Natura Stella strode through the city of Canterlot at a slow pace, taking in the scenery of the majestic and regal city that the capital of Equestria was.

Soon, she came to a big park area. It was filled with different trees and flowers, almost beckoning for her to enter. The smell reminded her of far away home, and she had little doubts about going into the park.

As she entered, she saw different animals roaming the area. They curiously glanced at the unicorn as she walked. It was peaceful: few ponies that were around didn't disturb the animals and were rather quiet, most of them on the benches, some just listened to the wildlife, others busied themselves with books, and a few were happy couples, enjoying their time together.

Natura inhaled deeply and smiled. It indeed reminded her of her peaceful forest she used to live in. So, she went deeper into the park and lied down on the grass. Artificial benches, while comfortable, couldn't provide her with a sense of belonging or nature. She found it much more enjoyable to lie in the grass, feeling its blades against her fur and skin, sensing its refreshing touch, feeling how energy of life swirled around, making the place feel lively.

Animals warily approached her: various birds, rodents, and even wild cats. Of course, they weren't completely wild, but they were as close to it as possible in the city like Canterlot.

Natura began to hum a tune she had heard from the elves of her world. It was simple and radiated with happiness and joy. She felt better around trees, bushes, flowers, and fauna that inhabited the surroundings. There was no feeling like this one, there simply couldn't be anything better for the unicorn.

"How are you, little ones?" Natura asked.

The animals responded in their own languages that couldn't be understand by most. However, this particular unicorn knew how to communicate with different animals.

"Me too, thanks." she replied. "So, how is it around here?"

The birds chirped something to her.

"It's good." her smile widened. "I always liked forests more than cities or towns. Everything is so calm, my dear friends... I wish I could stay here forever."

She relaxed, letting her head fall and rest on her hooves as her eyelids grew heavy. She wouldn't go anywhere for some time.

Meanwhile at the Canterlot Castle, princess Celestia observed the training of the new army. It was almost as hard as the Royal Guard training, but still bearable. Thanks for the new commanders Andromalius provided, the training became far more productive. It wasn't only about fighting, but tactics and strategy. Many guards volunteered to undergo additional training in handing different weapons efficiently, including artillery and old siege equipment. Many old weapons were brought back to light, old tactics reformed and implemented in the new training. Not to mention battle magic was restored — many unicorn soldiers were already learning it and practicing offensive, defensive, and healing spells, and even high tier spells such as resurrection, which took much energy even from the best casters. It would be a lot of time before any of them learned it to perfection. So far, they were able to bring back to life only small creatures, and talking about anyone pony-sized would be pushing too far at the moment.

"General Pride Fight, how well is the training going?" Celestia asked her trusted general. He was a rather old stallion, his blue mane was graying, and yet his eyes displayed fiery devotion to Equestria.

"Excellent, your majesty." he replied. "The troops are determined to become the best of the best, maybe even better than the royal guards. The progress goes pretty fast thanks to the new trainers, and the training will be completed on schedule, maybe even faster."

"Good." the princess nodded. "Now, how are the repairs of siege equipment going?"

"Most of it is just dusty and will be ready soon." the general reported. "However, some of those machines have rotten slightly, but it won't hinder our progress much. Everything, once again, will be ready according to schedule."

"Very well." Celestia said. "Proceed as planned, then."

"Will be done, your majesty." Pride Fight bowed, and then returned to observing the training process.

The solar princess sighed. She didn't want any wars to start, but the tension in the world was high and the chances of a new violent conflict were just as high. Better be prepared and not need preparations than be unprepared and suffer the consequences. Celestia knew it all to well.

Off to the side, Andromalius was watching the whole process. After all, he was the one who sent the majority of generals and commanders to Equestria, and he needed to make sure everything went according to plan.

"I hope we won't need these preparations." Celestia said, sighing. "I don't want the peace to end..."

"Neither do I." Andromalius agreed. "But we should prepare. We need to be ready for anything, including large scale warfare."

"I understand." the solar alicorn nodded. "Tell me... In your world, were here large wars?"

