Chapter 23

“Unite or die!”

50 years ago...

Snowstorm sat on a bench wearing a white wool coat over his face in of the great hall where the pegasi, earth ponies and unicorns who were bickering. Chancellor Puddinghead wearing her gaudy outfit and she had a young pink face with bright blue eyes but she was stern and she had her pink and red bouncy hair in a flurry falling behind her ears. She was sitting at a large table with captain Hurricane blue female pegasus in bright blue armor and her stern blue eyes and princess Platinum with a white coat, blue eyes and a long silver mane and wearing a gorgeous silver dress. Chancellor pudding head was bickering with the other two.

She then shouted, “But we can’t grow anything that’s the problem! Our crops are dying faster than usual and we need a solution now before it’s too late.”

Captain hurricane , “Don’t blame us were doing everything we can but the wendigoes are coming in even harder we can only do so much what about the unicorns?”

princess Platinum “our magic is doing little against the wendigoes we’ve been researching books from ruined castles of Alicorns but we found nothing useful.”

Then the Pegasus shouted, “Look at you reading books while my soldiers are out there working day and night freeing the sky lessening the clouds of snow and your sitting in your castles reading that’s just fantastic!”

Princess Platinum turns her head then said, “at least were using our brains and actually thinking you on the other hoof you fly in the sky and try to clear weather and what have you accomplished?  If you brainless pegasi could help us find a solution instead of flying around acting like you’re doing something maybe we would of found a solution by now!”

Then captain Hurricane shouted, “You know what princess Platinum? You can shove those books…”

Then chancellor Puddinghead shouted, “Will you two shut up! You are missing the point it does not matter if we clear the wendigoes with magic or with pegasi, we have almost no food left. So will you two shut up and talk about actual options.”

They all became quiet for a second then Snowstorm looked up and saw that every pony in the room stayed silent with no more outbursts.

Then Snowstorm spoke and said, “Maybe we all deserve to die.”

They all looked at him he looked up then commandeer hurricane said ‘what do you mean?”

Snowstorm sighed then said, “Look at us after 200 years since the great cataclysm we have done nothing but fight and kill over land and food. We are barley with an agreement with each other. Maybe this winter the windegos is our punishment and we should accept it because there is no hope for us.”

Then commander hurricane shouted, “Shut up! We are not just going to give up. Besides if anything I’ll make sure that the pegasi survive.”

Snowstorm got off from his bench as the rest of the ponies muttered amongst each other than the muttering turned to more bickering Snowstorm then trotted down the stairs and to the doors to the great hall then he opens them and slams the doors behind him.

Snowstorm flew high to a mountainside with the blizzard flowing hard he came upon an empty cave and sat inside.

He then said “They’re all fools every single one. The answer to our problem is simple all we have to do is work together.”

Then a chilling voice spoke from within “Then why not tell them if you think you know the answer?”  

Snowstorm then said, “They don’t deserve it. The probably wouldn’t believe me or care anyways.”

The voice spoke again “Why are you here alone?”

Snowstorm then said, “I came here to think. Because of us this world has been ravaged and we have no pony to blame but ourselves.”

The voice spoke again “How can you be so vain? You’re a pony like them?”

Snowstorm sighed then said, “I am, I acknowledge my failures, and I know I’m no better than them. I want to change that.”

He picked up a hoofful of it then said “What a useless destiny to have in a time like this, I was born to create this, to create snow, Yet even if the world was green and beautiful. I would still go unnoticed. I would go down in history as one who made snow.”

The voice then said, “What do you desire?”

Snowstorm dropped the said, “Recognition for something more, I want to be like the wendigoes to threaten total annihilation unless they follow the true path to peace.”

Then the voice said, “What if I can make that dream true?"

Snowstorm then said, “What are you?"

Then a spirit of a stallion appeared but it was completely white and with two red eyes.

It then said, “Let me into your body and I will give you power most will dream of. We can then make these ponies suffer or become one.”

