Horsaw, Ponland. March 22nd. Year 20 of the New Solaminan Calendar (2050 human calendar)

Freedom Heart rubbed his forehead with his hooves as he went over the paperwork. He wasn’t a stranger to administration, but he was now having to handle it by himself. Prior to his new appointment he had, at the very least, had colleagues to take part of the burden with him.

Now he faced a large stack of reports, bills, announcements and other bureaucratic paraphernalia alone. He had been rifling through them for hours, skimming the basic details and then rejecting them, or sending them further down the line for his approval. He wasn’t technically the viceroy, but with the turbulence that was wracking the Mareopean continent, his authority had been expanded exponentially.

Barely a week ago he had picked up an abandoned report informing him that Solamina had ordered a contingent of three hundred Guardsponies to go to the British Isles for classified reasons. Apparently they were still there and he had to stamp their logistical requisitions, not that they really needed his approval.

Lighting his horn, he levitated another stack of papers into his immediate view. Maintaining the spell, he fluttered them in front of his face, scanning the titles of each sheet of paper and seeking something, anything amongst them that could grab his attention. Countless proposals flew past him, asking for small changes that only really affected the immediate departments and communities that each member of the government was in charge of managing.

Finally he glanced at something that seemed more interesting than the others. Slowing his stream of paper and ink, he settled the report on the desk in front of his eyes.

“Sightings of Midnight Guard personnel increasing,” he mumbled to himself, “bodies recovered in Midnight Guard armour.”

As he read the report he became even more agitated. He had already received numerous reports concerning the military situation of Mareope. Anthroponies were the most common threat, infesting the woods and forests across the continent, but the region was also rife with traitors. Ponies associated with the New Equestrian Resistance had been sighted in the east, and now there were Midnight Guard running around as well.

Sighing heavily, Freedom Heart realised the situation in Mareope was far worse than his initial estimates. Now that there was confirmation of Midnight Guard activity on top of everything else, he knew he needed more support.

He immediately pulled out a spare segment of parchment and wrapped a quill in his magic. Dipping the quill in ink, he brought it to the paper and began to write, mumbling his message to himself as he worked.

“To the office of High Commander Twilight Sparkle,” he muttered. “I am reporting from the viceregal palace of Horsaw in Mareope. The situation is far more dire than initial reports and estimates suggested. At present the continent suffers from infestations far beyond what previous forces could handle.” He paused for a moment, wondering whether it was wise to admit he was out of his depth. “I request immediate reinforcements in order to suppress the major concentrations of enemy forces present in the continent. Commander Freedom Heart.”

Putting the quill down and giving the ink a moment to dry, he pondered whether it was worth using the magical link directly to the High Commander’s office.

Sitting up in his chair, he reached over and wrapped his hoof around a pull-cord. Tugging on the rope, he rang a bell to summon one of his aids. A minute later, a pony cautiously opened his office door and entered the room. He was a young Pegasus stallion with a grey-ish blue coat and light lilac mane with a cutie mark depicting a quill wrapped in parchment.

“Sir,” the stallion said bowing his head. “What do you need?”

“I need,” Freedom Heart began before pausing, struggling to remember the name of the pony he wanted. “I need the Archmage, the one that can send this notice directly to Canterlot.”

“Yes sir,” the stallion replied, already knowing who the Grand Marshal was talking about, “right away, sir.”

With that the pony turned and trotted out into the hall.

Freedom Heart sat back down again and contemplated the situation. He was unsure whether or not the High Commander would listen to him or not. In his experience, unless it was the Empress herself, she didn’t particularly like magic messaging, whether it was sending or receiving them.

Soon enough the doors to his office opened again and a Unicorn dressed in elaborate arcane robes walked in imperiously. It was a rust red mare with a purple mane, her cutie mark obscured by her clothing.

“You sent for me,” the Archmage said, her exasperated and irritated tone making it obvious it was a statement rather than a question.

“Yes I did,” Freedom Heart replied, equally annoyed at having to deal with the mare. “I need this message sent to Canterlot immediately. Directly to the High Commander’s office if possible.”

He held up the roll of paper tied with a red ribbon and held together by a wax seal with his new office’s seal placed upon it.

“Is that it?” the Archmage asked, a hint of incredulity now added to her irritation.

“Yes,” Freedom Heart replied bluntly. “I need it sent right to her immediately.”

“Understood sir,” the Archmage said. The message was quickly wrapped in the mare’s magical aura. It then suddenly burst into flames and disappeared into wisps of magical energy and flew out of the room, passing through the walls and into the distance.

“The spell has already been anchored to your office,” the Archmage said. “It will materialise in front of your desk without my assistance.”

“Thank you,” Freedom Heart said. “You are dismissed.”

“Thank you, sir,” the Archmage said gruffly before walking out of the room, shutting the door with her own magic.

Freedom Heart settled back into his seat and turned his attention back to the paperwork. He was anxious about whatever reply he might get from the High Commander and wanted to at least occupy his mind for some time before he received any word from Twilight Sparkle.

After a few minutes of waiting and filing through more reports, a tendril of magical flame appeared in his office. The flame moved in front of his face and curled in on itself, materialising into a roll of paper tied together with a ribbon with Twilight Sparkle’s insignia of office attached to it.

Freedom Heart immediately grabbed it in his magic and broke the seal, slipping the ribbon off and unfurling the long sheet of paper.

From the office of Twilight Sparkle, High Commander of the Solaminan Royal Guard, Archmage of the Solaminan Empire and Personal Adjutant to her supreme majesty Empress Astra Solamina Maxima, the letter read, the handwriting indicating that Twilight herself had written the reply.

Due to unprecedented hostilities against the Empire’s borders, the imperial military has expanded its recruitment and mobilisation. Unfortunately the threat presented by various entities has forced high command to prioritise certain war efforts. The situation in Mareope has been reviewed but has been deemed of lesser importance. Our government has accepted the assistance of the armed forces of the Solaminan Church and has called upon our military reserves. Should the situation change we will allocate the nearest available forces to your command. Until then we expect you to maintain the imperial presence on the continent and conduct yourself with the professionalism expected of your rank.

Regards.

High Commander Twilight Sparkle.

Freedom Heart paled as he read the High Commander’s response. His entire body shook with barely suppressed rage as he scanned Twilight Sparkle’s words over and over again. He was being left to secure an underdeveloped, understaffed and undermanned viceroyalty and the reason why he was being refused reinforcements was because there were other problems elsewhere.