"Two of them." the hell stallion said, his heavy gaze on the training. "Two world wars... Some say, they could be evaded. Some say, they were inevitable. But one thing is certain — they were the bloodiest wars humanity has ever known. We were at the edge at least fifty years — a third one was expected. As far as I know, it hasn't happened yet. However, I fear it might..."

"We have never had anything even close to what you say." Celestia said. "I don't want even the first one to occur. I will do anything to defend my ponies."

"Some people during the second world war thought just like you." Andromalius said, remembering the course of history. "They were brave people. In fact, they almost single-handedly managed to defeat the attackers, at least one of them. Towns, villages, cities were destroyed, razed to the ground, and people fought for themselves, their families and friends. Many lives were lost, but peace reestablished again. However, it came at a great price... More than twenty million lives were lost in that violent conflict." he turned to Celestia. "I want to prevent anything like that. I don't want to experience it, I don't want anyone to go through. Did you teach your mages how to resurrect?"

"We're working on it." Celestia nodded. "Hopefully, by the start of the war, they will be ready. We need to save as many lives as we possibly and impossibly can."

Meanwhile at the Hornguard Castle.

Arantir and Luna were preparing their own troops. Legions of undead were standing in formations, armed and armored, ready to be commanded. Fearless warriors,,they wouldn't stop until the victory was achieved. Both necromancers knew it, and lack of fear was the greatest asset the undead army had.

The new generals Luna appointed to the legion would be even more beneficial for the army as well. They were smart, cunning, and swift-minded — they would certainly prove to be worthy opponents in the battles.

Overall, the army was ready for combat, awaiting command.

"Princess, I need to show you one very important thing." Arantir said, leading Luna through the cold walls of the castle. "A blessing had come from Asha, and it is her will that I show you her gift."

"What is it?" Luna asked with interest.

"Oh, it will greatly help us." the High Lord said. "You must see for yourself, my apprentice."

Luna nodded. She was sure that whatever Arantir was going to show her was very important.

Soon, the two reached what once was the ball hall. Most of its decorations were gone, revealing gray stone underneath. The hall was empty, cleared of all debris that had accumulated there through the ages. Nothing but an ornate well stood inside the hall.

"Here." Arantir gestured at the well, beckoning Luna closer. Both soon stood near the well. The water inside it was dark and murky, and somewhat green in color, emitting barely seen smoke of the same color. A small dot was glowing in the center.

"What is it?" Luna asked with curiosity. However, she didn't touch anything.

"It is the Well of Future." the High Lord said. "It shows, as the name suggests, future. Distant or close, depends on how well you ask it. This well might be able to show us what we need. But remember! It shows only what you ask it to show, not what you need to see. Use your words carefully."

"Have you ever used this well?" Luna asked with uncertainty.

"On a few occasions, yes." Arantir nodded. "Though, the vision were blurry and confusing... Maybe you will have a better chance."

Luna looked into the water. It beckoned for her to say her words.

"Show me near future of one Equestrian year. Show me any physically and mentally violent war between nations that will happen during that time. Show myself, my sister, my son, show what we will do."

The glow from the well intensified, reflecting from Luna's eyes.

Suddenly, she was swallowed by the green abyss, and visions opened to her. Vile, violent visions of war and plunder. Ponies, griffins, demons died on the battlefield. Some were resurrected, some stayed dead. Panic captured ponies as their enemy advanced into the land, crushing the resistance with iron claw.

The attention shifted. Luna's sister stood on the hill, observing the battle, commanding the army. She was clad in armor, a sword by her side.

Luna appeared. She was tall and black, her eyes were glowing aqua. She commanded her own army — the army of the dead.

Andromalius appeared. He was in the heart of the battle, crushing his foes, and helping his troops with spells. A bloodied burning greatsword was in his magical grasp as he unleashed inferno onto his enemies, his golden wings shimmering in the flicks of fire.

Luna gasped as the vision ended. She took a few steps away from the well, shaking from adrenaline in her bloodstream.

"I... I saw the war." she said, her voice shaky and fearful. "It is happening within this year. I, I must warn my sister!"

"Indeed." Arantir nodded. "Go. We must prepare."

Luna teleported herself back to Canterlot. The High Lord glanced at the well, and then went to prepare the army. There were still some adjustments to be made.