Snowstorm looked up and said, “Why would you need me?"

The spirit then said, “The windegos feed on sin and death on ruin and violence but we will soon reach a point where the ponies will unite and my kind will be forced to stay here but you you can be the link we need when the time is right let’s make them suffer.”

Snowstorm then said, “You speak as if you know they will unite?”

the spirit nods then said, “There is a land south of here one I’ve only gazed on is untouched and I cannot go near it. The ponies may discover this land and unite. However, if you let me in your soul I can enter this valley and maybe we can help each other.”

Snowstorm then said “How long will I wait? “

It shrugged then said, “Does it matter?”

Snowstorm laughs then he laughs harder than shouted, “Fine enter me let’s become one and we shall become the blizzard of death.”

Core wakes to crimson in hoof cuffs and with two guards over him.

He moans then said, “What the hell happened.”

Crimson then said, “I just wanted you to know that I saved you after you were betrayed by Snowstorm.”

Core then looked down and saw that his legs were broken he then said, “Why didn’t you kill me?”

Crimson Red then said, “Because, you were right I went too far with this. I lead so many to their deaths killed innocents.”

Core then said, “That doesn’t answer my question. I want to know why I’m not dead.”

Crimson Red then replied, “Because you’re my son.”

Core then said, “Don’t expect me to be grateful. You have a long way before I can forgive you for what you’ve done.”

Crimson Red nods then said “I deserve to be punished and the irony of it all I now see the truth Snowstorm planned this whole tragedy from the beginning.”

Core then said “What?”

Crimson Red then said “It was only a few months ago right after a pegasus whose name has not been discovered attacked a earth pony village and slaughtered them all because they rose up against the unfair terms but the attack happened before your friends returned from the everfree forest.  I cried out for vengeance to have the one who was responsible for the attack be brought to justice but no pony actually knew who did it. You remember I went to Celestia for help. However even she could not do anything. I know she worked hard to make sure we were given better terms from the bank though. But I still wanted vengeance against the one who did it I actually didn’t know it was Snowstorm until I saw him shove you off the wall.”

Core then said “After this Snowstorm will be tried for his treason. However you’re not getting away either no matter what he did what you did in return was just as vile.”

Sugar cube appeared from the side of the tent as crimson moved to the side with the guards.

Then Sugar Cube said, “Don’t worry he’s going to get his trial as soon as we clear up the rest of this mess. Core Celestia and Luna and Pine are here as well.”

He checked Core’s forehead then Core said “You bastard you have no idea how happy I am to see your stupid mug again. By the way Is chocolate Butter okay?”

Sugar cube then said, “He got those civilians to safety in less than two weeks. Right now, we need to focus on you. I’ve been able to splint your hind legs and they’re healing nicely but I don’t want your wounds getting infected”

Core nods then said, “What’s the situation right now?”

Sugar cube then went to the side of then picked up a rag from a bowl of water twitch his teeth and went over to Core’s bandaged legs.

Then Sugar Cube said, “Snowstorm’s convinced the other pegasi in that fort that Celestia and Luna have aided the earth ponies and only care about earth ponies he’s swore that as long as they’re in power they won’t get justice for their dead and crap like that. Sadly, many have agreed and he has been gaining a lot of support more then we anticipated. Luna wants to take him out but Celestia is holding her back”

Core nods then said, “We have to be careful if this isn’t solved soon and properly. This could lead to civil war.”

Sugar cube nods as he continues to take off the old bandages and clean the wound as he replaces them then he said, “Right now Snowstorm has only asked for one thing. He said he’ll end his succession if he can come to terms with Princess Luna.”

Core shakes his head then said, “Sounds like a trap.”

Sugar cube then then said, “Look we all know that but if Luna can convince him to turn himself in without a single pony to be killed many we should take that chance? What do you think?”

Core chuckled and replied, “Why do you want my opinion?”

Sugar cube then said, “You’re the most level head pony I know and right now tension is high. I want you to decide what we should do next?”