Taking several deep breaths, Freedom Heart calmed himself. He then tugged on the bellpull again, summoning the stallion that was now stationed at his reception desk. The stallion entered the room a few seconds later, a wary expression on his face.

“Sir?” the pony said, “what can I help you with?”

“Get me every report we have on our current military situation,” he commanded. “Also, I need you to find as many projections on the viceroyalties' productivity, recruitment rate and expenses as possible.”

“Right away, sir,” the stallion replied, shutting the door as he went to collect the requested information.

Freedom Heart settled down and cleared his desk. If he was expected to make do with his available resources, he had to see what exact resources he had at his disposal. He’d do more than hold Mareope, he'd scour it of enemies and make sure it never bothered the Empire again.

***

Canterlot. March 24th. Year 20 of the New Solaminan Calendar (2050 human calendar)

Papers, notations and magically projected graphs swirled around the office of the Solaminan High Commander’s office in a whirlwind of information and data. At the centre of it was Twilight Sparkle, who organised the flow of paper and magic with practised ease, occasionally paying attention to one particular paper, making notes, applying signatures and returning it to the maelstrom.

Twilight read in silence, her eyes scanning over a paper and assessing its contents before sending it back to the whirlwind. Checking an exchequer report assessing the cost of mobilising and transporting the Church's armies, she lifted her quill in her telekinesis and placed the paper down on her desk in front of her.

“To Minister Bank Note,” she mumbled, old habits forcing her to dictate her message even as she wrote it. “I have reviewed your report on the estimated costs of the war effort and have found your evaluations to have merit. I have approved your request to increase a transportation tax on rock farming exports within the New Equestrian Midland regions. Enclosed is a decree providing legitimacy to any and all actions you take in the implementation of the new reforms. Sincerely, etc.” Her words trailed off as she wrote out her title of office like she had a million times before.

Sighing, she enclosed the message in her magic and then transported it to the Royal Ministry, the paper disappearing in a cloud of magical fire.

She was about to pull another sheet of paper out of her office’s maelstrom of data when she heard a knock at her door. Immediately, the whirlwind of paper crashed to the ground as Twilight’s concentration was interrupted. Groaning in frustration, Twilight lit her horn again and quickly resorted the papers, sending them to their appropriate filing cabinets.

“What is it?” she asked irritably, her voice carrying through the door.

A nervous Pegasus mare poked her head through the door.

“A Lady Warm Embrace to see you High Commander,” she said.

Twilight groaned in exasperation. She had been dreading the appearance of the overbearing zealot and had actually thought, considering how long she had gone without hearing from her, that the Converted mare wasn’t actually going to show up.

“Send her in,” Twilight said, waving her hoof dismissively as she tried to get her thoughts into order.

A few seconds later the doors to her swung open, crashing loudly into the adjoining walls as an Earth Pony mare stormed in. She was slender and tall, dressed in the red and gold livery of the Solaminan Church and with a modest gold tiara atop her head. Underneath her robes, her coat was a greyish green and her mane a green tinted blonde. Her face, a rest would have actually been incredibly beautiful but at the moment it was stuck into a rictus of rage and indignation.

“How dare you?” she hissed at Twilight, her normally soft and calming voice now venomous and hate filled. “How dare you think that you can take command of our holy church’s sanctified forces?”

Twilight sighed as she felt the mare’s glare hit her.

“Those forces,” she said, emphasising her point, “are servants of the Empire and as soldiers are expected to answer to me.”

“They are a tool of peace!” Warm Embrace shrieked back. “They are only to be unleashed on the unholy. They are not to be squandered on regular conflicts and are not supposed to answer to mares like you.”

“Well,” Twilight said, trying hard to not let condescension show in her tone, “a mare like me was appointed by the Empress to oversee the cooperation between the Guard and the Church’s armies. I have her majesty’s full permission and authority where her armies are concerned.”

“If I remember High Commander,” Warm Embrace spoke with an indignantly condescending tone, “you are merely granted authority over the Royal Guard. I do not remember your position giving you the right to command the armies of the Church.”

“And I believe,” Twilight shot back, “that Father Eagle Eye granted me permission to command them, and that is if we don’t mention the fact that the Empress ordered me to take command.”

“Father Eagle Eye does not have the authority to grant you control of the holy forces unilaterally,” Warm Embrace said venomously. “He cannot mobilise without my approval as well. Also, I will not accept that her holy majesty has given you the right to abuse your power in such a manner. Until I hear the commands from Her mouth directly I will not approve of you ordering my forces to mobilise.”

“Is that so?” Twilight replied with a smirk. “So only She herself can command you to finally leave me alone?” She looked Warm Embrace in the eye and lit up her horn. “Alright then. I can get her now if you like.”

She knew she couldn’t really demand Solamina appear before her but the mere threat of the Empress’ disapproval was likely more than enough to scare off the Converted priestess.

“Go ahead,” Warm Embrace replied, calling Twilight’s bluff, “bring Her before us now.”

Twilight kept her face fixed as she brightened the light at the tip of her horn.

“I see her majesty likes to keep her oh so important protegee waiting,” Warm Embrace sneered.

By this point Twilight was fuming with rage. She and the High Priestess had never liked one another; it was a dislike that stemmed from their respective views regarding Solamina. Twilight respected and admired her Empress but still remembered the days when she was her princess, her personal tutor and essentially a second mother. Warm Embrace however had swallowed the ideas of their Empress’ divinity completely and happily regurgitated it to the masses with religious fervour. The similar yet opposing views both mares - who enjoyed positions of prominence in Solamina’s presence - had quickly set the two against one another and the more they clashed the more their hatred entrenched itself.

“I may call her but I wouldn’t presume to order her around,” Twilight said, continuing her charade. “I merely asking that she come in to help me. Even I will admit a student needs help from her teacher.”

Warm Embrace sneered again at Twilight’s confidence.

Suddenly a knock came from the door.

“What is it?” Twilight snapped. The pegasus mare from before cautiously opened the door.

“Um…” the mare said worriedly, licking her lips, “her majesty is approaching my lady. I thought I would inform you.”

A tense atmosphere descended over the room. Warm Embrace quickly spun to face Twilight, her eyes on the Unicorn’s horn and an incredulous look in her eyes. Twilight suddenly remembered her horn was still lit. She quickly winked the light out and nervously returned Warm Embrace’s look.

