his worry about Anti-Freeze on endless marching! James hooves were aching. "I wonder how Anti is doing. We should check!" Any excuse to sit down.

"You're right. We should not rush in all at once though, I'll go in first and then you after, okay?"

"Good plan." James sighed as he sat on a pillow.

Auto walked into the improvised sick bay and saw Flash sitting with his horn glowing and his face a mask of pure concentration and strained effort. Rogue, who had been napping off to the side, lifted her head and asked, "Oh, are you here to see her?"

"Yes."

"She is sleeping right now. Though she did regain consciousness about an hour ago. Flash has been balancing her body temperature so she doesn't run the risk of overheating or getting too cold. It seems to take up an incredible amount of energy."

"When do you think she'll get better?"

"Depends, I think she'll be up and about in about a week but unable to do much of anything for at least a month. Even then she'd be just well enough to travel. When it comes to returning to active duty... who can say? Maybe never, maybe a week afterwards. Now if I were you, I'd check on Shadowfax she isn't taking Anti's illness very well at all."

"I think I know why too. I'll go see her now. Tell me when Anti wakes up again."

"I will."

***

It had happened again, just like her brother. She had gotten involved and a pony had gotten hurt. If only she had drawn the patrol instead. Maybe, just maybe they'd all be okay right now. Why did this have to happen to whoever she joined? Was it ever possible for there not to be casualties? At least not so close to her. If she had even just talked to Anti or Flash before they went out they may have been more cautious. If only... She was snapped from her reverie by the sound of Auto speaking behind her.

"It wasn't your fault you know. Decisions were made and all the ponies involved did as they saw fit."

"I never said it was my fault." She retorted.

"I never said I was talking about Anti, did I? That was her, Flash's and my faults, nopony else's. I was talking about your brother. You may think he died because of you but he died for you. It was his choice to go in and you can never convince me that it was your mistake or that he didn't know what he was doing."

"I know."

"It wasn't your fault." He said in his monotone voice.

"I know." Shadow was beginning to get a little frustrated.

"It wasn't your fault."

"I know!" She yelled. She didn't know why she yelled.

"It wasn't your fault."

"I..."

"It wasn't your fault."

She was crying now. She didn't know why. "I, I, I know..."

"He never held you responsible. Now you need to forgive yourself. It wasn't your fault, it was never your fault. Let it go. The pain of his loss won't go away but, you'll make room in your heart and mind for it. Tell me honestly would he want you to feel as you do now?"

"No, no he wouldn't. He would want his strong brave sister to stay strong."

"She never stopped." Auto said as he wrapped a cloak around her and lead her into the room with Anti.

***

Flash was beginning to feel a tad light headed. Unfortunately the only way to counteract her fever was to accept the majority of it upon himself. It was stupid and dangerous but it was his fault. He shuddered a moment imagining what would happen if in his fevered, tired, wandering mind if he lost focus for a moment and the magic took over again. Like it did all those years ago.

***

Absol had succeeded in his mission. They were well beyond the influence of Captain Auto Tomaton and while they still had many days of travel before them he would soon posses the single most powerful set of magical items known in all of Equestria! Evandra would be pleased.

***

Rarity finally stumbled into the small town where they had last stayed before venturing into the jungle. She was covered in sap, dirt, and filth but she had made it and now help was on the way for her friends. It was then she learned of Evandra.

Author's Notes:

Thank you for reading and comment/critique to your heart's content!

Chapter 8: Flashbacks

Chapter 8: Flash backs

"Flash? Is that you?" Anti struggled to say as she slowly opened her eyes.

"Huh? Oh!" He said snapping back into focus. "Auto! She's awake!" He grinned at her, "Next time we sneak into the enemies camp, let's not okay?"

Auto trotted into the room, "Anti, Celestia bless you you're awake! How are you doing?"

"What happened? I remember a voice and then... just cold."

"I can answer that one!" Flashburn blurted out. "We were all sneaking and we heard those ponies talking then we were found and frozen solid in ice! Then the Captain and everypony found out and rescued us! It was amazing! Then you didn't wake up... so we brought you back and nursed to back to health, well maybe not back to health, but at least you're awake!"

"Well at least I can be happy about that... Where are the others?"

"I sent them out on patrol. Don't worry about them. Just get better." Auto told her.

"I'm sorry Auto, I made a mistake and you risked everything to save me and Flash. Thank you."

"I'd never leave you or anypony behind. Think nothing of it. Now, you get some rest, you need it if you want to get better. Besides who knows what really happened? Maybe it was Flash's fault."

"Oh ha, ha, ha." Flash said sarcastically. "Actually Anti I can't let you sleep without me being able to keep your temperature stable and I haven't slept yet so please stay up awhile then when you think you can't just wake me up. " His head fell and he fell immediately asleep.

***

It was a dark, gloomy night when Celestia received the letter that informed her of Anti's accident and the sudden disappearance of Absol. She spent the night pacing wondering what Evandra was planning. Why suddenly bring Absol back to her side? He was as loyal as Rainbowdash so treachery was out of the question. As loyal as Rainbowdash... Loyalty. Loyalty? Loyalty! The Elements! What if instead of bringing him back to her, she sent him out? With all the commotion caused by Anti's unfortunate situation he would have the perfect opportunity to slip through the front lines undetected! She needed to send a detachment of soldiers out to Ponyville right away.

***

Mister Cake was taking out the garbage when he thought he heard something upstairs. That was odd as Pinkie Pie was away with her friends. He decided to check on it. He walked up the stairs and saw her room completely destroyed! "Dear! Call the police! We've had a break in!"

AppleBloom heard the strangest sound from across the hall. It sounds as if someone knocked over that jewelry box that AppleJack defiantly "didn't have." "I knew she had one!" Then it occurred to her; AppleJack is away with Twilight and all her other friends. "What in tarnation? Big Mac! Someone is in AJ's room!"

"WHAT!?" She heard him roar as he charged from his room into AppleJack's. "Who are you!?" She couldn't hear the response but she did hear the thump and triumphant yell of "Nope!" When she worked up the courage to join Big Mac she saw him looking out th window as several dark figures fled into the darkness. One was unconscious and on the floor.

"Did they take the Element?" She asked worriedly.

"Eeyup."

***

"Who?" Owlicous hooted. "Who! WHO! WHO! WHO!"

***

"HISS!!!" Opal hissed.

***

Tank didn't say anything because tortoises kinda just sit there looking cool. He was all like what? You want that element? So what? I don't care, I'm just a cool tortoise over here. 'Cause I'm just that cool.

***

Angel bunny was lucky he was wearing his helmet that night. When the strange ponies tried to break in they met their match at the hands of his legion of animal comrades. They fled with their tails in between their legs! "Squeeeeeeeeek!" He commanded his troops to begin making patrols. They held their forks and spoons threateningly.

***

"We managed to get all but one, sir. The team sent to Fluttershy's cottage have yet to return, I recommend we all go in force." Snowchaser recommended to Absol.

"A seemingly wise move but we need to be out of here long before the dawn. We shall to send you and that is all. Catch up if your name really is SnowCHASER." With that Absol began gathering his troops as Snowchaser sprinted toward the cottage.

***

The squad Celestia sent to Ponyville arrived to find the town in chaos. Everywhere they turned a pony screamed about break-ins and a cottage being frozen over during the night. None of the Elements had been recovered so the soldiers sent a runner back to Canterlot and began investigating.

They were searching houses until they found out they had five ponies to interrogate. Four were found outside of the frozen cottage (presumed Fluttershy's) and the fifth unconscious in the Apple's house. Once they were all gathered up in the library they found out something they already knew. Freezers are incredibly loyal and no amount of persuasion or magic could get them to profess the enemy plans. All they got were names. Snowgazer, Frostchaser, Icemolder, Chilla, and Frosty, none of them were officers nor would they reveal the identity of their commanding officer. Now they at least were able to confirm Celestia's suspicion that they were making a grab for the elements.

***

"Caaaaaaaaaaake!" Pinkie finished singing and bowed. "Well Rocky I think this talent night went very well!" She laughed at the statue of an ancient Pony. "You know you should compete next time! What's that? Think you'd get cold feet? I'm sure the audience would crumble! You'd win by a landslide!"

"Pinkie, could you be quiet? I think I hear something!" Twilight whispered excitedly. She had run out of books a while ago. "Listen!"

"Y'all be quiet! Twi hears somethin'!" Applejack yelled.

At first Nopony heard a thing... But slowly... a slight scraping noise emanated from the wall that had caved in. "Rescue?" Rainbow asked sleepily.

"I hope so!" Pinkie yelled.

"Shhh..." Twilight shushed, "We don't know if that is help coming..."

"*SQUEEK* can it be... a Tetzel Worm...?" Fluttershy asked, you know, if that's okay with everypony... If it's not that's okay... She didn't have to say anything... She's sorry for intruding.

"Come on Fluttershy! Tetzel Worms are an old mares tale!" Rainbowdash laughed.

"Like the sonic rainboom?" Pinkie said slyly. They all laughed.

"The sonic rainboom was always real! Tetzel Worms aren't! You know that, Pinkie, I'm just trying to keep Fluttershy from getting nervous, right?" Rainbowdash whispered. At that moment the tip of a pick axe broke through the dirt by in the cave-in.

"EEEEK!!!!" Fluttershy screamed as she dashed behind Dash. The pick axe widened the hole and a Pony stuck their head through.

"Rarity!" Twilight called out to her.

"I have a digging team out here it should only be a few minutes! Just wait a little longer darlings!" She backed out as more picks began to knock down the barrier. They had them out in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately they couldn't get the staff, but Twi assured them that they had been gone too long as it was. After a few minutes of walking Twilight realized something odd.

"Excuse me Rarity but this isn't the right way to town... where are we going?" She asked.

"I was wondering how long it would take you to notice. I found another town and they came to help." She explained.

"Then how come I recognize some of these ponies?" Fluttershy asked... you know if that's alright. You know what nevermind she didn't really want to know anyway.

"Uh..." Rarity stuttered obviously flustered. "we-well... uh? They jus... Get them." She commanded as she was surrounded by a green nimbus. Then standing in front of them was Queen Chrysalis, the Queen of the Changelings! As soon as her order was given everypony around them transformed and they were surrounded and captured. "Hahahahaha! You were even easier to capture the second time! You'd think you'd learn... Now you won't be able to stop it!"