"Sister!" Luna called as she entered Celestia's personal chambers. "I have urgent news!"

Celestia nodded, directing her attention towards her sister. She knew she mustn't ignore this.

"Tia... The war is happening within the year." Luna said hastily. "We must prepare!"

"Calm down, sister." Celestia stood up, worry in her eyes. "Are you sure?"

"Unfortunately, yes!" the nightly alicorn said. "Arantir showed me a well that can show the future. And it showed me the war... The war with the griffins."

Celestia sighed sadly. It seemed her suspicions were proven true, unfortunately. Everything led to this, and there wasn't a thing she could do to stop it.

She reminded herself that the court is happening within an hour. It would help her lay her mind off of the war.

Little did the two know that it had already begun.

Evil lurks in the world, unseen by many. Sometimes, it is well-hidden in the dark, asleep in waiting for its time to come. Evil awakens from its slumber, corrupting even the kind-hearted, deceiving them into believing they do the right thing when in truth they do not.

Without evil, there is no good, and none are ever absolute. Evil people think they do good for either themselves or the people they care about. What is good and evil but shades of gray? Some are darker, some are lighter, and yet never truly black or white.

Mistakes were made in the past, and many of them come back to bite you when you least expect it. Those who are skilled in speech and have no lack of willpower may try to nudge the things in the direction they want. Sometimes, that direction is a violent conflict, one that cannot be solved by words, but by steel and fire. Those conflicts bring terror, pain, death, and yet they continue to return again and again, more and more violent and hateful than before. After the time of peace, unrest, war comes, wrapping the world in the darkness only the brightest light can dispell. And yet, there is no light if there isn't a shadow.

Deep, old grudges may violently return, even the smallest conflicts may escalate into war, misunderstandings may lead to nations falling apart, biting at each-other, bringing both sides down in a futile struggle to do what is right until they understand that what they do is wrong. But by then, it is already too late.

Many shall bear witness to warfare, the one the peaceful world of many nations hasn't seen in a very long time. The time of pain, the time of bloodshed, the time of horror. One that no one hopes to never experience. Only the inhuman beasts long blood, long the battle to fight. And yet, there isn't peace if there isn't conflict.

Fear, it rules the world. Fear of loss, fear of the alien, fear of the different. There are many fears, and many of them are justified in one way or another. And yet, fears can also be irrational, illogical, influenced by false stereotypes or by people who long for wealth and power that they want to get by any means possible.

Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate erupts into mindless violence, and violence leads to suffering. Most physical injuries will heal in time, of course, but what is in the mind will remain for months, years, decades, even generations, embedded into history forever. It is what will be the hardest to cure. It is not easy to forgive your enemies, even if the war happened a long time ago.

One day, that chain of said events completed, leading to what will be known as the most violent conflict in the history of that world. And it began slowly, unnoticed by many, ignored by those who could prevent it from happening or simply because confusion clouded their minds. Decisions had been made, and the consequences were soon to come.

It happened with the griffons, the nation well-known for their warrior, predatory, and prideful spirit that remained unbroken even through the years of relative peace. That spirit is helpful in many situations, but if left unattended or let it be used...

The consequences might be devastating.

It was an autumn evening in the newly-reformed Griffin Empire, the land of proud griffons. An evening, the end of the day like many others, or so it seemed. Nothing signaled what was tragically coming upon them and the whole world. Only a few expected and prepared for it, but would it be enough?

A large crowd was gathered in the main square of the capital city, Griffinstone. On a wide wooden podium, griffons in royal armor stood, two of them holding the shackles that restricted a frightened pegasus. Bruises covered his body, one of his wings was oddly angled, his muzzle was covered in his own blood, and his eyes expressed pure horror, darting from a griffon to griffon in a futile effort to find a look of sympathy. All he found was anger and hate.

A griffon stood out from the guards on the podium, wearing red robes adorned with golden patterns instead of any armor. He stood proudly, preparing to speak.

"Introducing her majesty, Empress Ironfeather!" he spoke loudly, and a griffon gracefully came onto a podium from behind, accompanied by fanfares that quickly ceased as she stopped in the center of the podium. Her perfectly trimmed golden fur and her well-oiled ivory feathers with silver tips shone in the light of the sun, reflecting her regality and the highest status.