A moment later the door to the office opened. Both mares bowed as a golden light filled the room.

In walked Solamina, Empress of Equestria and all its conquered territories. She was a regal figure, surrounded by a halo of fiery golden light and dressed in her regalia of office. Atop her head was a tiara, barely changed from the one she wore when she was merely a princess, except now a large fireruby had been set in the centre. Her face was locked in an expression of serene confidence and divine grace.

“Your majesty,” both mares said as they bowed low, one hoof placed in front of their bodies as they lowered their heads.

“My little ponies,” Solamina said, her voice as measured and graceful as her stance. “Twilight Sparkle,” she then said, her tone becoming warmer and more inviting, “I was looking for you. However, I did not expect Lady Warm Embrace to also be here.”

Solamina turned to face the Earth Pony mare who still kept her head lowered.

“What are you doing that requires my precious student?” Her tone was even, but there was now a cooler hint to it.

“Your most glorious majesty,” Warm Embrace said in a reverent tone, “it is an honour to see you before me on this most beatific day you have deemed to gift us with.”

Twilight sneered slightly at the zealous mare’s words. The worst part was the fact that the Converted believed everything she said with the utmost conviction. Solamina’s day was not a gift given by a god, it was the proud duty of a mare, an act worthy of respect and devotion but not blind, unthinking worship.

“Why thank you,” Solamina replied, “but I must ask again, why are you here?” Her voice cooled substantially as she eyed Warm Embrace.

“Your majesty,” the Converted mare continued as if she had not noticed the change, “I was merely protesting the mobilisation of your holy church’s armed forces. I have stressed over and over that your flock’s militant arm is a force of peace to be used only in the face of truly unholy conflict,” she then threw a look at Twilight, “not another bludgeon to be used for political gain.”

“Lady Warm Embrace,” Solamina began, her smile shrinking into an indifferent line on her face, “I do believe I permitted my student to mobilise my forces as I see fit. Your wishes have repeatedly been accommodated but in these times I did see fit for her to take command.”

The temperature in the room reduced noticeably, as if the heat were being sucked into Solamina’s radiant body.

“O… of course your majesty,” Warm Embrace stuttered, “I perfectly understand.”

“Then why,” Solamina said, “are you still protesting my decision?”

“Y… your most divine majesty,” Warm Embrace said, “I was expecting your personal missive. Your most blessed shepherds are prone to arguing amongst one another, and I did not trust the words of Father Eagle Eye and the High Commander here. I came to protest the news I had received and intended to respectfully seek audience with you once I was done in order to present my case.”

“Well that is unnecessary,” Solamina replied steadily, the temperature of the room increasing once again. “I did in fact order the Church to mobilise their armed forces. Now that it has been made clear, I expect you to contribute as fully and enthusiastically as your brethren.” Solamina then turned to regard Twilight Sparkle. “I also expect you to send full reports of your contributions to Twilight here.”

“Of course, your majesty,” Warm Embrace said, bowing low.

“Very good, my little pony,” Solamina replied demurely, “you are dismissed now. I have urgent business with my protegee now.”

“Your most divine majesty,” Warm Embrace said, her head still lowered as she hurried out of the room.

Solamina then turned to Twilight, smiling politely. “Well now that she’s been dealt with, I have some news for you.”

“News?” Twilight asked, now somewhat confused.

“Yes,” Solamina replied with an indulgent smile, “Do you remember the expedition I sent into the remains of the British Isles?”

“Yes,” Twilight replied, perking up.

“Well I just received news from them,” Solamina continued, “and they have found Fluttershy and Rarity.”

“Really?” Twilight shouted, leaping onto her desk in excitement, an unhealthily wide smile on her face.

“Indeed they have Twilight. I ordered them to return the bodies immediately, and they are already kept within the lower dungeons,” Solamina’s expression then became grave. “However, the bodies have already suffered severe decomposition.”

Twilight’s face fell at the news. “How severe?” she stammered out, “I… I mean I know it’s been over twenty years now but I was kind of hoping for some kind of preservation to take place, you know like the peat bog mummies in New Eagleland and I…”

“Twilight,” Solamina chided the young mare, “I’m afraid it was too late to preserve much of them. However the remains are waiting for you down there.” Solamina inclined her head to the door. “I’m sure with a bit of clever application you could come up with something.”

Twilight’s thoughts were already racing. Several plans were formulated and dismissed in a matter of seconds as she sorted through every technique she could devise. Finally she came up with something, it was not only feasible but could improve upon her other friends if it worked and it was going to work.

“Thank you, your majesty,” she said in a grateful tone, bowing low.

“It was no problem at all Twilight,” Solamina replied. “Go ahead and visit them. I’m sure you want to get to work as soon as possible.”

“Thank you, thank you so much!” Twilight almost shouted, her head shooting up. She bowed one more time and then galloped out of her room, racing through the corridors of the Royal Palace until she reached the doors that led down to the dungeons.

Barely hesitating, she pushed open the doors and made her way down the steps, slowing just enough to prevent her from tripping over her robes of office.

Twilight ignored everything else as she trotted through the halls of the Canterlot dungeons. She had remembered when she had first seen them, barely full and laxly guarded by disinterested Guardsponies that didn’t particularly care for the assignment. Now the cells were full with dissidents, heretics and criminals who had flourished in numbers not seen since the days of Nightmare Moon.

At the back of the maze of cells and corridors was another door. This led into the lower dungeons, a deeper level of secret rooms and laboratories. Here Twilight had conducted secret experiments unseen by everypony but the Empress and the few attendants she allowed to assist her. Even her Archmagi were not permitted to see what she had done in these rooms.

Opening the door, the arcane wards and locks undoing themselves in her presence, she entered the room. Right in front of her was a large operating table designed to appear more like an altar. Lying on top of it were two collections of bones. They had been prearranged into the semblance of a pony skeletal display, clearing indicating that one was a Unicorn and the other was a Pegasus.

Twilight felt weak kneed and struggled not to vomit. These were her friends, faces she hadn’t seen for over two decades. The more she looked at their vacant skeletal faces, the more her mind and heart were filled with rage. The Avatar of Albion had murdered them and then left them to rot. He had turned his beloved British Isles into a haunted wasteland so inhospitable that it had taken all these long, harsh years to finally recover her friend’s bodies.