"What just is your plan!?" Twilight yelled.

"Why, just wait of course! With you gone your precious Princess will lose the war and we will rise to defeat these soon to be weak Freezers! Even if Celestia somehow wins she'll be unable to resist the take over this time!"

"What war?" Twilight slowly asked.

"You really don't know? Hahahaha! Your precious Equestria is under attack from the north! The Freezers didn't take nicely to converting Nightmare Moon into Luna; now they want to take her down so Evandra can rule! We will defeat them though, don't you worry!"

"They won't be able to defeat the Equestrian Guard!" Rainbowdash declared.

"Like we couldn't?" Chrysalis taunted.

"Oh I oughta!" Rainbowdash threatened as she struggled to escape her captors grasp but to no avail.

"All we have to do to insure our victory is keep you captive! In fact... I may just replace you..."

"Nooo..." Twilight gasped in horror as the Queen laughed maniacally.

***

"I just got a letter from the Princess! Funny, usually she only sends us orders on Sundays..." Flash called out to the group having breakfast.

"That's odd, who delivered it?"

"This Pegasus named Featherweight. He was the same as last week. Only a bit more tired... I guess making the run back to back so quickly must have been harsh. Here you go Cap." Flash passed the letter to Captain Auto Tomaton. "He seemed in a rush to get back... The message must be important. He's waiting for our reply in the clearing now." Auto had dropped the letter. "What is it? Auto? Auto what is it?"

"We... failed... WE MUST GO BACK TO EQUESTRIA!" He stood up, "Pack your things we must leave post haste!" He scribbled a note on a piece of paper. "Give this to Feather, then get back and pack your hat!"

"What happened!?"

"The Elements, are gone."

***

"I think I know when it could have happened!" Flashburn excitedly began to say as he skipped down the path, his pack bouncing all the way. "They must have slipped through when you were all saving me and Anti! It makes sense, after all that was the only time our vigilance slipped!"

"Congratulations, you've cracked the case..." James said sarcastically.

"Thanks James! I'm surprised we didn't figure this out sooner..." He said puzzled. "Wait a second...we forgot to go back for my boot!"

"We all worked it out a while ago, Flash." Rogue explained. Suddenly she stopped moving. "Do you hear that?" She questioned. "It sounds like wings... everyone down! Now!" They all scrambled for cover as the ground darkened before them. Then with a flash of light a most peculiar creature stood before them. It had the head of a pony but the claw of a lion and the talon of an eagle!

"Uh oh... not him again!" Flash whispered with dread.

"How do you know Discord?" Auto asked.

"Excuse me! Sorry if I'm interrupting something, but I was sent by Celestia to speed your travels now if you'd just all come front and center! I want to get this boring job over and done with as soon as possible."

"Do you not even remember me?" Flashburn asked cautiously.

"Hmm... according to Celestia your name is Flashburn... sorry doesn't ring a bell! Have we met?"

"YOU SENT ME FORWARD IN TIME!" Flash yelled as his horn began to spark.

"I was wondering when you'd turn up! So your name was Flashburn! I thought it was Fire something... Anyway how has life been treating my little fire starter?" He leaned in closely.

"You promised to make it all better! You said that Nopony would ever even know that it had happened..."

"Well? Do any ponies other than you know about it?"

"No... but I thought that you'd undo what I did! Instead you tore my world apart and shoved me into the future! You made things worse! I couldn't control my powers in my own home! How do you think I did in a strange new place all alone!? And at my age? I was a foal! Then you just abandoned me in the future! You promised me freedom and instead all I got was the loss of my friends and family! Literally everypony who was going to be born in the next decade is dead right now! I knew no one... I had no one... and you never came back... you never helped!"

"Well it was hardly my fault! Right after I sent you forward, I was turned to stone which by the way does wonders for ones memory. Then almost immediately upon being freed I was turned back! Since then I've been Celestia's stooge. Now speaking of which I need to HELP you!"

"No." Flash refused obstinately.

"What!?" The all gasped.

"Last time you "HELPED" me I was sent barreling into a new world! Do what you want to help them, but I want nothing to do with you ever again!" Flash yelled.

"I'm hurt, but also pressed for time, now to all you willing ponies I will give you wings and make them fly faster than normal! It will only last a day or two but it will definanetly speed your travels!" He explained as Captain Auto's wings began to glow. He turned and saw all but Flashburn gain these magical glowing wings.

"What do you mean a day or two? When will they wear off?" Auto questioned.

"Chaos magic." Discord shrugged as he faded away.

Flashburn began to skulk toward Cantorlot as ponies who couldn't normally fly slowly acclimated to their new wings. "Flash..." Rogue called as she flew over to him. "What happened between you and Discord? Why wouldn't you accept his help?"

"Promise me you will never, unless either you are in the most dire of circumstances or I give you permission, tell another soul of what I am about to tell you. Or I can't tell you."

"I swear."

***

Very well, I will tell you. When most ponies get their cutie marks it is a happy occasion. They finally know what their super special talent is! Maybe they can bake great cakes or paint beautiful pieces of art! It was not so for me... I will always be haunted by when I learned of my talent. I'm great at casting incredibly powerful fire spells! But, how does a filly or foal discover their talent? Why they use it! Unfortunately my talent wasn't controlling incredible fire magic. I was only trying to light the fire in my fireplace! It just... There was so much fire... I couldn't stop. I tried to STOP! But I couldn't... The fire was too strong... When I woke up... The entire town was gone... ponies had fled or perished in the flame. That's when I met HIM. H-he... he explained what I did... How everypony knew it was me who destroyed homes and families... How they hated me... He offered to fix it! Imagine that, a foal that had just inadvertently killed or ruined everything he loved or cared about was offered a way out! He said that it would all be better... That it would all be undone! He said nopony would even remember it had happened! He was right I suppose. Now nopony cares... It happened so long ago nopony even remembers... The incident was blamed on Discord and eventually nopony could even remember that a little foal had gone missing... He sent me forward. So far forward that now I'm older than Celestia herself! I... think... At first I didn't know what had happened so I just wandered in a forest... That's when I saw it. My old home. It was almost unrecognizable but I knew what it was, a burnt aged old house atop a hill, now overgrown with vegetation. It is where the Everfree Forest is now. I wandered until I found myself in Manehatten. Thankfully some generous guards helped me to survive until I got a job supplying fuel for a cruise ship. Then other stuff happened but that has nothing to do with Discord So I feel that is all you need to know.

***

Auto understood now. His erratic behavior, his half said comments, even his strange demeanor. All were caused by this childhood trauma. "Flash... I don't know what to say. I accept your decision to not accept his help but you must understand that we are needed in Equestria as soon as possible, so we must leave you. I'm sorry but there is no other way."

"I understood this the moment I refuse his help." He smiled. "Besides wings are for wimps! I'll still beat you there if I run!"

"No need, "Rogue cut in, "You see, I just so happen to be an ALICORN I'll just carry you! I mean seriously look at the size of my wings. Especially now that they are amplified by Discords magic."

"I don't know... it's a bit too close to him helping me... I've kinda sworn off his aid forever... but we do need to hurry... What do you even need me for? All I do is start the campfire, crack jokes and get foalnapped like some Damsel in Distress!" Flash jokingly asked.

"Don't forget that we will need you at the higher altitudes to keep Anti warm." Auto said.

"Oh my sweet Celestia I completely forgot about her! Who's been carrying her?" Flash hastily replied.

"You have two guesses..." Rogue hinted sarcastically.

"Are you sure you can carry both of us?" Flash asked.

"Normally only barely but with the magic, yes. Now let's take wing, we've been here far too long."

"Ok, I guess you're stuck with me for now!" Flash laughed, slowly he was joined by the others. Except James who kept a wary eye on Flashburn. After all he had just admitted to a terrible crime. He'd need to keep a closer eye on him. Especially when he was near Rogue...

Author's Notes:

Thank you for reading and what do you think of it so far? Please tell me! :D

Chapter 9: Absolution

Chapter 9: Absolution

Twilight noticed something odd. She had expected after being led to the Changeling's base that they'd find Rarity, but she was nowhere to be seen! "Excuse me, Chrysalis. Where is Rarity? Don't you even try to drop a fake one amongst us because I'll know!"

The Queen was just about to exit as she heard this. "Funny Twilight, I was going to ask you the same thing." She huffed as she exited.

"Where is she?" All of the other four asked at once.

"I just don't know girls, but it seems as if Chrysalis doesn't have her at least..."

***

Deep in the jungles beyond the Everfree Forest a pile of leaves that had been woven into dresses had slowly begun to rot. About ten yards from this pile another pile had rose up. Nearly twice as high! The dresses in this pile were more complicated and beautiful and they heaped up to form a kind of throne, or nest. Perched high above the ground was a sleeping unicorn. It was apparent from her face that she had been crying and from her coat that she had stepped in some sticky substance that refused to give way to scrubbing...

***

The wind blew past Flashburn's mane as Rogue soared high in the sky. This would be the fourth time he had almost lost his hat to the gale though he did not mind it. He had never flown, or been flown, anywhere before and he loved the feeling of exhilaration. Rogue didn't push about his past and Flash wasn't really all that sure how he felt about that. In a way it was a relief, but in other ways... Well, after letting out what he did after saying nothing for so long... He kinda wanted to talk about it! He also understood most ponies would want space after saying what he had said. Funny how being really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really... Really.... REALLY HIGH. Suddenly it wasn't as fun to be flown around. He was "tired" of looking down so he turned his gaze skyward. "Hey Anti... was I wrong to not accept Discord's help?" He asked.

"Well it was a bit more comfortable up here when I was alone but after I heard your story I can't help but agree with you. If that had happened to me I'd probably of attacked him on sight. Unless ordered by Celestia to abide him." She answered with all honesty.

"Sorry for intruding! I didn't mean to take up so much space! Maybe if I scooted over a bit more..."

"No it's fine!"

"Oh okay... Hey Rogue!"

"Yeah?"

"Do you think I did the right thing by rejecting Discord?"

"You kidding? I almost asked him to remove it!"

"You... do you... still trust me? After what I said? About my village?"