Core looks at his father then said, “Can you leave?”

He trots out with the two guards then Core turns to sugar cube then said “Do it have Luna met with him but you should tail her. Can you get into that fort unnoticed?”

Sugar cube chuckled and said “Sure.”

Core nods then said, “Keep Luna safe but she can’t know either. No pony can know.”

Sugar cube nods then said, “Good thing it’s still snowing outside.”

Sugar Cube leaves the tent into the small encampment of soldiers. The snow was falling faster than before and it was a lot colder. Sugar cube pulled up his cloak and tried to ignore the cold and finds Princess Celestia and Princess Luna in large thick wool coats still bickering.

He then shouts, “Hey! Can you two listen for a moment?”

Princess Celestia turns then Princess Luna then said, “So Core agrees I should go kill Snowstorm right?”

Pine gets up with his crossbow.

Then sugar cube turns his head and says, “Pine put that crossbow down.”

He turns to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna then said, “No he thinks we should have Princess Luna talk with Snowstorm. If you can convince Snowstorm that he will have a fair trial and also have the justice for the earth ponies he killed then this whole situation can be resolved.”

Princess Celestia bows her head then said, “I don’t like it.”

Sugar cube then said “Look I told Core I wouldn’t say this but I’m going too. I think Princess Luna going alone is a bad idea as well this is clearly all set up just so he can have a private audience with her. But, Core suggests I tail you Princess  Luna and spy on you and Snowstorm.”

Princess Luna nods then sarcastically says, “That way you can protect me how thoughtful.”

Sugar cube looks up then said “ Princess Celestia what do you think?”

Princess Celestia looks back then said, “Out of curiosity you did say you spied on us for five years?”

Sugar cube shakes his head then said, “Only for three the last two were for the holy empire in the east and the chaos ponies in the south.”

Princess Celestia turns to her her sister then said, “He tailed us for three years and was never noticed if anything he can avoid magic wards and traps he’s resourceful and the best fighter in Equestria I agree he’ll tail you into the fort.” Luna looks up then said, “I’m not a filly who needs to be watched.”

Sugar cube then said, “Not exactly watch but I’ll be there for backup. If it is a trap and he has a way of keeping you from using your magic I can disarm it and even alert Princess Celestia if I need help.”

Princess Luna then sighs, “Fine I’ll agree.”

Sugar cube nods then said, “Okay let’s move out.”

Princess Luna is escorted by two pegasi into the small house of snowstorm. The room was clear with only a single chair with Snowstorm in his white plated armor and his sleek blue hair falling onto the left side of his face sitting on the only chair in the room.

He looks up then said “Luna I’m so happy you decided to finally discuss terms.”

Luna then said “Its princess Luna.”

He chuckled then said, “You were never my princess.”

She then said “Such insolence form a Pegasus who hides and kills ponies.”

Snowstorm then said, “You want to blame me? Fine blame me, but it doesn’t matter the weather is getting worse out there is it not?”

She then said, “I’m guessing this is what you wanted?”

Snowstorm looked up then said, “You’re almost right. The winter is only a part of my plan.”

She then said “what is that plan exactly?”

Snowstorm stood up then said, “I’m not telling you but if we don’t find a solution to the mess I created you will soon have civil war on your hooves.”

She then said “This is what you want civil war?”

Snowstorm then said, “There will be if we can’t find a solution. So instead, tell me a little about yourself. Do you like raising the moon?"

She then said, “I don’t have time for games get to the point.” Snowstorm then said “I could have you escorted back then continue preaching and have more pegasi join my  cause and start this civil war or play my game and I might just turn myself in.”

She gulps then said, “Fine ask away.”

Snowstorm leaned forward in his seat then said, “I will ask again do you like raising the moon. Answer honestly I will know if you’re lying.”

She then said “No.”

He smiled and said “Why?”

She then said “I’m lonely I have Pine but Celestia has an entire kingdom who adores her every time the sun rises. But I don’t hate her I’m just jealous.”