Twilight trotted over to the table. She reached a hoof out and tenderly rubbed the skull of Rarity. She then did the same to the wing bones of Fluttershy.

“You don’t deserve this,” Twilight soothed to the bones, a hint of bitterness in her voice. Still staring at her friends’ remains, a new idea formulated in her mind. Her previous plans were insufficient, much more work would be needed if she wanted to repair her friends.

“Attendant!" Twilight shouted, shaking the dungeons with the Royal Canterlot voice.

The sound of rapid galloping heralded the arrival of a very nervous Earth Pony stallion who bolted through the door, the wards permitting him to enter. He was dressed in a simple grey smock that had Twilight’s cutie mark emblazoned on it.

“Y... yes High Commander,” he stammered.

“Bring me bodies. Immediately,” Twilight said, never once taking her eyes off of the table. “I have a new project.”

“Understood,” the stallion said, a horrified expression on his face. He clearly wanted to be as far from her as he could manage whilst still attending to her demands, knowing full well what could happen to him if he failed. He quickly turned and ran back out of the room to find whatever his mistress sought.

As the sound of the attendant leaving echoed through the chamber, Twilight peered down at the bones, tears in her eyes. A manic grin split her face as she silently cried and she moved to stroke the remains once again.

“Don’t worry,” she said in a disturbingly calm tone that didn’t match the insane look in her eyes, “I’ll make both of you whole again.”

***

Unknown Area, Horssia. March 25th. Year 20 of the New Solaminan Calendar (2050 human calendar)

Surprisingly, moving out of the more heavily forested regions of Eastern Mareope hadn’t soothed the nerves of the Midnight Guard royal entourage. In fact entering the more open wetlands and meadows of Western Horssia had made them even more nervous. Now Thestral and Pegasus patrols were required to scout the area from the air before and after the column made camp.

Royal Duty, however, was happy to leave the oppressive canopy of the trees. Ever since he had fought the Anthroponies he had been nervous of the forest and what lay within its dense foliage.

At present the column was on the move again. According to Young Nan, who was walking by his side, stepping forward on occasion to help direct the Prince and his advisors in directing the column to friendly territory, they were already in lands claimed by the Resistance. Shortly after hearing this, Prince Blueblood had increased the pace of their march. He had said that he wanted to be deep in their ally’s lands as soon as possible.

“So,” Royal Duty said, hoping to strike up a conversation, “how can you tell where we’re going?”

Young Nan gave him an aside glance in response, her eyebrow raised.

“We’re on the tracks that we usually send larger armies through,” she said in response. “Normally I travel through the concealed back channels but this area was cleared to allow slower forces through.”

“Really?” Royal Duty said in a disbelieving tone. He looked down at the dirt track they were currently walking on, wondering how the smaller forces of the Resistance normally travelled if these were the tracks set aside for their actual armies.

“Well it’s officially a trade route but we make use of them,” Young Nan replied. “Most of the ponies that live here work for us and the frequent use means it’s more difficult to notice whether the wheel ruts and hoofprints are from soldiers or merchants.”

“Doesn’t that mean you can’t tell if Solaminan’s are coming your way?” Royal Duty then asked, giving her a similar aside glance.

“They’re a lot slower than us,” Young Nan said, smirking, “We catch them every time they try to move in here.”

“Well,” Royal Duty sighed, “I hope they find us soon as well. We could really use the help now.”

He glanced behind him to scan the long line of bedraggled ponies. The Guardsponies armour, which had once shone silver, was now dusty and splattered with mud. Despite daily maintenance and cleaning, the exertions of the day quickly soiled the silver veneer and deep blue tabardry. He knew the wagons that carried their supplies were in even worse shape. Despite frequent repairs, they were becoming increasingly flimsy and prone to breakdowns.

“Oh trust me,” Young Nan said, distracting him, “they’ll notice us.”

Royal Duty realised she had been appraising the column with him and she now wore a knowing smirk as she made similar assessments of the situation.

The column continued on down the track. By now the burden of their travels was weighing down on them, morale was flagging, and conversation, which had at least existed as a quiet background noise amongst the camp followers, had quieted to nothing.

“Movement!” a voice suddenly shouted over the column. Everypony looked up abruptly to see one of the Pegasus scouts pointing to the north. “We’ve got movement!” the scout shouted again. “It’s another column!”

Everypony tensed, the camp followers inching closer to the Guardsponies that were now standing to attention.

“How many?” Blueblood shouted back up.

The pegasus scout, now joined by several more that had been scouring the skies, peered closely in the direction he had been pointing.

“I see a horseshoe flag!” the Pegasus shouted again. “It’s the Resistance!”

The column relaxed again. Royal Duty felt relieved, glancing at his prince and then Young Nan, both of whom had intense looks of contemplation. He assumed they were considering how to greet the forces that were likely bearing down on them now.

“We got Pegasi incoming,” another scout said, pointing back to the north.

Royal Duty watched as several Skyrangers, Resistance flyers, came up to the Midnight Guard Pegasi in formation. They seemed to be addressing one another, likely giving their ranks and credentials.

One of the Skyrangers then angled itself downwards and flew to meet the column.

The Pegasus, clad in a dark grey uniform and cloth face mask and armed with wing-blades that shone in the weak sunlight, landed right in front of the prince’s entourage and saluted.

“Your highness,” the Skyranger said, “I am lieutenant Cloudy Skies of the New Equestrian Resistance. I have been sent to inform you that Captain Once Over is moving his own forces to meet you. We were dispatched from Headquarters to escort you and your retinue to meet with High Command.”

“Very good,” Blueblood said curtly.

“The captain has requested that you stay here. My comrades are already reporting your position back to him and he is already diverting his troops in your direction.” Cloudy Skies then blanched slightly. “With all due respect of course your highness.”

“Very well, Lieutenant,” Blueblood said. Royal Duty didn’t miss the slight downturn of his prince’s lips. He was clearly annoyed with the presumptive Resistance officer that had made such an arrangement.

Cloudy Skies saluted once again and then shot back into the air, angling towards the direction he had arrived from. He was returning to his own column to give his report.

“Well it looks like we wait now.” Blueblood turned to his own officers. “Give the order to halt. I want us to form a defensive formation but remain ready to move out as soon as possible.”

The Midnight Guard ponies saluted and set off to execute their own orders. Royal Duty turned away from his prince and back towards Young Nan.

“This Once Over anypony you know?” he asked her.