"Well, it's a lot to take in... I decided not to let it affect how I feel about having you as a friend, after all, many times unicorns lose control of their magic when they get their cutie marks. Even Twilight Sparkle lost control, or so I heard."

"Really?" Flash guffawed.

"Yep, one of the most powerful unicorns in Equestria lost control in the beginning."

"Unicorn? I thought she was an Alicorn...?"

"Well, she is now... She wasn't at first... it's complicated." Rogue tried to explain.

"I've seen her wings before, once in Canterlot. They can't be fake!" Flash pressed.

"They aren't! Okay so to explain... She was a Unicorn and lost control of her magic when trying to get into the Princess Celestia magic school for talented unicorns. Celestia was impressed so much by the display that she made her, her personal student. After a while Celestia saw an opportunity to solve two problems with one blow and so sent Twilight to study friendship in Ponyville. After saving Ponyville and even all of Equestria multiple times she was given a great gift. She was coroneted Princess and made into an alicorn by an ancient spell!" Rogue went on. "Does that make sense?"

"Well kinda... just one question... How'd everyone react to this?"

"You see many ponies thought it was awesome but others got really mad and said things like, "It is the death of the kingdom's survivability. I personally was intrigued to see what would happen. But for a while it seemed nopony noticed. In fact some ignored it."

"Interesting! So... what do you do for fun, Rogue?"

"Well, I drew a lot. Often I made fan art from stories I liked. I once had a friend that I promised I draw up a cover for their story so they could post it in the newspaper, "Daily Equestria" but alas I never did, despite his desperate pleas."

"Huh, that's a shame. I bet he put something in a story he knew you'd read to try and get you to do it."

"Nah the other readers would get mad."

"I don't know he still might." Flash alluded as he glanced into the empty space in front of him knowingly. "I wonder what happened to Twilight and her friend's houses..."

***

Tank sat there in the mess caused by the break in. Well he kinda helicoptered as tortoises can't actually walk on clouds. He thought about cleaning up, but he is too cool for that because he is a tortoise. Tortoises are the most cool... At least twenty percent cooler than any other pet, toothless alligators beware. In fact Tortoises are too cool to even indent. He flew through the wall, as it is made of cloud, when he heard voices. "This is the last house to check. Let's hope those Freezers didn't have pegasi with them." The first voice went. "I have a feeling they were smart enough to bring a few, Captain." A second voice responded. "Let's just open the door and be over with it." A third, gruffer, voice went. At this time Tank stuck his head through the wall and saw about five pegasi wearing armor standing on the steps in front of the door. They weren't cool enough for him so he went to go do sports, after all he did have a rigorous flight schedule to keep. Even if Rainbowdash wasn't home. She was the only creature that could compete with his level of coolness so he did what she told him to do. Tank was ripped as he did in fact lift. The real question was do you? DO YOU EVEN LIFT? He can fight anyone IRL! He coulda taken all them Freezas single... Tortoise footed... He just was too cool to care. Man he was cool. He flew to fridge. After all he couldn't do sports without an energy drink! He grabbed a Rocking Monstar Powerdo Brawnthirst and flew straight down to Ponyville. He flew by Gummies place. "CHCKA" He shouted to his bud. "Heeeeeeeeeeesssssssttttttttt" Gummy shouted back as he jumped onto the helicopter and they flew off to the park for the weekly get together of pets. They all showed up. There was Opal the Destroyer of all and grand Duchess of Death, Wynona the Sheep wrangler, Angel the Bringer of Doom, Owlicous the knower of things, and Stanley the rock Derpy... uh... Blonde-Mane-Pony drew a face on and brings to every meeting before she leaves. Tank looked over the sad group. None of them could ever be as cool as him and this depressed him. Tortoises are so much better then everything else. Other pets have to indent but not Tank. He's just too cool for that. He flew above the gathering and Gummy leapt from his back and landed on Stanley the rock. "Hiss Hiss Meow Hiss Hiss Hiss." Opal complained. "Bark woof bark bark woof!" Wynona countered. "Who? Hoo Who Hoo!" Owlicous hooted in response. Angel pantomimed something that nobody had time to piece together. Then every pet turned and looked at Stanley. He always knew what to do. After they all stared at Stanley for a few hours they each returned home. Once again Tank was reminded about how much cooler he was then any of the others. He was like ice to their fire. He needed cooler friends but the eagle and hawk never did forgive him for stealing their spot at Rainbowdash's side. An awful shame that as they were almost as cool as he was. He flew back into the cloud mansion and looked about. The armored stallions had been thorough in their search and clean up. They remade the couch that Rainbow had made from cloud. He didn't get much exercise done at the park so he went to the weight room that had been set up for him and grabbed a couple heavy rain laden clouds and stuck them on a cloud bar. After a few sets of ten reps he decided he was done lifting for the day as he was already so cool he didn't want Gummy to feel bad. He couldn't understand how somepets could handle not being cool. Then again Tank was so used to it by now maybe he just would never understand it. He looked across Equestria and wondered how Rainbowdash was doing right about now. She was probably doing something really cool. Maybe he'd see a sonic rainboom. The idea of something that cool excited him and he looked out toward the Everfree Forest but alas... the boom never came. He was too cool to let that get him down though. He was at least eighty percent cooler than anypet else. The moon began to rise and he stared at its alabaster surface, contemplating just how cool he was. Everyone knows Tortoises are too cool to indent their paragraphs ever. ***

Celestia began to rest after a hard day of searching the skies for a sign of Twilight but to no avail. Why did she have to go missing now? She thought, all those years ago when she made Twilight her protégée, that she would always be there when she needed a helping hoof in a crisis. Now that she had lost the Elements she realized that she had no back-up plan. No fail-safe. If she failed... Auto's ragtag band of misfits would be Equestria's only hope. She needed a backup plan. "Discord!" She called her now willingish ally. She knew he had heard her and could teleport immediately in but she also knew he would never just take the logical choice. No he had to teleport to just outside the room and make an entrance. Vwoop! There, right in front of her stood Discord. She really had to stop trying to predict his actions. "Discord could you please bring the head pony from "The Horn." please? She asked as nicely as possible while still showing it was still an order.

"Why of course Celest! Why don't I just hop right on over there and bring one of them right over! It's not like you can just fly over to their tower or anything..." He grumbled.

"You know very well I'm expecting Auto and his group shortly."

"Alas, but as a monarch's work is never done so shall mine be..." He sighed as he disappeared from sight.

"Sometimes I wonder if Fluttershy actually succeeded in reforming you..." She pondered when she knew he had left.

***

Things had gone better for Absol than he had thought possible, he had the Elements, most of the squad had survived and he had even managed to dispatch that nuisance Snowchaser. It was a shame that he had to lose an element to remove him but at least he wouldn't have to deal with that up incoming General. He was too ambitious and may have threatened Absol's position. He had it coming. "You, you, and you look for a place to set up a cold camp, no fires to alert the Sun of our position." He ordered.

"You set up my tent. You gather food. You stand watch. I will scout ahead." He commanded his followers as he walked through a perfect location for a camp. He trotted over toward an outcropping of stone and observed the flight of birds over-head. If it weren't for the war he could live out here. He had always loved birds and how simply their lives were, how carefree. They didn't understand the storm that was one its way. Would they even really notice? Who knows... would he even have noticed if Evandra hadn't been born into his family? Now he knew that alicorns could be created by spells he wondered why the royalty always took those who were born with it naturally to be trained as royalty? Why did they have to try to take her? If they had left them alone none of this would have happened. His Father and Mother may have even still been alive! He still remembered that day so well.

***

"Ha, I bet I'll get my Cutiemark first Eve!" Absol shouted from his room.

"In your dreams, Abby!" She laughed back. "Besides, I'm an Alicorn! So I bet I'll get it twice as fast!"

Absol hadn't considered that. "No fair! I don't even have either... Still maybe that gives me the advantage! Maybe ground ponies get them the fastest!" He shot back.

"You're silly Abby!" This was a great insult to the young colt who was the most serious and grown up pony his age in the whole town.

"You know I told you never to call me silly!" He mock yelled as he tackled her. The wrestled for a while... until they knocked over a glass full of water. "Eve! What did you do!?"

"Me? It was you who did it!"

"Na uh!"

"Yeah huh!

"Na uh!"

"Yeah huh!"

"What was that sound I heard out there?" They heard their father say as he entered the room. "Oh! You broke another glass! I guess I'll just fix that right up then." Their Father was a dishwasher in a restaurant in town and his special talent was a spell for fixing smashed cups and plates. He wanted to someday own his own restaurant and almost had enough in savings to do so. He often said, "I want my place to be successful so I'm going to set enough money aside to pay for several months of no customers!" but they all knew that he was well liked in the town and everypony would eat there. "There we go! Right as rain! Now what do you want to do on Mommy and Daddy's day off?" He asked them rhetorically.

"I wanna go to the park!" The both yelled simultaneously. The park had everything! A bowling alley, ice cream shop, and even sometimes a troupe of performers! "Where is Mommy?" Absol asked.

"Oh she went to the post office to pick up her payment. She'll be along shortly then we can go!" Their Mother was a mail pony and proud of it. She flew faster and made more on time deliveries than any other pony!

"Who's ready to go to... wait let me guess... The PARK!!!" They heard their mother call as she entered the house. This lead to a resounding cheer as the both galloped out the door. They flew straight out the door and straight into the chest of a police officer. He snorted and shoved them back. He reeked of cider. Not the kind they got to drink either.

"Ah, there you are... uh... Evandra? Evandra. I was sent to collect you." He spat as he grabbed Absol's sister!

"Dad!" He yelled as he grabbed a stick and hit the Stallion in the back. The Stallion grunted, dropped Evandra and drew his sword. He then swung it at Absol. Absol was suddenly on his side and he heard an odd sound. Kind of the sound one makes when they have the wind knocked out of them mid sentence? He turned over and saw his father standing were Absol just was. A sword... sticking out of... Then he heard his mother scream as she ran out with a kitchen knife. Another cop saw this and shot her with a crossbow. She fell atop her husband. Their father. Absol turned to Eve and they both started to scream and cry. Absol felt a strange emotion. Angrier than anger. Something he would soon know as fury, rage, hate. He tackled the police officer and grabbed his mother's knife. He brought it down repeatedly and when he looked up the other cop had reloaded his crossbow and was aiming at him. He seemed strangely still though. After a while he saw that he had been incased in a clear ice. Absol turned and saw Eve standing there her horn aglow and their eyes met. Tears flowed freely and with a silent communication only siblings can know and they ran together. Absol didn't even notice that they had both gotten their cutiemarks until the night had fallen on the cave they sheltered in.

