“You must face the facts, human. Your people are no more!” The spider monkey said, slamming his flagon down on the table. The other creatures looked at the lone human, who turned his head away. “I feel for your people, Kyris.” He sighed, hanging his head down. “Your people however were the most capable of taking on the Pony Race, and still they wiped your species off of the map!” He gave a small, nervous chuckle, but stopped once he looked into the human’s glare.

“’Tis true, Earitan.” The human agreed. “But that doesn’t mean we have to back down!” He raised his fist in determination. “If all the species work together, we can overthrow their empire.” He assured the creatures that were around him at the table. The bar laid quiet for a moment as Earitan took another helping of alcohol.

“Aye, if we could get all the creatures together, Kyris, of course we could, but we can’t all come together. The Felines and the Manticores are on the brink of war, the Monkeys fear the Ponies; the Zebras are experiencing a famine, the Buffalo are pacifists; The Canines are too far away and the Humans are gone. The only land left is the Mixed Land, but the views of the people are so different, as you can imagine.”

He realized he had no more beer, and proceeded to call over for another one, which soon a waitress brought to him. “I’m sorry, Kyris, but only the Humans denied the Ponies what they wished, and for it they were destroyed.” The human boy put up his hand for Earitan to stop, and turned his head away.

“You’re right, Earitan.” The boy sighed, admitting his defeat at last. “I don’t even know how many humans are left…” He trailed off, as no creature spoke afterwards. He finally stood up, looked at all of the creatures, and offered a statement of appreciation. “Thank you for coming, my friends. As much as I know you all have as much hatred for the Ponies as I do, Earitan is right. We simply cannot do it.”

  The animals gave small grunts of dismay; Kyris turned his head away once more, unable to face at the looks of disappointment.

“Kyris, you cannot give up.” A tigress spoke out. “You’ve spent so much time trying to plan this, don’t give up hope now. There’ll always be a way if we stick together.” The other animals agreed with her, but Kyris shook his head.

“For all other creatures, you are safe from Pony tyranny. You all have reasons to fight, but you have the option to be safe, and I would rather you be safe than give your lives for a goal that we cannot possibly reach.” He turned around, pushing open the doors of the pub, and walking out onto the streets without another word.

Kyris had been living in the Mixed Lands for quite some time now, after fleeing from the Human land when it was attacked by the Pony Empire. It was a nice place to live, given his circumstances.

Humans however, since their fall years ago, had become the lowest class or species, given their small numbers. Kyris had only heard of about a hundred Humans left in the entire world, after the massacre the ponies brought on his land; such a small number of Humans after there had been thousands of Humans two years ago. The Pegasi had destroyed villages and cities then proceeded to scout the land for escapees. Given their advanced speed and numbers, it wasn’t hard for the Pegasi to kill off so many humans in a timely manner before they could escape to other nations.

 He wanted to know where the rest of the humans were hiding, but for the moment he only knew two; one of which he went to visit that day.

Kyris walked through the city, refusing to make eye contact with any creature that would look his way. Humans were a rare sight in recent years, so each day it was often that he’d receive a few surprised looks. He walked between multiple three story buildings that usually led into large openings that were market zones. Thousands of creatures would crowd in these market areas to buy things from unreachable nations, like the Pony Empire, since no other creatures other than ponies were allowed to enter its borders.

 He made it to the edge of the city, which was only about a mile away from the wall of mountains which lead higher up into the icy lands. He walked along the sides of the steep mountains for about half a mile before he found a trail which he had traveled on many times before.

Kyris walked up the path deep into the mountains, finding his way up to the higher land within half of a day, even despite all of the thick snow. He reached the edge of the barren icy mountains, where it was hundreds of feet down into the unforgiving ocean. He traveled right along the edge until he reached the corner of the land, and at which was what appeared to be a forgotten castle.

He climbed the steps leading up to the castle, and pushed the large double doors open, and walked inside. He walked through the hallway, which had bodies of armor lining the walls. He climbed another flight of stairs that spiraled up to the very top of the tallest tower, which was a small library. Once he reached the top, he saw a bearded man sitting at a chair in front of a table, next to a fireplace. He looked to the other side to see a teal unicorn with a blue mane reading a book on the ground.