“Nopony I served under,” Young Nan replied, “and I haven’t heard about him either.”

“Thanks anyway,” Royal Duty said, “I just wanted to see if you could tell us anything about the pony who’s supposed to be helping us.”

“Yeah I can’t you anything. Sorry.” Both ponies returned to silence as they watched the column reform itself.

Guardsponies moved the wagons and camp followers to the centre of the formation as the Midnight Guard encircled them. Everypony remained ready to move at a moment's notice but it was clear the arrangement was far more relaxed and sedentary.

***

Prince Blueblood was, in a word, annoyed. He had been tramping through the muddy tracks of Western Horssia for days, accumulating dirt and sweat and ruining his coat, mane, tail and armour. Now, when he was finally going to make contact with the New Resistance, they had presumed to boss him around and delay him further.

He didn’t care if it was only going to be a few minutes, he wanted to be on the move. The sooner he made it to a proper base of operations, the sooner he could begin orchestrating the new war effort.

“They’re here,” one of the Pegasi scouts shouted from above.

The entire camp tensed as they prepared for the arrival of the Resistance contingent.

The Resistance ponies appeared more ragtag when compared to the silvery Guardsponies of the Midnight Guard. Freedom Fighters, the mainstay of the Resistance’s armies, marched over the hill, the horseshoe flag flying over them. They were dressed in light leather barding that lay over them like a padded jerkin. Most of them were Earthponies armed with lances but behind them came Skyrangers that were marching on the ground, presumably to save energy.

On the side were the infamous Wranglers, ponies dressed in dulled chainmail armour that roamed along the formation’s flanks in loose groups. They were armed with ropes, bolas and stabbing blades that they hung from their sides and brought out to harass the foe and strike down the vulnerable and the unwary.

Blueblood could see workers bringing up the rear of the larger column. They were carrying large bundles, presumably the column’s supplies. It was a more strenuous method of transporting provisions but also less conspicuous.

The moment the Resistance forces were spotted the Midnight Guard returned to attention, reforming into their regular formation.

When the Resistance column finally made it to the Midnight guard contingent, they halted as one and stood at attention. Both forces eyed one another, likely analysing the ponies in front of them.

A large Earth Pony dressed in heavy chainmail armour covered by a set of leather barding over the top trotted forward. He approached the prince and then, first, bowed low before saluting.

“Your highness,” he said smartly, “I am Captain -”

“Once Over,” Blueblood suddenly interrupted, wanting to get in one jab at the rudely presumptive officer. “I’m glad that you were close by to receive us. My troops and I are grateful for your assistance.”

Once Over stalled, unsure how to respond to the praise.

“Thank you your highness,” he said hesitantly.

Blueblood fixed a smile to his face. “Well my forces are rested and ready to move out. The sooner we can make it to your headquarters the better. We have been on the road for a long time and many of us our anticipating a proper billeting.”

“Of course your highness,” Once Over said with a bow. He then turned away from the prince and back to his own forces. “Company! About turn! We’re going back to HQ.”

With practised ease, the Resistance column turned around and began to march in an eastward direction.

“Midnight Guard!” an officer in Blueblood’s entourage shouted in turn, “Advance!”

His column lurched forward, the weary ponies returning to the gruelling pace they had become accustomed to. Blueblood scanned his personal entourage, seeing the various looks his officers and advisors were wearing. Most of them seemed to be anticipating the arrival at Resistance Headquarters, probably for different reasons.

Blueblood kept a straight face but was grinning internally. Finally he could meet up with his old allies and coordinate his war effort. Finally he could take action against his many enemies and bring his rebellion back under control. Finally being able to have a good bath once he got there wouldn’t hurt either.

***

Horsaw Ponland. March 26th. Year 20 of the New Solaminan Calendar (2050 human calendar)

“So the missives from New Prance tell us that the chaos in Germareny is beginning to spill over into their province’s territories. Rumours of Midnight Guard are starting to be confirmed by actual reported sightings.”

Freedom Heart sighed as Just Deserts continued to read off the summaries of the countless reports that had passed over his desk. He already knew this but the aristocratic mare had insisted that protocol be followed during their staff meeting.

The highest authorities in Mareope had gathered in the lavish stately room that now served as their meeting hall. The room was circular, beautifully painted walls depicting regal ponies striking down enemies or prostrating themselves before images of the sun, led up to the vaulted dome ceiling. At the centre of the room was a round table that had been varnished to an almost glassy shine. Several ponies now sat around the table, more ponies standing behind them and attending to them whenever the seated officials demanded anything.

“Thank you very much, viceroy,” Freedom Heart said wearily. “I think the situation is very clear now.”

He turned to the ponies in the room, Just Deserts looking mildly annoyed at having been interrupted.

“Fillies and gentlecolts,” Freedom Heart began, addressing the entire assembly, “the threats to Mareope are obviously far more severe than anypony could have predicted. The continent is rife with traitors, heretics and monstrosities that cannot be tolerated. It is quite clear that the current methods we are using are no longer adequate to contain or counter them.”

“Just what are you suggesting Marshal?” a well dressed Earth Pony mare asked in an indignant tone. “Are you implying that what we have done is inadequate?”

“Indeed sir,” an overdressed and overweight Pegasus stallion piped in. “I will have you know that we are poorly equipped and staffed here and have done the best we can.”

“I suggest nothing,” Freedom Heart calmly replied, “at least in regards to you noble ponies and I acknowledge your hard work. However, it is clear that we cannot continue to simply ignore the conflict and try to continue with business as usual whilst our enemies proliferate under our very noses.”

Freedom Heart then stood up from his seat, his hooves pressing on the table so he could raise himself higher.

“Good ponies,” he began, pausing as he carefully chose his next words. “I would suggest we place the Viceroyalty under martial law.”

The entire room immediately exploded into chaos. Ponies everywhere shouted out their objections, bombarding Freedom Heart with their reasons and justifications for opposing his decision. Just Deserts sat back in her seats with a heavy sigh, watching as her government verbally tore one another apart.

Finally tired of the commotion, she rapped on the table with her hoof, growing progressively louder until the room had eventually quieted back down.

“Everypony please compose yourselves,” she said with practised calm. “I am sure we can come to some kind of agreement. Field Marshal,” she turned to regard Freedom Heart, “could you please provide some outline for your intentions should we place ourselves under martial law. We can then debate the merits of taking such an action.”