"What are we going to do Evandra?" Absol choked through his tears.

"We... I don't know... We can't go back! We will run away! We will go where nopony can ever find us! Then when we are safe and have time to think, we will decide what to do." He nodded and they slept.

***

They had fled north and eventually met up with some moon crazed cultists and, under their influence, he had seen his sister twisted and turned until nothing filled her heart except the thought of revenge. He knew he loved his sister, but he also knew she couldn't love him. She was so far gone that all she felt was hatred and disdain. He had to serve her though, or she would kill him. Besides, he hated Celestia and her stupid government. Alicorns needed to stay with their families and live their own lives! He fought the corrupt and broken system, not for revenge. What was Eve even planning on doing if they won?

***

"Twi!" Rainbowdash whispered. "Do you have a kinda cage door opening spell?'

"For the fifth time Dash, they have dampened my powers. No I can't just shoot lasers, nor can I blow through the wall or magically increase Applejack's strength to buck down the doors." Twilight huffed back.

"Oh yeah... Hey Pinkie can you... I don't know... break physics or something?"

"I can't do that! Everything I do is possible I keep telling you!"

"Oh yeah... Hey AJ, can you buck down the doors?"

"Not without Twi's magic, those doors are harder than the vaults in Cantorlot!"

"Oh yeah... Hey Twi..."

"No."

"B-But you don't even know what I was gonna ask!"
"Yes I do. You were going to ask me to use magic weren't you?" Rainbowdash did not reply to that. "Yeah I thought so. Fluttershy do you have any ideas?"

"I tried to get a word out to somepony but all the animals around here are rude and mean, I didn't even have time to use the stare on any of them..."

"I understand, I guess Rarity is once again our only hope."

"We are doomed." Rainbow sighed as everypony turned to look at her. "What? I was only saying what everypony was thinking!"

"Remember the diamond dogs?"

"Oh yeah..."

"Why did they have to zap you with a memory spell...?"

"Hey Twi, can you maybe blast the walls down!"

***

Rarity finally gathered her resolve and set forth toward the town, partially because she knew her friends needed help, partially because she was out of sewing supplies. She dismounted the pile of dresses and upon choosing the best combination of dress, hat, and boots trotted toward the town. She had no idea how much her apparel saved her that day. Changelings dotted the skies but they never saw her in her naturally camouflaged and stylish hat and dress. After several days of travel she found the town and a very distraught Spike. "There's my little Spikey Wikey!" She called out to him, "I have terrible news! Twilight and the others trapped in the ruin and can't escape! I came as soon as I could but we must hurry back to save them!"

"I got a letter from Celestia! War has befallen Equestria! We have to get the group back to Ponyville! The Elements have even been stolen! I know who can help! Zecora and her family can get the rest of the town to help!" He then ran off to get help.

"A war? This is terrible! Military fashion is the worst, so tacky! Ugh!" As she trotted to the nearest salon.

***

"Ah Cantorlot! How long has it been since I was last here? Oh! Right before we made our way North!" Flash conversed with a very bored Anti-Freeze. "Hey Rogue are you even tired?"

"Not even a little! I used to have to fly the length of Equestria once a month to make sure Ponies kept good care of the land under their protection. This little trip was nothing. Besides Discord's magic helped quite a bit."

"What was it like to grow up as an Alicorn?" Flash inquired.

"Well, pretty much the same I assume. Until I was around the age I'd get my Cutiemark. Then I was taken from my sobbing mother and father. I never saw them again. From that day I was trained to become the Princess of nature. The funniest thing though was they taught me to talk in the "Royal We" but that was dropped soon after Luna was banished. Just imagine Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Twilight and Me all sitting in a room screaming, "WE THIS!" and "WE THAT!" Kinda comical really. But oh how I missed my parents... I tried to find them when my training was over but they had left the town in sorrow. I still miss them..."

"I miss my parents too... but at least I have closure, yours could still be found!"

"Not likely, it was a very long time ago. Almost as far back as you!"

"What about you Anti?"

"My parents? Well, my Dad was a wine maker and my mother was a traveling merchant. I grew up on the road learning about how to make wines and sell them. Eventually I grew up and started my own business traveling and selling fine wines."

"What happened?" Flash pressed, "I mean, how'd you end up a soldier?"

"Intelligence Officer, and well to tell the truth I was a very risky business pony. I took a route through the Everfree Forest and got raided by James's crew. I was ruined so I took up the only job I could find, I enlisted. After that I basically just went up in ranks. One promotion after another, then I was recruited for a special mission and I infiltrated the Ponyville Pilferers. I was so successful that they are now almost removed! Think about it, a town without a guild of thieves! Celestia must have been impressed because I was sent to this group called, "The..." actually I can't say, government secrets and all that. Long story short, I quickly learned I work best alone. I told this to Celestia and then the threat from the North appeared so I had to go spy for her. Everything was going well, until some strange goings on began occurring. A strange third party burning enemy camps. Then a squad of crazy ponies lead by a respectable member of the military showed up and I was frozen solid. Actually I think you were there for that part..." She smiled at them. "Still, it was getting a tad boring up there and wow do you ponies liven things up!" The all laughed at that as Cantorlot appeared beneath them.

***

James had been worried the whole trip for two reasons. One, what if Discord's spell wore off early? And two, what if Flashburn somehow lost control again? He was worried about the potential consequences of such a possibility! He was unsure if he would ever feel safe around Flash again. Imagine if he were somehow converted to the other side? James knew that he could take down Auto or Anti, even Wildpaw and Shadow but what defense did he have against such fire? What chance did any of them, other than Rogue, even have? James had watched Flashburn the entire trip and he seemed in control but... What would he do? What could he do? When he had been let loose on the Freezers James had seen what terrible power he held and yet, somehow he still managed to act so carefree and happy... How?

Author's Notes:

Thank you for reading! If you feel so inspired by my work so as to tell me about it, please do! What did I do right what did I do wrong? I dunno that's up to you, after all beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Chapter 10: Testy Celesty

Chapter 10: Testy Celesty

"We need you to find the elements, that is why you have been called back. Somewhere between Ponyville and the Northern Border Absol has the Elements of Harmony. I have attempted to find them but they shy from the sun. My sister has also tried but they hide in shadows too dark for even her to search. The Horn has deduced Absol's approximate location and we marked it on a map that you will receive before deployment. Before you go though, I need to test each of you to see if Auto's choices were wise. Is that clear?" Celestia ordered after they had debriefed their old assignments failure.

"Of course Princess, when can we expect testing? Also what kind of testing would each pony be subjected to? If I may be so bold as to ask." Captain Auto Tomaton responded.

"You will be tested one at a time, beginning immediately with you, and each test will be made for each individual thus they will be different for each pony." Luna answered. "Art thou ready?"

"I will pass any test you throw at me." Auto assured them confidently.

"We shall see. Enter that room there."

***

Captain Auto walked into a dark battle. Everywhere around him ponies were caught in a melee of death. This was war. He saw spells fly as well as arrows. He was able to distinguish battle lines by the manner of dress. One side wore Cantorlotion armor and he joined them. Something wasn't quite right... A test of skill? He had mastered his chosen combat style and they knew it. There must be more to the test. Slowly the battle raged on until the ground quaked and he, as well as several other ponies, fell in a cave that ruptured the earth from beneath them. He landed heavily and looked about. The few that had fallen with him were either unconscious or dead. He saw a tunnel to one side. A pony emerged from the dark depths. He saw bright green and a blue hat... Flashburn! "Flashburn over here! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes!"

Flash turned towards him and with a sly grin and an evil gleam in his eyes he yelled. "BURN!" and began laughing maniacally as he shot burst of fire at Auto who barely brought his shield about in time to block them. "Time for you to burn like they did! After you abandoned me the Freezers found me! They told me the truth! Ha! Ha! Ha! In fact, why don't you just ask your buddy Discord to send you back in time to kill me when I was your little stooge! Or does he just go forward? Ha-ha!" Auto's shield was beginning to heat up to dangerous levels but Flash pushed on and on. Bolt after bolt slowly wore down Auto's defense until he had no choice but to drop the now lump of melting metal that was his shield. He batted the flaming projectiles with his mace. Auto deflected one after another until a luck swing shot one at the roof above Flashburn's head. "Wh-What!? No! NOOOOO....!" Flash screamed as the cave toppled on top of him.

Auto dropped his mace and cried out, "Why? How could this have happened?" Then he remembered it was a test and felt a strange woozy lightness in his head and he stood in a medical tent. Injured ponies lay in beds all along the walls and Auto looked over them, recognizing none. Until he saw her.

"Auto?" Shadow asked weakly from her cot. She was in bad shape. A bandage covered her head and chest, next to her lay her helmet a hole puncturing through the top. It looked just like her brother's. "Is that you?" She coughed.

"No... no... what happened? Shadow... I promised you the army would never bother you again... I only let you join because I thought... I could protect you..." He fought through his tears.

"It's okay... I-I joined of my own volition... I'm happy to do my part for Eque... Equest... Ugh." She groaned in pain.

"Shadow? Shadow! No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no Shadow! You, you will be okay! Please be okay!" He begged.

"It's... o..." she sighed as her last breath left her.

"No... No... NO!" He spun about as he hefted his mace and flew from the tent in a rage. Somehow he was in a forest... How'd he get in a forest? He heard a sound and saw her, Rogue, with three timber wolves.

"What do you want, Warmonger?" She spat. "Come to kill again? Like you did my niece?"

"I don't know what you're talking about..."

"Let me sum up, sic 'em!" She yelled as her timber wolves howled and charged. He spun about to see the entire forest behind him overrun with webs. Even the sky was blocked. Spiders descended upon him and wild animals and monsters approached him from all sides. "I wish I had the ability to banish you to the sun... a few thousand years followed by an execution seems a good punishment... Now, die!"