"Greetings, dear citizens!" she addressed her subjects, her voice booming across the square, immediately gaining all attention. "Today, we are gathered here for the most terrible cause." her dark-golden eyes surveyed the crowd. "We have caught a foreign spy. Unfortunately, that is true, and we have all the evidence that proves him guilty." she turned to the pony. "Windflaw of Equestria, you are accused of trespassing on governmental property and spying on the state secrets, including getting illegal access to military information, and murder. Here is the proof for all the griffons to see!"

A large image appeared above the empress. It showed a corridor, guarded by three griffons. A cloaked figure made its way through the corridor, and once the guards tried to stop it, they were murdered in cold blood, holding onto their bleeding necks as the figure continued its way. Then, another image appeared. This time, it depicted the same cloaked figure standing at the table, packing some papers in its bags.

"No, I didn't do that!" the pony shouted as the showcase ended. "That is a lie!"

"Execute him." the empress ordered. "We will not tolerate anyone who wants to undermine the safety of our citizens!"

Forcing him on his knees, one of the griffins held his head to the block as another lifted an executioner sword.

"No, please!" Wingflaw begged, tears rolling down his cheeks as his scared eyes looked for some sort of support. He struggled against the inevitable death.

And then, swiftly, the sword came upon his neck, decapitating him in a blink of an eye. His head fell into a wooden basket that stood in front of the block, blood spurting from the neck stump, covering the wood in red. The lifeless body agonized, and soon came to a complete stop, falling like a doll.

"Unfortunately, this is not the worst. It is obvious that Equestria set this all up, dear citizens." Ironfeather spoke. "After we reunited, many strange and outright disturbing events started to happen, including murders of our citizens near the borders between our country and Equestria. It is apparent that Equestria doesn't want us back, doesn't want us to stand together as we once did.

"So many years ago, they fought against our country and brought it down upon its knees, rendering it completely defenseless in the humiliating act of defeat. Until that defeat, we prospered, we were the most influential and powerful country in the world. Equestrians don't want us to be back! They don't want us to stand up! They will try to stop us from ever gaining any sort of recognition! Apparently, they don't want competition... For years and years, our divided kingdoms were considered the weakest in the world!

"But now, with the reformation of our great Empire, we shall proudly stand against our enemies! They shall pay for their crimes in blood! That is the only way we can ensure that we won't be brought down ever again! We shall fight for our independence. It matters not if those ponies control the sun and the moon, we are still free! We shall not tolerate those who want to control us!"

The crowd cheered, clapping thunderously for their ruler.

"Today, Equestria will pay. Before they strike, we shall strike first! We won't leave them a chance to make the first move!"

***

On the border between the Griffin Empire and Equestria, everything seemed rather calm at the first glance. However, tension was in the air, poisoning everyone around it with fear.

The two outposts across the river were divided between griffons and ponies. Both watched the other, expecting them to make the first wrong move. The news of murders shook both of them, making them suspicious of each-other. Weapons were at the ready, and yet none expressed anything outside of normal. However, everyone knew that the spring of tension could go no further.

"What do ya think 'bout that?" a pony guard asked another as they sat on their positions on top of a defensive tower. "Y'know, about the whole murder thing?"

"I'm unsure." the second pony frowned. "There hasn't been a murder anywhere nearby in hundreds of years. Ever since the defeat of the previous Griffin Empire, actually. I'm not talking about what happens in their own borders. Some crazy shit... Griffons sure like to spill their own blood."

"Ours, too." the first one replied with a sigh. "Y'know that another village was raided, right? No one survived again... Ponies and griffons alike have moved out of any nearby villages after that. Do you think... a war is coming? Just... who else would do those things but the griffons? This is all... strange. We haven't had any problem with them until recently."

"I don't think they're that stupid to— wait, the heck is that?" the second guard sprung from his position, darting closer to the wall, squinting his eyes. "What the fuck is that?"

He looked in the direction of the griffon outpost. High in the sky, hundred of quickly closing distance griffins could be seen. Suddenly, a crossbow bolt struck him in the middle of the head, killing him instantly, his body falling to the floor lifelessly. A surprised look froze on his face forever.