Freedom Heart sighed internally. He didn’t relish the idea of a lengthy debate with politicians over the necessities of taking action against the Empire’s threats.

“Thank you viceroy,” she said, “I would like to begin with…”

He was suddenly interrupted by raucous laughter from outside that filled the room with an unsettling presence.

“Good morning everypony,” a jovial yet sinister voice announced, “I hope you don’t mind me popping in.”

Freedom Heart stood up from his seat and went over to the window. Peering down onto the square in front of the viceregal palace, he saw a very bizarre sight. A strange patchwork creature was stood in the middle of the square. He had a vaguely equine head attached to a serpentine body, mismatched limbs were attached to it along with a pair of wings. It’s face bore an excited expression and it was striking a dramatic pose with its avian claw held high in the air whilst it hovered over the ground.

“I’m just here to drop my kids off,” he continued in his speech, barely missing a beat. “I hope you don’t mind.”

He then snapped his fingers. There was a flash of light and then the air above him imploded into a white void. Shapes moved behind the milky skin of the spherical white anomaly, disturbing the liquid sheen of the shape.

Countless hundreds of grotesque monsters suddenly spilled out of the sphere in all directions. Horrific monsters that appeared similar to deformed humans that had been twisted and warped with pony features charged into the square, roaring and yelling as they went.

Overhead, the bizarre chimera flew in loops, laughing like a maniac as his minions began to ravage and destroy everything they could reach.

“Summon the guards!” Freedom Heart screamed to the ministers and officials. “Somepony, anypony get as many guards as possible and barricade the palace!”

Several of the servants and adjutants that had been standing in the room rushed out of the doors. Freedom Heart turned to the other viceroyalty officials.

“Get to centre of the citadel,” he said to them. “This is an emergency situation and your safety is our top priority. Head for the fortified safe-room in the foundations.”

The various governmental officials all nodded their affirmatives and hurried out of the room with their guards. He saw Just Deserts throw him a glance of concern as she was shuttled to the safe-room and then they were gone.

“Right,” Freedom Heart said, primarily to himself. He turned to one of the remaining Guardsponies in the room. “Send out the signal.”

The Unicorn Guard ran to the window, charged up his horn and fired a ball of green light into the air. The ball of green magic shot high into the sky over the city and exploded in a nimbus of green and yellow colour.

Freedom Heart ran down to the main entrance into the palace. The Grand Hall, a massive structure that, like the conference room, reached high up to a vaulted ceiling and was covered in red and gold painted frescos, was filled with Guardsponies.

“Ponies of the Solaminan Empire,” Freedom Heart shouted as he trotted into the hallway, his magic drawing his sword from its sheath, “the enemy is at our gates. We all knew it would happen eventually, that our foes would attempt to strike us in our homes. I say we show them why that is a bad idea.”

The crowd of ponies cheered at his words as he ran to the front, his sword pulled from its sheath by his magic.

“Open the doors,” he commanded. “It’s time we took the fight to them.”

Everypony’s face was set with a look of grim determination. They all knew what was awaiting them outside the palace’s doors.

The moment the great doors opened, they heard the screams of ponies and the bloodcurdling cries of the abominations that were attacking them. They could not yet see the chaos as the outer compound of the viceregal palace still separated them from the city proper but there was no longer a great distance between them and the monsters they were about to face.

The ponies hurriedly marched through the compound, every one of them quiet except for the sound of their hooves stomping on the stone courtyard.

“Get the gates!” Freedom Heart shouted to the ponies manning the compound walls. The Guards immediately went to work, grabbing the wooden bar that kept the doors shut and pulled the reinforced doors open. Atop the walls, Unicorns took position, their horns lighting up in preparation for bombardment.

Freedom Heart and his troops quickly filed through the passage, filling it with their armoured bodies before any enemies could exploit the opening.

The moment he stepped beyond the boundaries of the viceregal palace, Freedom Heart found he had descended into chaos.

Foul abominations were running rampant throughout the city centre. Disgusting mutants, combinations of pony and human features, were butchering everything in sight, defacing buildings, toppling statues of Solamina and screaming obscene curses at everything around them. Freedom Heart could see the raw, palpable hatred in their eyes and it almost made him pause for fear of drawing their gaze.

“Marksmages!” Freedom Heart shouted, his voice carrying over the ungodly din. “Now!”

“Loose!” another voice atop the wall screamed in response. The familiar hissing noise announced the firing of dozens of bolts of magic. Points of light shot over the heads of Freedom Heart and his Guardsponies and impacted the roiling horde beyond.

Anthroponies were sent flying by the powerful shots that impacted them. Many fell to the ground with burning wounds in their bodies whilst others were simply stunned. The horde had been sent reeling by the fire against them but now every one of them had noticed the pony force assembled before them.

“Ponies of the Empire!” Freedom Heart shouted. “Charge! For the Empress!”

A great roar of rage erupted from the pony column and, as one, they ran forward. Their spears were lowered and grim or enraged expressions were fixed to their faces. The Anthroponies, responding to the roaring commands of one of their horde, also formed a rude battleline and charged forward in response.

Freedom Heart pulled his sword closer to his body and braced for impact. It felt like an eternity as he watched the wall of misshapen flesh and bone rush towards him and his ponies. He tried to think of the things he fought for, order, the Empire, the safety of his fellow ponies.

In an instant, the two lines clashed. There was an audible crash as armoured ponies collided with creatures larger than themselves. Anthroponies fell as spears were lodged deep into their bodies. At the same time, ponies were pushed back or smashed to the ground by heavy blows from their enemy’s weapons and fists. Overhead magical shot continued to fire into the rear of the Anthropony horde.

Freedom Heart thrust his blade forward, skewering a deformed beast in front of him in the chest. The creature doubled over and collapsed as he pulled his sword out of its chest. He turned the blade just in time to catch an axe swung at him by a monster with a human face stretched over a pony’s muzzle and one leg that ended in a broken hoof. Freedom Heart pulled his sword back and twisted it in his magical grip. The sword spun, letting the axe fall for a moment. However, the sword changed direction again, slicing down on the Anthropony’s fingers and severing them. The beast howled in pain, dropping its weapon. In that time a nearby Guardspony rammed his spear into the monstrosity’s throat, silencing it.

The pony line was holding, the Anthropony’s dashing themselves on the golden plated wall that had formed up immediately after the momentum of the charge had bled out.

“Hold!” Freedom Heart shouted, pulling back and taking his place in the formation.