As she said this the animals descended upon him and as their teeth and claws tore him to shreds he was blinded by the pain. Slowly the pain subsided and he looked about to see he was in a dark alley. Frost covered the cobbled road. In front of him stood a hooded figure. "I knew you'd come for me. I knew you'd never actually give me my freedom as promised. So here I am. Kill me... I won't be going to any dungeon and I won't be banished to anywhere so have at it!" James yell as he threw his cloak upon the ground and launched a crossbow bolt at Auto who deflected it with his mace.

"Please, James. Come peacefully. Please. I can't handle fighting another friend today... Please see reason!"

"You know you're right," James replied sarcastically, "I'll just turn myself in to spare your feelings. Auto, I never thought you'd be so greedy... throwing in your lot with them and abandoning us... You saw what they did! Now slay or be slain!" He cried as he drew his blade and charged.

It was a long battle and both parties gained and lost advantage at different times but Auto was a trained soldier and his endurance was far greater. James dropped his sword as Auto's mace smashed into his hoof. James looked down at his bleeding hoof and then at his sword on the floor. He looked back up into Auto's eyes. "Please. Don't let them take me away. I won't outlive the sentence they put on me... Please kill me... Even if you release me, they will catch me. I'd rather it was you... Please."

Auto lifted his mace and understood this is truly the only solution but he couldn't do it. "James I beseech you. Please don't make me do this..."

"It's okay Auto. I don't blame you, but you know this fate is far preferable to a life on the sun." James started calmly and then he yelled, "DO IT!!!!!" And Auto did.

He stood in a dark bluff overlooking some nameless town. His armor was rusted from negligence and his mace hung heavily at his side. He heard a voice from behind him say. "So there you are! I've been looking for you for a long time!" He turned and saw two female ponies trot towards him. One was Wildpaw and the other was a stranger. Her cutiemark was a small bomb exploding. "I decided after you did all that you did I'd need help exacting revenge so I got Sparkboom here to help me... All I had to do was tell her about how you killed Flashburn..." As she mentioned Flashburn the others cheery demeanor became dark and a slight popping sound could be heard. "I don't think she likes you... good." She said as she drew her bow. "Now prepare to die."

"Ah pony-feathers... Not you too." He drew his mace as a small reddish ball flew out of Sparkboom's horn and floated slowly toward him. Upon contact with his shield the entire hill was wiped from existence. He woke up in a very cold, dark room. He moved and could hear ice crackle on his skin. He turned and saw where he was. The throne room in Canterlot. He looked around and saw shapes incased in ice. Five to be precise. Upon looking at the largest one he saw a familiar face... Encased in the frost was none other than Celestia. Quickly he checked the others which he now recognized as bodies. Princess Luna! Princess Mi Amora Cadenza! Princess Sparkle! But who was the last and smallest? It was with great dread he approached the block of ice. It was An... no... Not Anti-Freeze again... Why have all of his friends either turned against him or died? Why!? Suddenly he was in a room covered in these strange black crystals... He turned and saw Celestia just finishing some spell that made her horn black... But she was ALIVE!!! "Celestia! You're ALIVE!!!!" He ran at her and hugged her furiously... for about three seconds until he realized what he was doing. "Uh, um sorry my liege I shall be going now..." As he ran out of the room as fast as possible.

***

"Okay, there you all are." A breathless Auto panted as he found the rest of the team getting lunch in the mess hall. "I had to warn you, Celestia has given us a second chance but we need to first pass a test."

"What kind of test?" James questioned worriedly.

"She claims it will be different for everypony but trust me, it will be hard. She already tested me. She used some kind of illusion magic to test my skill, will, and loyalty. She made me see all of you either dead, or hating me. By the way Rogue, please don't ever hate me... that was terrifying." Auto explained. "I don't know when she plans on testing you but it may be soon so prepare yourselves. Good luck."

"What happens if one of us doesn't pass?" Anti-Freeze questioned.

"That pony won't be allowed to continue service in this squad and anything that comes with that, I'm sorry James and Flash, but if you don't pass you may find yourselves forced to feel the law's wrath."

"I understand why James would but why Flash?" Rogue asked, confused.

"Well, I uh, I may have been the cause of a fire here or there, and I haven't always been able to afford to fix my mistakes... especially when I first arrived. Oh and I was in the Cantorlot Cut Purses..." Flash hastily explained all embarrassed like. "So I may have skipped town... more than once... But I never became a bandit! Um, no offence."

"None taken if I wasn't forced into it I'd have never started." James assured him. "I have an idea! We want these tests over as soon as possible, yes?" There was a general agreement to this statement. "Then how about we split up? She likely doesn't want to test us all at once so if we are alone she can single us out better!"

"Wow, well, I was gonna say keep together for moral support but it is hard to argue with that logic." Auto conceded. So they each went their separate ways, Flash heading toward the library, Rogue toward the Cantorlot gardens, James to a tavern, Anti to her old barracks, Wildpaw started wandering as did Shadow.

***

Celestia paced nervously. "There you are! Swift Code, Power Hacks, and Data Core. My Horn finally answers my calls."

"At your service Celestia. We have been monitoring the satellites you graciously placed in orbit for us. We believe we have located Twilight and her friends." Swift Code a female pegasus began.

"Where!?" Celestia excitedly questioned.

"Rarity appears to be safe in a small village but the others are in the Changeling Empire."

"WHAT!?"

"It appears that Chrysalis holds a grudge still and wants to see us lose this war. If we want them back we may have to either send a covert team in or wage all out war on two fronts. Sorry to say this but, it might just be smarter to just leave them there." Data Core offered.

"I cannot leave my student like that, I have a team that I am testing now. If they pass I will send them. If not, I'll send those who did. Thank you for this information."

"Of course your majesty." They bowed.

"Do you have any information on the elements whereabouts?"

"We think that they have either fled underground with them, have adopted disguises, or have been traveling only at night. Last sighting placed them several weeks journey from the border, if they keep to the stealthy pace they've been setting."

"Thank you, Luna?" Luna dropped down from her perch were she was resting after her shift in the skies.

"Yes my sister?"

"How do you think we should deal with this? Our soldiers are scouring the land to no avail and Auto's group will be pre-occupied. To be frank... I'm at a loss dear sister..."

"We know not where they are, but we know where they are going. If we send a large force to guard the border from exiting they may just ensnare Absol's little group."

"Thank you sister. Horn, give my orders to squads P-13 through P-25, U-3-16, and G-46-58 then return to your station."

"As you say, Princess."

***

"Ponya, Hoof Kang, Mane-o, Sub-Horn, Scorpony, Raidsaddle... FIGHT! Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo PONY KOMBAT!" The arcade machine buzzed after Flashburn put some bits in.

"This'll burn time until Celestia jumps me with that test thing... Now who to play? Hoof Kang? Nah. Ponya? Nah. Raidsaddle! He throws lightning!? Sweet! Take that and that and that and this! Ha! Wait... what's this? Test your might? Ok... how many apples did I buck? A measly four? Ugh... Last round! Who's this Discord-Tsung? Ha! Take that! Wait... but I beat that pony... what? He can MORPH!? I thought DraGoro was hard... LIGHTNING!!!!! HA!"

"Having fun?"

"Yeah... I was on my way to the library but I saw this place and... wait... I recognize that voice..." Flash turned from the credits on the screen to see Celestia standing behind him. "Oh... Hi Princess long time no see! So what brings you here? Business or arcade games? You know you really do need to relax a bit. Take a load off! You know what you could do? You could give me the test while relaxing! That is possible right?"

"No."

"Well that sucks, so when will we begin?"

"Now..."

"Okay! I'll just type in my name for the high score... What!? Only three letters!? I guess... BRN works..."

***

The first thing Flash noticed was how very cold it was. How very, very, very cold. The ground was covered in about a foot of frost and a howling gale blasted through the village. It took him a while but he soon recognized the village as what it was. It was his village? How could his village be back? It had been burnt to the ground! Why was it so cold? The Everfree valley never got this cold... Maybe I can warm it up! Flash thought. He focused on pulsating out tiny bursts of heat. But it had no effect. Ok... a bit more then! More heat came through but still no effect. Frustrated he put all of his energy behind the task of warming the village. MMPH! It worked! The ice began to melt away! Wait... Something is wrong... NO! NOT AGAIN! I CAN'T STOP! NO! GRAAAH! He fought with every fiber of his being against the pull of the heat. Looking for some way, any way to stop it. Only one presented itself. Fine... if this is the only way. He ran toward a lake he knew was nearby and dove headfirst into the freezing waters. Slowly the water began to boil and steam until none was left. Somehow his magic persisted though! Ok plan b... If my energy is the source of the magic... I'll expend all my energy! "By the power of the SUN!!!!!" He yelled as he shot a laser of the purest fire into the soft gray white of the sky. It's not working! The heat he was producing increased whether or not he wanted it to. Expanding all of his energy wasn't working either... Ponyfeathers what now!? An idea struck him suddenly. If I must burn let me burn far from here... Goodbye home of mine. See ya in the future! Maybe... He galloped toward a mountain he knew was uninhabited and barren not a plant or creature had called it home for centuries. Flashburn sprinted with all his might far from where his flame could do harm. When he reached the mountain he lighted upon a small settlement. No! Nopony has lived here for... a long time! My flame is so potent now... If it continues to grow at this rate... I'll never make it to the next barren uninhabited land before it grows to the point of burning every place I have to pass! There must be a solution... I know of a way... There must be another! Flash knew there wasn't. Time to see if my teleportation is up to snuff. It is an awfully big target though... I doubt I'll miss. Goodbye Equestria! He charged up his energy for one great push and was enveloped in the fire of his own magic. Ow. Ow. OW. OW! OWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW WOW! This stings! With a great burst of flames he erupted into a portal of fire. The first thing Flash noticed was how very cold it was. How very, very, very, very, very, very, very cold it was. The ground was covered in a fine powder and the thin air was hard to breath. It took him a while but soon he recognized the place as what it was. His spell had succeeded? How could that be? He did pyromancy not teleportation! It made sense that it was this cold. The Moon did seem like the kind of place to be cold. Maybe I can warm it up... He smiled to himself as his uncontrollable heat magic raged on.

***

Flashburn opened his eyes painfully to see Celestia's horn slowly fade from black to its usual white. "You always do find the best in a terrible situation don't you?" She questioned him.

"Call it a flaw, I call it a boon." He groaned as he got up. "Did I pass?"

