The world stands still. The room is dark--------------------------

It's another sunny day in Equestria. But it's not the sun that rouses you from your slumber.

It's the sirens.

You leap out of bed, toss on some clothes and head out of your room. Thin, far away plumes of smoke rise into the sky. A mania can be heard from inside town. You pause, realizing this could be another one of those villians who could be trying to take over Equestria. You step inside, grab a kitchen knife and tuck it in the back of your pants.

You don't know what this has to do with anything, but Red has to be involved. You can save her. You have to save her.

The snow emits light crunches as your feet bring you closer to Ponyville. The air is frigid and burns at your skin, but you know something serious is happening. The sirens grow louder as you near the source.

Ponies in town scramble panicedly, some trying to enter their nearest house. Some speeding off to home. Others trying to find their children. Princess Twilight's castle looms on the horizon.

You cross the distance in moments. You throw open the doors. Inside are the Elements of Harmony, huddled around a piece of parchment.

"What happened," you growl at the ponies in front of you.

You decide that it's better to hide what little you do or don't know. What you do or don't remember. You have no idea who you can trust in all of this.

The six ponies turn to look at you. Rarity leaps and her horn glows with a strong power, but eases up upon seeing you.

"It's Canterlot," Twilight says. "It was attacked."

"Attacked?" you ask, moving closer to the girls. "Attacked by who?"

"Some rogue group. Citizens were hurt. The Canterlot Castle is in ruins. Luna and Celestia are fine, but there are many injured. Many are still missing."

Twilight moves her eyes down to the parchment in front of her.

"And... I have a decision to make."

"What decision?"

"Come on, Anon," Applejack says, leaping between you and Twilight. "This is Princess business. It's need to know basis. Just go back home and stay safe. We don't know who or-"

"No, you're wrong Applejack," Twilight says, interrupting her. "I actually think Anon is the perfect one to ask. All six of us have strong opinions on how to handle this situation. Anon is neutral."

Twilight clears her throat. Fluttershy takes three steps in front of her.

"Are you sure this is a good idea, Twilight?" Fluttershy asks, her voice stern.

"Yes, without a doubt," the princess says, stepping around her friend. "Anon, Equestria is going to announce an act of war upon those who committed this attack. We believe the attack was commenced from a team of renegade ponies that live in Saddle Arabia. My decision is whether to initiate the draft. If I say yes, then any pony or citizen of Equestria who can lend a hoof in the war effort will be trained, shipped, and armed, leaving our Royal guard forces to protect Equestria."

Twilight closes her eyes and sighs.

"We believe that dozens of ponies lost their lives today in this rash, senseless act. My question to you is, if you were given the chance to protect Equestria. To protect the ones you love, even if it meant risking your own life?"

You pause, and only one mare enters your mind. Fluttershy grits her teeth beside her friend.

"Yes," you say. "I would in a heartbeat."

Twilight nods her head before turning back to the parchment in front of her.

"Then, in that case... We're going to war with Saddle Arabia."

Author's Notes:

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