“Star-Swirl,” Kyris began, without greeting them. “I’m afraid that I haven’t been able to bring about a large enough following against the Ponies.”

“Hello to you too, Kyris.” The old man greeted him without turning to look at him. “The ponies have a powerful nation; it does not surprise me that a great abundance of creatures didn’t come to fight against a nation with powerful armies, a thriving economy, and not to mention growing technology.”

“I just don’t know what I’m going to do.” Kyris took a seat next to the old man. “Nowhere is safe for Humans; not even the Mixed Land is safe.” He put his hands on his head in frustration. “The only solution is to fight against the Ponies, in hopes that we’ll either destroy their civilization or they leave us alone, but the problem is just that. We can’t possibly face the Ponies with as much support as I have gotten.” The old man chuckled.

“Kyris,” He put a hand on his shoulder. “Fighting is not always the answer.”

“Then what is, Star-Swirl?” The boy looked at the old man with a concerned and frustrated look. “It’s not like I can just walk up to the Pony leaders and ask for a treaty. I’ve had two assassins try to take me out already this month. I’m only lucky enough to live because my village believed in training boys in the arts of war from the time they were thirteen to eighteen.” He expressed his dismay.

“Only two years of training and you were already a master of the sword.” Star-Swirl chuckled, making the best of his story. Kyris shook his head and smiled at the happy, old man, but he soon returned to his depressed state.

“I only wish I had finished the training.” Kyris said. “What I really wish I at least had the time to finish was preparing my mother and brother for the journey to the Mixed Lands.” He pondered on this thought for a moment, reminiscing in the past for a moment. “They just attacked so quickly. No one expected an entire country to fall within a few weeks, if it were to fall at all. I don’t even think the Pony civilians knew how fast it was happening until there were only a few Humans left.”

“What happened to your mother, and your brother?” Star-Swirl inquired. Kyris shook his head.

“I’ve already told you the story, Star-Swirl.” Kyris sighed.

“Tell it to me again, Kyris. I am old, and I forget many things.” The old man looked off to a nearby window, staring out at the sunset, and awaiting to be told a tale.

“As you wish, Star-Swirl.” Kyris had decided not to deny his request. The teal mare that had been reading and listening quietly to the conversation perked her ears to listen intently to the story.

“It was around two years ago. It was two days after the Human territory was officially a part of the Pony nation…”

***

“Kyris?” A small boy looked up at his brother, who was preparing a stew among a small fire. “Is mom going to be alright?” The small boy asked his father figure. His brother smiled at him.

“Of course.” He assured him hopefully. Kyris, his brother and his mother had escaped the Pony invasion as it had reached its spear into their village. His mother had been stabbed in the arm with a bloody spear by a warrior Pegasus when they were escaping. Kyris had tried to protect his mother as much as he could, and had slain the Pegasus with his sword, but he now thought it was all for naught. The wound grew an infection which Kyris had no means to cure. His mother was very weak, and their supplies were low.

The only thing they had time to grab was enough food and water to last them a couple of days, which they had put into a handcart. The first day of traveling to the Mixed Lands, Kyris had dragged along the cart which held the food and water, but the next day he had tugged along his mother in the cart, seeing as she became very ill. Kyris told his brother that she would be alright, which fired the hope that their mother’s body would heal itself if given enough food and water. Kyris and his brother both agreed to give their mother some of their rations each meal.

“Take this to mother.” Kyris handed his brother the bowl of stew he had been cooking. His brother nodded and ran quickly over to his mother, whom was lying in the cart. Kyris watched as his brother convinced her to drink it, as she was feeling weak and had barely enough strength to even take the bowl.

Kyris heard a small sound. It was a small sound that began to become louder with no time at all. It came from the west, not far off from their trail. As the sound became louder and closer, he finally made out the sound: Galloping. He looked off to the west, making out what was approaching so fast.