"You sacrificed everything to save a village you didn't even know. You knew that the spell you cast would not allow you to return. Yes you've passed. Now sleep..." He final words had the weight of a spell behind them and he was knocked out cold.

***

"Another water over here Barkeep!" James called.

"Why not order a cider 'eh? Enjoy yourself!" The Barkeep replied as he poured a glass of water. "After all, they cost the same."

"Nah, I need to keep a sharp mind. I have a test that my life depends upon and it can come at anytime."

"Huh, why does this test mean so much?"

"That's classified." He laughed. "I've always wanted to say that... now that it's true... not as much fun as I thought it'd be." The barkeep went pale. "What is it?"

"Why, why your Highness!" He stuttered. "Can I get you anything!?" James turned and saw Celestia. He just looked into her eyes and nodded.

***

"Funny isn't it?" A raucous voice asked. "And to think you sold out those lily livered Equestrian scum for us 'eh!?" James turned and saw his old gang. They seemed happy he was there. "I still can nay think of how you did it! Getting us all pardons and heaps of gems from that icy mare Evandra in exchange for some information! Still I'd hate to be them in about an hour when their precious secret base is torn to shreds by the Freezer army! Ha!" James thought on what this meant... Not only had he betrayed his friends but he even returned to the absolute torment of his previous life!?

"Where did I say they were again?" He asked trying to sound like he was joking.

"About five miles west of Trottingham remember?"

"Ah, if you gents will excuse me I have to use the restroom." James slipped out. He could still make it there to warn them! He grabbed his sword, crossbow, and daggers then galloped at full speed toward Trottingham. It was near nightfall when he finally approached the location the base was and sure enough under a shrub was a door. "Auto!" He hissed into the doorway.

"There you are James! I had thought we lost you in the last skirmish! Bless you you're alive!" The deep sincerity behind Auto's concern truly touched James.

"Look Auto, you and the others need to get out now! Evandra has found this place and sends her armies after you this very second!"

A dark look crossed Auto's face. He took a deep breath. "Then we are doomed. James run while you can but none of us can leave."

"Why not!?"

"Rogue was injured in the last fight, badly. She can't move. Not even slightly. You go! We will fight to the death here in a last stand. You owe us nothing. Go! I gave the others the chance but they elected to stay. Please go James! Survive!" James was pushed out by the passion in Auto's voice and he knew at that moment what he needed to do.

Dawn rose at with it, so did Absol and his soldiers. It was to be a red day. His ponies would bring his wrath down upon Auto and his team once and for all. The first wave had been unsuccessful but that was expected. Now the second wave broke upon them. Absol would join the third and final wave. As Absol lead the third wave in he heard a strange and alarming sound. Arrows whizzing in from behind.

James knew his band was outnumbered, out trained, and even out spirited. He knew that soon his ponies resolve would break and they would flee but he also knew that he couldn't abandon his friends to certain doom. "Charge!" He yelled as he dropped his crossbow and drew his sword. The battle was a mere skirmish but enough to offset the tides of battle and as James troops fled Absol's number dropped. James managed to cut his way to the door and fling himself past the broken frame into the interior where his friends fought.

"James!? What are you doing here?" Auto demanded.

"I brought reinforcments, they've all fled or died but I couldn't just leave you all here. Now let's fight together." As he finished the door was flooded with Freezers and he dodged spells and arrows. James ducked under a ray of frost and found himself alone in a side room cut off from Auto and his friends by a battalion of Freezers. He made ready for a charge when the light from the door was blocked out by a hulking form. "Absol..." James muttered.

"So you were the one behind the band of raiders... clever. But now, you... will... die." He said in a dreadful clarity and certainty.

James's eyes scoured the room until he found a weak support. "So will you!" He yelled as he threw a dagger at Absol to buy time and slashed at a support with his sword. As the roof fell down upon them he heard Auto scream, "NO! James!"

***

James didn't remember drinking, so why was he hung over? He opened his eyes and saw Celestia standing with a black horn before him. "You would do that for your friends? You have passed now, sleep..."

***

Shadowfax had never been to Cantorlot before! The sight of all these prim and proper ponies strutting about with their nose held up and all of the commoners rushing about created a sort of ordered chaos that was mystifying. The rush of the city was old and well known to her as she was from Manehatten but the attitude of ponies here was. In Manehatten Nopony would have dived out of the way of another pony just because of station. Even guards had to worm their way through the crowds... Why was it these common ponies did then? The answer evaded her though as she rested on a bench. She watched a traveling musician play by a street corner and gave him a few bits. She knew the song he was singing and silently sang along.

"The fire of friendship lives in our hearts

As long as it burns we cannay drift apart

Though quarrels start, their numbers are few

Laughter and singing will see us through

We are a circle of great friends

A circle of friends we'll be to the very end!"

"Good song!" She called out to him. He smiled back but suddenly his grin flew far wider and he bowed. "Huh, didn't realize my compliment would mean so much to you." She began confused. Then she remembered. "Celestia is standing right behind me isn't she?"

"Yeah..." He said.

"Well I'm ready when you are, Your Highness." Suddenly a flash of light gleamed from behind her and she closed her eyes.

***

When she opened them she found herself on a mesa overlooking a battle in progress. A voice sounded from behind her. "Captain Shadow! We listened to your orders and have begun the charge."

"Very good Lieutenant." She replied. The battle raged on far beneath her.

A strange dark shape rose from the west. As it approached she realized what it was! Enemy reinforcements... Now the battle was not only out of their favor but they were surrounded, out-numbered, and had no chance of reinforcements. "Captain! They are doomed! We won't be able to save them in time... Sweet Celestia no! My brother is down there! You ordered his battalion to move in! You did! If you had seen this coming he might have survived! Why did you have to choose his and not mine?" Shadow was racked with grief, she knew this pain before. She knew that even though it was impossible, she had to try. She drew her blade.

"Proper Reinforcements won't reach them for a few hours but we and our squad can! If we can buy them time, many will still survive! Send word to Captain Auto to bring in his legion, we will go in ourselves!" The other pony was shocked by such a display of bravery. "I lost my brother to a hydra, you won't lose yours to a Freezer!" She turned and charged down the hill. "Come my fellows we must aid them until Captain Auto Tomaton arrives!" She landed in the enemy lines and cut her way through to the pinned battalion. "We have come to aid thee! If we can hold for a few hours more, Captain Auto will arrive to drive the Freezers back north! Stand with me and fight! For a free Equestria! For Celestia! For Luna! For our Family and Friends! But most of all, FOR US!" The fighting was bitter and Shadow took many a hit but they were grazing blows that left only slight injuries. They compounded though and she was forced by her own soldiers to rest until Auto arrived. Only half an hour from his charge the line was broken and Shadow rose to the occasion. She fought exhausted and bloody until the line was reformed with her at its core. Her blade snapped and she fought with only the hilt. A horn sounded and the Freezer's line shook with terror as a fresh legion fell upon them. Auto flew in with the air support and landed taking Shadow's place. "I did this Auto. If I had known many of these casualties would have been avoided."

"No. This is war. If you blame yourself for every loss of life under your command, when you act correctly, you will never know peace. Now up, I need you." The battle raged on but now the Freezers were fleeing. It was bitter and harsh but finally victory was achieved.

"It wasn't my fault. I understand this now. No longer will the mistakes of the past haunt me." Shadow resolved without a shadow of a doubt.

***

Shadow felt as if her head had been beaten with a mallet. She opened her eyes and saw the radiance of Celestia marred by a black glow upon her horn. "You have finally put the past behind you and can grow forward, of all the test subjects you were the least likely to succeed and yet you did. Now take a well earned, Sleep..."

***

Rogue communed with the animals of the gardens, well the ones willing to meet with her that is. They had many an interesting tale about the goings on in Cantorlot. Rogue knew Celestia was there before she even crossed half-way across the field. She turned and looked upon the Princess. "So Celestia, you have come to test me at long last. So what is it gonna be? A quiz? A choice? Or maybe you will just use some of Sombra's dark magic on me? Oh, it seems we have a winner. Well beam me up Celly."

"As you wish."

***

Rogue was home in her nice little glen in the Everfree finally the business with that pesky Evandra was finished and she could live in peace once more. It had been dark when she arrived so she hadn't really seen the state of her home, but it was morning now and she was rested. "Time to do some clean up I suppose." She trotted out of her cave and saw her forest had burnt to the ground. All about her the ground was coated in a thick coat of ash that was only slightly disturbed by the faint wind. Fragments of the glen were left untouched by the flame but still were ravaged by the invasion of the ash that coated their leaves and blotted out the sun. The dead forest was silent. Too silent. A forest was supposed to be filled with life and sound but the pure powerful silence that emanated from this wreckage was tangible and heartrending. "Wh-Why has this happened?" Then she understood. "I wasn't here to renew the wards against forest fires... one of the creatures that lived her must have done this by accident... I wasn't here... because of that stupid war! Their stupid war did this!" She was fuming with rage. She threw her nature magic at the ash and re-grew the forest slowly. How long would it take to make the forest live again?

"Rogue!" A voice called from the dark ash fields. "Tragedy has struck! We need your help once more or the kingdom will fall!" It was a solider from Cantorlot. "Discord has allied with Chrysalis and has taken the city hostage!"

"I can't leave! If I go now the forest will die again... Only my magic is strong enough to fix this mess."

"We need an Alicorn to lead us Rogue. Princess Cadence is too far and being assaulted by King Sombra! Twilight is captive... You are our last hope."

Rogue was truly torn. If she left now the Forest might never return to its full strength but if she didn't Celestia might be banished or worse. In the end she thought of all the sacrifices that were made to save the kingdom last time. They couldn't have been for not. "Tell Auto that I am on the way."

***

"Ow." Rogue complained.

"You did good now sleep."

"As you wish ya thug." Rogue winked as she fell asleep.

***

Wildpaw had been watching when Flash and Rogue had been tested and she thought she understood what was going on. For a wandering Hermit she actually knew quite a bit about what had happened when Twilight had saved the Crystal Empire. "So Celestia is using Sombra's magic to see if we would remain loyal in even the worse circumstances? Well played..." She mumbled to herself.

"Hmph, clever of you to find out."

"Wow you are a stealthy one aren't you Sunny?"