A loud shout then echoed over the square. The Anthropony horde split as a loud horn sounded.

Freedom Heart’s heart slowed for a moment as he saw what approached them. Huge beasts with the bodies of ponies, swollen to the size of a horse, the heads and torsos of human and with a pair of twisted Unicorn horns atop the crowns of their ugly semi-equine heads were charging at them. Male and female, some armoured, others baring their naked chests to the foe, the disgusting Anthroponies ran at them, baying for blood and swinging cruel mauls and blades.

“Brace,” Freedom Heart was able to shout just before the beasts crashed into his formation.

For Freedom Heart it was like being struck by a train. He was bowled over, a hoof striking him in the chest and denting his barding, breaking several of his ribs as well. A huge flail clipped his helmet, just missing his head but sending him reeling. Despite his scrambled thoughts, he saw several of the beasts use magic, their horns lighting up and feeding energy into the blades which now spat fire and magical energy at any unfortunate ponies in front of them.

The Anthroponies charged on, overrunning the Solaminan forces and scattering them. Several portions of the relief force routed, fleeing into the other streets whilst others withdrew into tight defensive circles. The line was broken and now everypony could only look after those in their immediate presence.

Freedom Heart stumbled to his hooves, his brain still too jarred for him to think properly.

“Hello murderer,” a young, smooth voice said above him. Freedom Heart looked up, his vision finally clearing and beheld a nightmare.

It was one of the demi-horse beasts but it was far larger, towering a full head over its foul kin. Its face was the closest to resembling a human’s Freedom Heart had yet seen on any Anthropony and it bore an expression of smug superiority. It's warped Unicorn horns had grown as if they were woven to form a bizarre branching crown and were tipped by a ball of magical flame that followed the movements of his head, bobbing and weaving as the crown shifted.

“Wha…” Freedom Heart tried to say, his addled mind still struggling to respond. “What are you?”

“Me?” the creature said. “I’m a young man here to do my bit for a righteous cause.” He grinned revealing human teeth with prominent canines. “I’m an avenger.”

He reached down, bending his forelegs and reached a hand out to grab Freedom Heart. The stallion struggled but the beast was far larger and much stronger than the wounded and disoriented Unicorn. Freedom Heart could feel the beast wrap his fingers around his throat and lift him up from the ground. His vision swam once more and dark blotches appeared before his eyes.

“I’m Isaac,” the Anthropony said as if he were greeting somepony over tea. “But most people call me the Stonewall.” He paused, looking up at the wall of the palatial compound which was still manned by Unicorns. Freedom Heart was glad to see the Guardspones atop the walls were still raining fire down on the Anthropony horde. “And,” the beast, Isaac, continued in the same friendly tone, “I’m here to get back at your kind for creating this hell.”

Freedom Heart could see the demi-horse beasts were now directing magic at the ponies on the wall.

“I really wish this would go quicker,” Isaac said, his tone becoming irritated. “I guess things can only ever be done right when you do it yourself.”

Freedom Heart felt the grip around his throat tighten as a light lit up in Isaac’s other hand. He could see the beast charging magic and directing his hand at the gate. The massed Anthroponies, realising what their leader intended to do, moved out of the way, eagerly waiting for the spell to shatter the doors that separated them from their prey.

“Strike from the sky brothers! For the empress!” a voice suddenly shouted. Freedom Heart was able to glance up just in time for a golden blur to crash into his captor.

The Anthropony horde looked up to see the sky filled with formations of Solaminan Pegasi. The golden cohorts of flying warriors whirled overhead. Then, almost as one, they tucked in their wings, held down their spears and dove down, crashing into the foe beneath them. Anthroponies everywhere dropped as spears and armoured bodies slammed into them, piercing them with sharpened steel or crushing them with armoured hooves. Then, as if they had never touched the ground, the Pegasi were airborne once again, returning to formation and wheeling around to make another strike.

Freedom Heart shook his head again as his vision cleared. He saw that the beast, Isaac had managed to grab the Pegasi that had struck him before the unfortunate pony had been able to escape. Still weak, he was only able to watch as he saw the Anthropony sorcerer conjure fire in his free hand and force-feed it to the mare.

The Pegasi above had reformed and began diving down into the fray again. isaac, raised his hand, a grimace of hatred on his face and built up magical energy again.

The Pegasi crashed back down onto the Anthroponies, scattering them and slaying dozens with spears and trampler clad hooves. Isaac, however, avoided their assault. The magic in his hand formed into a wall of energy. Pegasi that had aimed for him collided with the shield, violently bouncing away and crashing into the ground. He effortlessly held up the magical shield as several more Pegasi were thrown away by it.

“For the Empress!” the familiar cry of the Empire sounded once again as a battalion of Guardsponies appeared from the south street.

Freedom Heart was relieved to see the several dozen strong unit plough through the square. The Anthroponies, who had now been scattered and stunned by the Pegasi, were trampled by the armoured ponies baring down on them. The demi-horse creatures put up the biggest struggle but were either toppled by the more numerous ponies or skewered by their lances.

“Discord!” Isaac shouted into the air with a roar. His face had transformed into a foul mask of primal rage and any pretense of friendliness or joviality was gone from his voice.

Freedom Heart staggered upright, the sight of his comrades heading his way giving him renewed strength. He lifted a sword from a nearby corpse of a Guardspony and held it in his magical grip. The sword swayed as he struggled slightly to keep a hold of it but he fixed Isaac with a challenging glare.

Isaac looked back at the stallion in front of him and sneered.

“Oh don’t think this is the end of it,” he said with contempt and hatred in his tone. “I’ll be back.”

In an instant a flash of light engulfed Isaac and the Anthropony was gone. So too were the other living abominations. In that single moment the entire square and the city beyond had emptied of living Anthroponies, leaving only bodies behind.

Freedom Heart stood still, stunned and dumbfounded by how abruptly the battle had just ended. He looked around for any sign of an enemy but all he saw were ponies and the corpses of the beasts he had been fighting. He listened out for any sign of trouble but only heard the cries of the wounded and the panicked.

He dropped the borrowed sword from his magical grip and wobbled on his hooves. His mind was still addled and the adrenaline that had kept him going through the fight was beginning to run out. He wanted to collapse, to just give in to unconsciousness but he couldn’t the ponies around him needed to see he could stand up to something like this.