He nods then said, “I understand I was like you once wondering why I have a pointless destiny? Then I found something great.”

He laughs then said, “Okay two more questions than if you answer them right I’ll end this game and you can escort me back in chains.”

She nods then he said, “Do you believe the pony race can truly have peace and still have their individuality?”

She the said, “Of course. They’ve been keeping themselves at peace for over 60 years before my sister and I showed up.”

He laughs then laughs harder then said, “Last question what world would you rather live in? a world where your identity is stripped but you and your loved ones are alive or a world where you have your individuality but you will watch as the ones you love die and yourself die? Tell me which world is better?”

Princess Luna then said, “I don’t know...”

He then said, “There is only one of two answers that’s the great irony behind every answer to my questions you want to believe that you can have your identity and have peace at the same time yet when it comes down to having one or the other you can’t answer. Remember this peace is a lie. These ponies were only at peace to save themselves from the wendigoes. If your mother did not sacrifice herself for them and created this land, we would have all ended up dead. The same will happen again Luna maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but in a hundred or a thousand years, the ponies will go back to the way they were greedy, selfish, spoiled, vile, and cruel, they will go back to the old ways one day. Do you know that day Luna?”

She shakes her head then he gets up from his chair and kneels before her.

He then takes off his helmet and then said, “The day you and Celestia die or leave Equestria.”

He then said, “That’s all I’m surrendering myself to you. Take me back to your camp.”

Back at the camp of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had Snowstorm was placed in a cell opposite of Crimson he was stripped of his armor and his long thin blue mane could be seen and he had no cutie mark and he laughed when he saw him.

Then he said, “Question? Is it more fun stabbing a pony or killing are pony with your bare hooves?”

Crimson stares back “Shut up psycho”

Snowstorm laughs then said “Oh you ponies. You want to blame me. Fine blame I for all those you killed. But I really have to thank you; my plans wouldn’t have gone so well without you.”

Then the guards took Snowstorm from his cell then he was taken to Princess Celestia’s and Princess Luna’s tent Luna was whispering to her sister then Celestia turns to Snowstorm as he was thrown to the ground.

Princess Celestia then said, “My sister told me what you said. It seems you’re not quite right in the head.”

Snowstorm spat “You all want to say I’m crazy. But enough about that, right now I have a full army of pegasi ready to die for me so let’s say this if you have them execute him and execute me then I guess that should appease both parties but the truth is do you two  have the balls?"

Sugar cube came to him and slammed his hoof into his stomach then said, “Talk like that in front of princess Celestia or Princess Luna again and I won’t go easy next time.”  

Princess Celestia went to her sister then said, “He doesn’t care if he dies or not I don’t think killing him is a good idea.”

Princess Luna spat then said ‘Screw him and Crimson they both had ponies killed in the dozens they both should be executed for their crimes.”

Princess Celestia sighed then said, “Can we do that? Can we judge ponies like this?”

Snowstorm got up laughing and then said, “Tick tock tick tock. “

Sugar cube slammed his hoof into his gut again he then said “You should keep a leash on this guy. By the way, how is your friend? I hope he isn’t too broken.”

Sugar cube grabbed him by the throat then threw him across the tent

Then Princess Celestia said, “stop it Sugar cube.”

Sugar cube then said, “We should kill him.”

Celestia then said “why?”

Sugar cube shakes his head then said, “It’s not just for his past crimes I can tell he will kill again and again and not for any real reason he’ll just kill because he enjoys it.”

He gets up laughing and clapping his hooves then said “This pony has it right sugar cakes can I call you that? I don’t give a damn! You can all live the peaceful happy lives you want, but the price is my head.”

Princess Luna came over then said, “I will gladly take it.”

Princess Celestia got in her way then said, “Remember back at Sombra’s palace? You stopped me from killing Sombra not because of who he is but because you were scarred, I would become like him. Don’t be like him, be stronger then him.”