"Yeah, now enjoy the test."

***

"Once there was a pegasus that could really fly,

here and there faster than anypony could say hi,

This flier had a daughter whose wings were so small

That she could not fly at all.

She was ashamed and abandoned her in Ponyville without even a goodbye."

That is actually a rather depressing limerick. Wildpaw pondered who it was about as she flew home. Something wasn't right... She was curios until she noticed that the forest was a shade to light. "Oh no... the canopy is covered in... webs." Ponyfeathers she hated spiders. Spiders are the worst form of life to exist in ever. IN EVER! "Spiders... why did they have they have to be spiders... spiders can go spin a web in Tartarus for all I care. I mean honestly what do they even do!? Every other animal has a purpose but giant spiders?" She landed in a less web covered clearing.

"Help!" A voice shrieked from within the forest. "Please they are coming I can hear them! I'm stuck in a web!"

"Ponyfeathers." Wildpaw cursed. She approached the voice but upon reaching the edge of the forest she came up short. She HATED spiders. She looked about and every branch seemed to be a hairy leg and every jutting root appeared to be the waiting poison drenched fangs. The very shadows seemed to shift and breath. She took a step back. "No..."

"Help! I think I see one! Oh sweet Celestia NO!" The voice cried in terror.

Wildpaw gulped and took a step forward the web pulling on her hoof disturbing her so profoundly that she had a thought. How do I know this pony isn't a Freezer or a raider? She took a step back.

"Please somepony help! I'm just a mail pony for the princesses! Stay back you stupid eight-legged freaks!" The voice was trembling with absolute horror.

"Ponyfeathers..." She dashed into the darkness. "Ponyfeathers ponyfeathers ponyfeathers ponyfeathers ponyfeathers ponyfeathers!!!!" She cried as she bolted at full speed past many a writhing dark shape. She saw the pegasus hanging from their wing in a tree. "SHHHHHHH! Don't speak or I will lose my nerve!" She hopped up and sliced the web holding the wing. "Follow me! Run run run run run run run runrunrunrunrunrunrunrunRUNRUNRUNRUN!!!!!" She turned and the fled at incredible speeds but alas they were a bit too slow. With an incredible amount of defeat in her voice Wildpaw stopped and muttered, "Pony...FEATHERS!!!" She tossed a spare dagger over to the mail carrier as they looked at the exit, covered in webs. A hissing sound emanated from the trees above the blocked path. Almost like laughter. She un-shouldered her bow and shot at the shadowed masses that moved in from every side as the mail carrier began cutting through the webs. The spiders continued their unending advance as Wildpaw ran out of arrows. "You keep cutting, I'll lead them away." She sighed as she dropped her bow and expended quiver and drew her sword and dagger. She flew deeper into the forest while clacking her blades together attracting all the spiders to her. She fought but it was all for naught as a spider landed on her back and bit her. As her eyes slowly closed she saw a shaft of light and a pony flying away. "Rain, snow, hail, giant spiders, abandoning your savior, the Equestrian Postal service will deliver on time..." Wildpaw sarcastically sighed as the lights faded.

***

"You suck." Wildpaw said through gritted teeth and a head ache.

"You passed by the skin of your teeth, now sleep."

"No. I... Don't... want... to...." She said as she fell asleep.

***

Anti sat in a her old dark barrack. She was alone as all the other soldiers were out on patrol or were on leave. The door opened and Celestia walked in. "Have you come to test me?" Anti asked solemnly.

"No." Anti looked at her confused. "I've come here to tell you that of all that Auto has chosen only you have earned my absolute trust. You don't have to pass a test but I need to make you three offers. One: I send you back to the Northern Border and you return to life as it has been all this time. Two: I send you with Auto and nothing is different. Three: I send you with Auto but you report to me on their actions and plans. That way I'll be able to judge them even more accurately."

"I don't want to return North..."

***

Author's Notes:

Thank you for reading so very much for reading! Ten whole chapters! I gotta say, isn't it great to get critiques? Isn't great to know exactly where to improve? Please information me that. :D

Chapter 11: The Elements New Home

Chapter 11: The Elements new home

"Hey Twi, I have an idea!" Rainbowdash called out in the dark of the cell.

"What is it this time? Use a magic lock picking spell?" Twilight asked feigning interest.

"No, you can't use magic remember! How about we pick the lock with your horn?"

"Wait, what?" Twilight was actually interested this time, had the memory spell finally worn off? How pray tell do you say we do this?"

"We could sharpen it on the metal bars by the window and then pick the lock! Wait... you don't have nerves there do you?"

"Unfortunately yes do you remember the time when Sweetie smacked Rarity's horn to get her saddle bag back? That proves we do have feeling in it."

"Sorry I wasn't there. Wait how do you know about that?"

"Rarity was complaining about it one day."

"Oh. Could we use a feather?"

"The feather would break before the first tumbler clicked into place. But good thinking."

***

Auto looked at his team. He had picked every last pony in the group, except Anti-Freeze and Wildpaw, and all of them had passed Princess Celestia's test. He felt a surge of pride as he opened the letter while walking toward the table at which they all sat. Flashburn was telling a story about a pony he met while working on the cruise ship. "To which I said, "Oatmeal? Great idea!" and it was... it was! Oh good morning Cappytan!"

"Good morning Flashburn! I just got new orders. They say,

"Captain Auto Tomaton You have been ordered to

take your team deep into enemy territory to retri-

ve Twilight Sparkle and her friends who have been

captured by Queen Chrysalis! Make haste to their

aid, failure is not an option this time."
huh, looks like we have some traveling to do, don't we?" He looked up at the group. "Are you all ready to leave?"

"Wait... does that mean we are going to pass through Fillydelphia?" Flash asked worriedly.

"That would be the fastest way so I'm going to go with... yeah." James thought aloud. "Haste is important here you know."

"Why are you hesitant Flash? What is in Fillydelphia that you are so worried about?" Rogue pressed.

"Well you see... um..."He began nervously as he started blushing. "That's... where... Sparkboom lives... and I haven't seen her for a long time... I've kinda been nervous about our next meeting... If we bump into her I don't know what I'll do... Probably put my hoof in my mouth... again."

"Is this Sparkboom special to you?" Wildpaw winked.

Flash's face flushed a strange hue of red as he has a purple coat. "She was... um... well... so the mission is to rescue Twilight? I've always wanted her opinion on a certain fire spell!"

"Yes... The letter goes on to explain that the Princess has arranged for a supply drop in a town half way between here and Fillydelphia so we don't need to delay for supplies on the way there. And yes we have to go through Fillydelphia sorry Flash," he winked, "I guess we can try to rush through but at that point we will need to stop and buy supplies. Besides it is a large town." Auto sighed. "But if push comes to shove you may have to say hi."

"Ponyfeathers..." Flash mumbled as he slid down in his chair.

***

"This is most disturbing..." Absol muttered as he signaled his troops to halt. "Equestrian armed forces are blocking the road. I have a feeling that they are patrolling the forest. Swiftfall?"

"Yes sir?" A voice came forth from the back were a diminutive pegasus in a red jacket sat.

"We need a distraction, I want you to fly three miles to the west, then be spotted and lead them back towards here. They will believe that you tried to lead them away from us and you will not be taken alive. If you can escape then fine, if not... You will not be taken alive. Understood?"

A look of a dark surety crossed over his face as he steeled himself for what was to come. "Sir yes sir. In your name and that of Evandra I go." He nodded, dropped his saddlebags, sword, bow, quiver, and map taking only a dagger. He flew toward the west at a low altitude.

"Now we wait." Absol grumbled. After a few hours a royal messenger landed by the command post and the Equestrian Guard rose from their post and galloped to the west. "All according to plan. Wait but one more half-hour and then we make for the border."

***

Snowchaser was tired, so very tired. He had ran harder and faster than he had thought possible. The Element of Kindness was secure in his saddle bag as he fled the Equestrian Armed Forces. He knew he was in a forest known as the Everfree but he was unable to find his way out. The paths were winding and crossed over and over each other creating a confusing maze and he could not risk being spotted by using his magic to find the way out. He knew that North was the way home but ridges and groves of thick foliage made traveling in one direction impossible. He reached a strange clearing. It was made strange by a large hole in the ground that was covered in old soot and ash almost blown away by the wind. He saw a small cave on the edge of the rise and decided to camp there for the night. As he approached a growling ensued from inside as a Timberwolf pack erupted from the darkness with howls of bloodlust. "Sweet Evandra no..." They jumped at him and he did what he knew best. He shot a bolt of ice at them and ran beneath their claws into the cave. He spun about and saw them breaking through the ice that had encased them and they turned around hungrily. "Uh... bye?" He froze the cave entrance sealing himself in and them out. He sighed and turned. The sigh turned into a guffaw as he saw a lovely little living room with all the comforts of home. "Wait... what?" The home seemed almost untouched by the wolves, as if they knew not to mess it up. Even the pantry was untouched! What have we here? Snowchaser wondered. "Is anypony home? Hello?" I'm alone... well might as well enjoy this while I can. He would be safe here a while it seemed. He sat on the couch and began eating some hay fries from a bowl while looking at the wall of old books. Which to read?

***

The Tomaton Team, or Auto's Adventurers, or Freezer Fryers, or Equestrian Armed Forces number two, or Team Super Pony Fire Squad ventured forth from Cantorlot early in the morning. They made good progress that day though it was uneventful. "I have an idea!" Flashburn called. "Rogue shoot an arrow and I'll try to incinerate it!"

"That's a waste of arrows Flash... Okay just one!" Rogue un-shouldered her bow and let fly an arrow into the sky. A burst of flame followed it until poof the arrow head fell back down to earth. "Good shot Flash!"

"Thank you, thank you! So when are we gonna make camp?"

"In about a mile. Why do you ask?" Auto answered.

"My hooves hurt. I've traveled a lot before but always on a cruise ship!" Flash lied.

"Oh okay..." Auto responded suspiciously.

About an hour later they finished setting up camp. "Can I have first watch?" Flash asked.

"Why do you want first watch?" Auto asked surprised.

"I don't want to have a watch in the middle of the night that's why!" Flash retorted.

"Are you okay Flashburn?" Auto asked.

"Yes of course! Why wouldn't I be?"

"Okay. Okay I get it."