The first guard gasped in surprise, and then rushed to another side of the tower, filling his lungs with air, adrenaline hitting him hard.

"Alert, code black! We are under attack! Enact plan 'Solaris'!" he shouted. Soon, the outpost erupted in clanking of armor and weapons as ponies took defensive positions. The ponies knew it was their last stand, and they were going to make the most of it. Earth ponies worn additional pieces of armor, pegasi prepared sharp blades, unicorns started conjuring a shield.

The first griffon to come received a hailstorm of crossbow bolts that killed him mid-air. Other griffons were more lucky, diving from above to crash into the guards before the magical shield was fully up. A violent fight ensued, blood was shed, ground soon soaking in red. Griffons outmatched ponies in agility, killing them faster than the latter could retaliate. Steel armor was being torn apart, limbs were being broken and severed, and all was followed by horrendous, terrifying cries of pain and suffering. It wasn't a fight — it was butchering.

"There are too many of them!" a pony shouted, his voice only to be drowned by the sounds of fight and death.

Ponies were greatly outnumbered, being crushed by the sheer force of the griffon attack, falling dead one after another by the sharp blades and claws. Soon, the outpost was taken over by the griffons, leaving no single pony alive.

Celestia and Luna were in the throne room of the Canterlot Castle, holding a daily court. They knew that the war would come soon, but it didn't stop them from listening to their subjects. However, both were nervous after finding out that the war would indeed come soon. To the surprise of all and frowns of the sisters, a royal guard rushed into the room.

"Your majesties, you must come with me!" he said, bowing hastily. "There is an urgent matter!"

The princesses nodded, hastily standing up from their thrones and following the guard. The crowd of ponies murmured to each-other with fear in their voices. The tension in the air grew by each passing second. Having princesses rush off was unheard of. No pony could find a reason for them to be in such a hurry. However, no one voiced their concerns about the war, no one knew it started yet.

The two sisters were led to a room with a strange device that resembled a monitor. The guard pressed a button, and an image appeared on the screen, depicting a unicorn guard.

"Your majesties!" the armored pony spoke from the screen. Yells and shouts could be heard in the background. "This is outpost G-3 reporting! We are under attack by griffon forces! The Griffin Empire has attacked us without the declaration of war! There are approximately a thousand griffins at our borders, and they are armored and weaponed heavily! By the time you receive this, nopony will be alive! You need to s—"

Suddenly, the pony's head was struck, and the point of a spear appeared between his eyes with a sickening crack of steel and bone. The image stopped.

"What we feared has begun..." Celestia sighed sadly, averting her eyes from the horrible image. "Now, we must act swiftly." she collected herself. It was not the time to weep and cry. It would come later "Sister, move to intercept the griffon forces. You have the first and the second defensive battalions at your command. I... I will make a public announcement. Hiding it is neither possible not acceptable. We need to prepare. I don't think we have a chance against experienced griffon troops, but we have to at least hold them off for some time until the closest cities to the Griffin Empire evacuate.

"Private," she turned to the guard. "Tell your commander to execute order 2-G."

"Right away, your majesty!" the guard saluted, and then rushed off, his hooves clinking against the polished marble floor of the castle, growing distant with each passing moment.

Celestia looked at the screen, and then sighed again.

"I think I should inform Andromalius, too." she said, and began to make her own way.

There was nothing else she could've done to prevent such a things as war from happening. She did all in her power, and yet it was proven futile.

The war had begun. It was upon her and her allies to make things right or at least try to.

She stared through the window at the setting sun as her magic worked with it. With the end of the day, the long-lasting peace ended.

Will a peaceful sun shine again?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH07I_irO-w

Author's Notes:

Not only Andromalius will have to build his own country, he will also have to partake in a war. This is very unfortunate, especially for a such young ruler as him.

However, he knows a lot about tactics and strategy. He can possibly become one of the greatest commanders. However, will he be a good ruler to his people in the times of war?

We'll see.

I must say I'm very sorry for not updating this story for almost an entire month. This is horrible of me. However, I found many interesting things about warfare, politics, and economics that will work nicely with this story.