He ambled about the battlefield and finally found his own sword. He picked it up in his magic and sheathed it, ignoring the gore he was now wiping all over the inside by doing so.

Finally he turned around and saw ponies coming out from the palatial complex. They were carrying stretchers and bore the red cross that indicated they were medicare personnel. Smiling slightly, he tottered over to them and didn’t struggle when a pair of stallions grabbed him and lifted him up. As they placed him down on a stretcher he let the fuzziness on the edge of his vision finally become darkness and he slipped into unconsciousness.

***

Unknown area, former Britain. March 25th. Year 20 of the New Solaminan Calendar (2050 human calendar).

“Are you afraid?” Merlin asked him.

Christopher shook his head, feeling confused. He was sat on a stone, though it felt soft and comfortable. Merlin’s cavern home was always this way - you expected one thing and yet received something else.

Merlin had told him many things - had told him the story of the war, in a way that made it far more thorough than Christopher’s parents had (and those stories were at best half-remembered). He had spoken of the Avatar of Albion, the warrior chosen to fight for humanity… and of his failure.

Most tellingly, Merlin had told him that he was, quite possibly, the last human. He had told him that he had a destiny to fulfil: with no other humans left, the Light would only choose him to be it's Avatar.

“Why?” Christopher asked.

Merlin had paused at that. “Now, I don't claim to speak for the Light - older and wiser fools than I have tried. But even it operates with a certain level of… well, shall we say ‘pettiness’, for want of a better word.”

“‘Pettiness’?” Christopher had repeated.

“Oh yes,” Merlin said, nodding slowly. “Light and Dark are strange things. The greatest of the Dark’s champions may act with more honour and loyalty than a servant of the Light, depending on the person chosen. And Light itself is not beyond vengeance - its last Avatar, after all, was a symbol of precisely that.”

“So… it doesn't like the ponies?” Christopher had said slowly.

“If you like,” Merlin had said, nodding once.

“So… I have to be like the Avatar you talked about?” Christopher had asked, frowning. “To… to be a hero?”

“It sounds more impressive when you say that,” the old wizard had said, looking morose. “But make no mistake - your destiny is full of trials and challenges, and then there's the final battle to consider. I dare say you've got a harder time ahead of you than the last fellow. It's quite likely you won't survive it.”

Christopher had listened intently, taking all this in. At that final pronouncement, he had nodded once, saying nothing. Merlin had seemed confused by that, and then he had asked his question.

Christopher didn't know why his answer was so confusing. He wasn't afraid - was he supposed to be?

“Why aren't you?” Merlin asked, narrowing his eyes at him appraisingly.

Christopher frowned. “Should I be?”

Merlin’s mouth twitch slightly, almost into a smile, and then he brought himself to his full, rather impressive height.

“Some men, when told they're likely not to survive a task, would rather not do the task,” he pointed out.

“But… if I don't, who will?” Christopher asked.

“Don't you think that's rather a simplistic way of looking at it?” Merlin asked, raising an eyebrow.

Christopher thought for a moment, trying to voice his thoughts as best he could.

“My parents are dead,” he said after a moment. “And so is everyone else. Right?”

“So it would seem,” Merlin said, nodding slowly. “If they are not, they are hidden from my sight.”

“And if I become the Avatar, I can… make it right?” Christopher asked. “Make it better?”

“You can't save those already lost,” Merlin replied.

“But I can save anyone else, right?” Christopher asked more insistently.

Merlin nodded, frowning slightly himself.

“Then… I need to, don't I?” Christopher said, nodding to himself. “I need to save people, even the good ponies if there are any. Maybe… if I die doing it, that's not so bad. People die a lot. If I do something good first…”

He trailed off, shrugging. Merlin was frowning, and Christopher had the horrible feeling he had said the wrong thing.

Suddenly, the old wizard grinned. “Alright then. We had best get started.”

Christopher blinked, then nodded. “Ok.”

***

Canterlot. March 26th. Year 20 of the New Solaminan Calendar (2050 human calendar)

The dreams were always the same - she dreamt of other worlds, other lives. Some were peaceful… happy. Others were hard, filled with toil and strife. All, though, were somehow, impossibly, her.

This dream, though, was different.

She was… somewhere. Towers of steel reached towards a sky that was scarred and black, turbulent clouds rolling across the expanse into the horizon.

Everything you have built I will bring down around you.

Ponies and humans walking through the streets, their faces bland. Some seemed almost to be walking with their twins, save for slight changes. Posters were on the walls, showing images of a dark figure with a soft purple glow where its eyes should have been.

Everything your demon-Empress has created, I will lay low.

And there were the warriors: armoured soldiers marched hither and thither, their sleek rifles looking deadly. And every so often, a large figure, clad in bulky armour that looked like an unholy combination of technology and magic, would appear, the crowds seeming almost to part around them out of respect - or fear.

I have strode the dark space between the worlds until that infinite nothing was part of me and I part of it. I have laid low Tyrant upon Tyrant, and I will do the same to your demon-Empress.

She seemed almost to be floating towards a tower - the highest, most gothic tower of them all. Turrets covered the massive structure, sitting on a thousand smaller towers that jutted from the main structure. Hangars were visible, containing flying machines of types she didn't recognise. She kept floating higher and higher, before reaching the top - and suddenly, she was inside, zipping through corridor after corridor after corridor…

It is only a matter of time.

And then she was in a large, open room, a single throne set at the far end of the room. She floated slowly towards it.

You cannot hide from what is to come.

A shadowy figure seemed to form as she approached the throne. Little could be made of the figure, save for its human shape.

You cannot hide from me.

And suddenly she was right in front of the dark figure, purple glowing orbs glaring at her from the shadows. Twilight froze in shock as an overwhelming presence pressed down on her. She felt like every part of her was being crushed, body mind and soul. The gaze pierced right through and made her shrink away in fear but she couldn’t move, couldn’t turn away and couldn’t try to shut out the cold purple eyes that bored into her very being.

I see you, Twilight Sparkle.

***

Twilight shot awake, gasping for breath. It took her a moment to remember that she was in her bedchamber in Canterlot, her body soaked in a cold sweat. Sitting up, she waited for her frantic heartbeat to slow down once again and tried to control her thoughts. She slumped back into her bed, before closing her eyes again.

The dreams were always strange - but that had been new. Unheard of.

It was just a dream, she thought to herself. Just a dream.

She went back to sleep, and forgot the nightmare.