As darkness slowly all the other ponies fell asleep Shadow being last as she had not pulled a watch that night. "Hey Shadow?" Flash asked quietly, "Can you do me a favor?"

"What is it Flash?"

"Can you cover my watch? I have to go somewhere tonight. Please don't tell anypony about it please!"

"Okay Flash but hurry back so that James doesn't ask why I'm waking him up and not you."

"I'll try my best." He whispered as he disappeared into the night.

***

James woke up when he heard a rustling near the camp. "Who goes there?" He whispered just to make sure it wasn't Flashburn on watch.

"It's me Flashburn, I'm just patrolling and I thought I saw something. It was only a squirrel though! Now go back to sleep." Flash whispered hastily.

"Okay." James was tired and quickly fell asleep.

***

Shadowfax was beginning to worry. Flash's watch was ending in a few minutes and there was no sign of him. He had been gone for four hours! Where was he? A rustling in a bush near the edge of camp shoved all thoughts of Flash back and she drew her blade. "Show thyself."

"Oh going all ye olde English on me. It tis I, Flashburn, my lady Shadowfax." Flash joked as he stumbled through the brush.

"Oh my goodness Flash are you okay? What happened?" Flash's cloak and hat had slash marks and gashes and a trail of red followed Flash from the shadows. She rushed to his side as he collapsed.

"I'm fine... don't worry about it." He grunted.

"We need to get you bandaged now." She gently removed his cloak and hat. He was covered in burn scars but not all of the wounds were old and not all of them were from fire. He had a long laceration on his forehead but luckily it wasn't very deep and had stopped bleeding. The main concern was a deep puncture wound in his chest. Now that she had removed the cloak blood flowed more freely. "Oh Celestia no... It's bad." She slashed a bit of Rogue's tent off and wrapped the wound. "I'm not really all that sure what I can do at this point... I was never trained as a medic. Maybe a unicorn could help or an alicorn? Rogue wake up!"

*yawns* "Why is there a hole in my tent? Is something wrong?" Then she saw Flashburn. "What has happened!?"

"Help! Can you heal with magic? Flashburn you stay awake!"

***

"You know what this calls for? A PARTY!" Pinkie yelled randomly. "I remember a song for it too! First you wiggle your tail oink oink oink! Then yo-"

"What do we have to party for Pinkie, we're in a cell remember?"

"But it is the Cake Twin's Birthday!"

"You know what? We don't even need a reason to party! Let's just do something to improve moral 'round here! What do yall say?" Applejack called out. The was a general murmur of agreement and they began to use what was around them to decorate their cell. A thought crept into the back of Twilight's mind What is Celestia doing right now?

***

"Please just help me understand what you were tricked by Absol means!" Celestia lashed out at the Guard Captain that had brought her the news.

"He sacrificed a solider to lead us on a wild goose chase through the forest. By the time we realized our mistake it was too late. I am so sorry for my failure and if you want to lock me in a dungeon or banish me or banish me then lock me in a dungeon in the place you banished me to then that's what I deserve." He bowed his head in shame.

She sighed and analyzed the situation. "No. You did your best and behaved with honor, loyalty, honesty, and strength, I could ask no more of you. Unfortunately we still need to get the Elements of Harmony back so I have a special assignment for you. The Horn has found an item that Zecora hid away. Though she would normally just give it to me see is unreachable at the moment so I'll need you and a squad to go collect it for me. This is top secret." She said as she gave him a scroll. "Burn that when you are done reading it."

"Yes my Princess."

After he left Celestia sat before a pile of paperwork and mused aloud, "Why do so many Ponies think I'd banish them and then lock them in a dungeon in the place I banished them to?"

***

"What in the wide world of Equestria has happened!?" Auto bellowed when he was awoken in the dark of the night to see Flashburn bleeding heavily as Rogue began healing him. "Flashburn? What happened to him!?"

"Captain maybe I can shed at least a little light on the situation." Shadowfax began in a shaky voice. "He asked me to cover his watch so he could go do something. I agreed and waited for his return. He came back smiling but bloody. I woke Rogue when I saw how badly injured he was. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let him go." Her head bowed in shame. "Another of my decisions has caused pain to a pony close to me."

"Did you really not even question him!? He seems to have walked straight into a trap! Haven't we learned that Flashburn makes stupid decisions? Or do you not remember the incident where he and ANTI-FREEZE GOT FROZEN!?" He yelled in fury then spun around and galloped into the forest.

"He'll be back, he's just a tad bit upset. He doesn't mean what he said." Rogue said.

"I know..." Shadow said with her head down. She wished that she could believe what Rogue had said.

"What was Auto yelling about?" James questioned as he and the rest of the group got out of their tents. He then saw Flash, "Sweet Celestia what in the name of Luna is going on? Please tell me that he's okay!"

"My talent isn't healing but I have mended many wounds on animals before so hopefully he will be fine within a month or two. He should be awake by morning if all goes well. As for what happened... We have no idea." Rogue explained.

"Is there anything we can do to help?" Anti-Freeze asked.

"Not really... I guess you could make a litter so we can carry him in the morning." Rogue replied.

"On it."

***

Rarity led the village of Zebras to the ruin, with the help of Zecora, only to find the entrance blasted open and her friends gone! "Funny... where did they go?"

"There are tracks leading that way... toward the Changeling Empire oh dismay... Many ponies walked this way... far too many to be just Twilight and the others... you will have the help of my brothers... after we send away the children and mothers." Zecora rhymed poetically. As the non-warrior Zebras left for the village. "We will help you find your Pony Friends even if we must fight to the end. We should hurry as we don't have much time to spend."

"Thank you Zecora." Rarity thanked her. "I have dresses over there that we can wear for stealth purposes. Even some colt fashion that is popular this season."

"I mean not to say something is amiss, but where did you find time for all of this?" Zecora asked to understand just how it had happened.

"Ummm yes." Rarity replied hastily.

***

"*cough* *cough* ow... my sides hurt..." A voice muttered.

"He's awake!" A voice echoed from out in the darkness.

Why is it so dark? His eyelids fluttered open but still a darkness hung over the air around him. The darkness shifted a shaft of blinding light erupted from a crease. Following the light was Captain Auto Tomaton. The darkness slowly faded away and Flash saw that he was in a tent. "Hey *cough* Cappin' what happened?"

"I was about to ask you the same. You arrived covered in wounds and blood after abandoning your post. I would like to know why."

"Do you? Would it matter? Would *cough* knowing what was so important to me that I would *cough* slip away into the night and return like this? What was so private that I only trusted a pony that I had no choice but to trust? *cough* Do you really? Look at me. Even now you know that I don't want to tell you. Think on that. After everything I have freely told you, all the secrets I have confessed. After the blood I have shed for your cause... You have the nerve to ask me? Do you really want to *cough* know? I will tell you eventually but if you push it now it's on you." Flash fell into a coughing fit and spat blood onto one of his bandages.

Auto didn't know what to say at this point. He needed to know but... If Flash was this defensive it couldn't be just a simple mistake that he is covering for... "Flash, I only want one answer. Why didn't you ask for help? I wouldn't have judged! None of us would! Name one pony here who doesn't regret something from their past!"

"This is something I have yet to forgive myself for... I couldn't bear the thought of bringing any of you there... It wasn't even supposed to be dangerous! I was just going somewhere I had been before... Unfortunately some bandits had moved in. I couldn't allow that. I scared them off but, well you saw what good that did me. Now please I need some rest."

Auto left the tent and faced the group that waited outside for the news. "All he would tell me was that he went to visit a place where he did something he regretted and it had bandits in it. Then he cleared it."

"That's it?" James asked surprised. "I would of thought that you'd have stayed in there long enough to find out where it was at least!"

"Trust me, after I saw the look on his face... we don't want to know that anymore. We should just be happy that he survived and carry on. Now we need to move out. We cannot afford to waste a day. I don't think Celestia will forgive yet another delay."

***

"Well done Absol. The Elements of Harmony safely out of the reach of or enemies. We have the element of loyalty. The element of laughter. The element of generosity. The element honesty. The element of magic. And last and certainly least, the element of... Where is it? WHERE IS THE ELEMENT OF KINDNESS!?" Evandra screeched.

"Snowchaser failed to retrieve it my lady." Absol bowed.

"So they already have one?" Absol nodded. "You have failed me Absol. I will forgive this grievance because you are my kin. Scatter the elements among our strongholds and get out of my sight. It would be best for you if you stayed there." Evandra sighed her voice dripping in disappointment. "We go to the next stage of the plan if you wish to remain general then you will not fail me. And if all is well, you know what to do."

"Yes my lady." Absol bowed and left the room. He was furious! He brought her five of the six elements and all she noticed was the one missing one! How dare she! Can she even comprehend the level of risk that a mission of that importance and kind had presented? She was lucky to even have seen one! Now he was outside of the throne room. He shouldered his saddlebags now laden with only four of the Elements as Eve had chosen to keep the element of magic with her. He turned to look upon his soldiers. They shouldn't know about the elements lest one be captured. He had to think of a good lie that was not too obvious. The time had come for him to do a few rounds anyway, but why would he need so many ponies just on a routine check of the strongholds? Maybe they needed to know of the impending plans... The Equestrians would know soon enough of that anyways. The lie formed in his mind and then flowed from his mouth. "Today we tour our strongholds to make sure that they remain as mighty as is befitting the Frozen Empire. Any sign of weakness is weakness. After this has been confirmed and if necessary fixed... WE STRIKE EQUESTRIA!" They cheered and he smiled. He would not fail her again.

Author's Notes:

Thank you for reading, I guess now I'm far enough into post that only people who care would be reading this... I cannot tell you how hard it was to actually post this to FiMFiction. The site intimidated me. I thought I wasn't good enough... but after going to Everfree Northwest and speaking with the people there and getting so much feedback on my entry to the Iron Authors contest I gained the confidence to do this. I wanted to thank some of them here, Grand Moff Pony, thank you. My Horror Pony, Thank you. Wdeleon, Thank you. Xepher, thank you. There are so many others but well, after so many nights of Ponystock I was too tired to remember. If I failed to mention someone here it's not because I'm ungrateful it's because I was too busy to write your name into my phone. It did die a lot. Oh well you know the procedure, comment or critique please. And thank you, that one person who actually reads my stuff.