Princess  Luna‘s horn stopped glowing then said “then what are we going to do?”

Pine came in and said, “I’ll do it.”

Princess Celestia turns then he said, “I’ve killed dozens of ponies you don’t need to get your hooves bloody.”

Princess Celestia shakes her head then said, “If he and Crimson die it will be my horn I won’t place the sword of my judgment on another.”

She stares at him then said, “I will decide by tomorrow place him in the cell outside.” Sugar Cube lifts up Snowstorm and heads out of the tent.

Snowstorm was back in his cell laughing!

Then Crimson said, “Why did you kill all those earth ponies? Why did you kill my wife?”

Snowstorm stares into the night sky with the snow still falling then said, “You want me to say to start this whole conflict well that’s only a part of the truth the real reason is because I could. The thing is most ponies seem to forget were not bound by any laws or rules these.”

He shakes the bars then said, “This is all just ways for them to make you think they have control they want to feel safe. I lift those bars I give my pegasi the pleasure of killing. It was great!”

Crimson then said “so every pony you killed every pony that died? It was just for your enjoyment?”

Snowstorm snickered then he turns his head and sighs, “Why else did I throw your son off that wall? I just wanted to see his broken body on the snow.”

Crimson smashed through his cell then ripped open Snowstorm’s cell door.

then Snow storm got up then said ,“You really want your vengeance here I am.”

Crimson smashed him on to the opposite side and started to beat him repeatedly then he gasped as he saw a small dagger enter his body.

Then Snowstorm rose over him as Crimson drops to the ground then he smiles and said, “Wait until they see you.”

Princess Luna saw what happened but she could not do anything to save Crimson. When they found him it was over, he had his eyes missing and the words “Blind” written in blood in the snow. Snowstorm was in the camps center when Celestia came forth with Pine and and sugar Cube Luna placed him on the ground.

She  shouted “He dies now!”

He laughed then said, “That’s right now you have to kill me! If the earth ponies find out he’s dead but I’m not it will be bad for you two.”

Princess Celestia stares at him then he smiled and said, “Come on princess you can you do it or will you have fire butt or sugar cakes over there end me.”

Princess Celestia came forward then she said, “Why do you kill? What do you get out of taking lives?”

He looks up then said “everything and nothing”

She then stood over him then her horn glows then she said “Luna stand back.”

Princess Luna gets back and every soldier watched as Celestia took her horn blasted through Snowstorm. They watched as his body went limp then his eyes flared and his body twitched then he roared and his body became longer and he lost his fur and he rose he was hairless with two thin red eyes and his skin barley covering his stretched out bones.

Then the blizzard hit its peak and then he roars; "Now you witness my ultimate form!”

Then he then stares at Princess Celestia and Princess Luna and then then wendigo spirits started to flee from his body and cover the ground. Then the pegasi from the camp with the earth ponies and the unicorns came together with Pine and Sugar Cube in front of Princess Celestia and Luna who had their horns glowing ready to attack.

He looks back then said “But how after everything?”

Sugar Cube came forward then said, “While you were in your cell Celestia and Luna went to the fort and told the pegasi how you killed only for enjoyment and when they realized all the awful things that you did they sided with us.” Luna nods then said “we may be weak some of us weaker but we are united.”

Snowstorm laughs then he saw that the wendigoes were fleeing and that the snow stopped falling.

Then he said, “So this is it. I failed.”

Princess Celetsia then said, “we won’t succumb to you the pony race has spoken.”

Princess Celestia and Princess  Luna rise together and then blasted him with an array of energy from the elements of harmony blasting him through.

Then he could feel his body start to break, he then saw pieces of him falling into the snow then he looks at Princess Celestia and Princess Luna then smiled and said, “This is it for me but the wendigoes have now entered Equestria. No matter what happens even if it takes thousands of years the pony race will just go back to how they were before.”

He looks at Luna then said; “You will see.” then his body fell lifeless to the ground.

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