A Pegasi army was approaching. He asked himself as to why they didn’t fly. He expelled it from his mind quickly, for the situation at hand didn’t give them a lot of time to run. Kyris ran over to the handcart, taking it in hand, pointing his brother in the direction of the Pegasi so that he knew the situation, and began to run away.

“Brother!” Kyris heard as he turned to look at his brother, who had tripped. Kyris let go of the cart, helping his brother off of the ground. Suddenly, without a warning, a great abundance of pain shot through his shoulder. Kyris screamed aloud for a moment, but his adrenaline by that time took over enough to dull the pain. An arrow stuck itself from his shoulder. He turned around to see the Pegasi only a few moments away from them, seeing one that had a bow in hands as it was flying close to the ground with their galloping team. They couldn’t outrun them, and Kyris knew it all too well at this point.

Kyris drew his sword, ignoring the arrow delved into his shoulder. He took his stand between the Pegasi and his mother. His brother tugged at him to run, but Kyris only told him to stand behind him.

Once the army of armored Pegasi arrived, they made a half circle around them. Kyris stood unwavering. He noticed how most of them had major wounds, but had had them fixed up as much as they could while not in native lands. Most of the warrior’s wings had been damaged, which explained why they traveled by land.

Kyris wondered why they didn’t attack. They had no movement for what felt like hours. Finally, after a long while, a dark blue Pegasus took a step forward. His helmet was shaped differently from the others, in a more elegant manor. He must be the commander, Kyris had concluded.

“Human,” the Pegasus began. “You stand bravely in front of your brother and mother, even when you are outmatched by our numbers and power.” He grinned. “It is a valiant attempt, and it is intriguing to me. It is obvious to me you have not eaten much, and have slept close to little, yet you stand as tall as any man would against only one Pony. We have found other escapees like you who have stood and fought, but all have fallen under our army. I grow tired of not being able to take part in the fight, seeing as I’m too busy telling my army to kill humans instead of being able to kill them myself.”

“Therefore, I believe I’ll give you a sporting chance, under the circumstances that you simply amuse me, boy. The King of Unicorns has told me to kill all humans on sight with no exceptions, but he does not control me!” He roared, as the other Pegasi did the same. “Fight me, human. If you manage to slay me, then my men are ordered to take you into the mixed lands and leave you be.” He nodded at the other Pegasi, who nodded in agreement. “But if you die, so will your mother and brother.”

Kyris gulped. He had no choice but to accept the challenge, under what he presumed to be a punishment of death, which he had assumed what would happen anyways. He nodded in agreement to the challenge.

The Pegasus grinned wider, another handing him a spear which attached to a golden cuff that fit around his hoof. It was a wonderful and practical device for creatures without hands. He put it on, now having to keep this hoof raised in the air. He started to flap his wings, floating above the ground. Kyris only stood his ground.

“Begin!” A warrior shouted as the blue Pegasus flew towards him, his spear directed straight for him. Kyris swept his sword up against the spear as it almost reached his body. The hit caused the Pegasus to fall back from the force. Kyris swung his sword down towards the Pegasus, but he rolled out of the way and bucked at Kyris’ leg. Kyris fell over from the hit, and both took a few seconds to get up before continuing the fight.

Kyris had thought the fight had been going on for hours. They continuously countered each other, but Kyris had received a blow to his knee, which hindered him from running. Finally after a while the Pegasus nodded to another who then began to trot over to Kyris’ mother and brother. His brother cowered in fear from the large warrior.

“Don’t touch them!” Kyris shouted, but he had directed his attention away from his opponent, who then stabbed him in the stomach. Kyris’ eyes widened from the realization he had been stabbed. He felt the spear tug out of his body, and with that he collapsed.

“He’s dead.” He heard the Pegasus say before his eyes closed.

***

“When I woke up, my mother and brother had been taken, and I was left alone. I assumed that the Pegasi thought me dead and decided to leave me there. It was then I was able to make it to the Mixed Lands for aid. My wound should have been fatal, which is why I understand their mistake in thinking me dead. Why I’m still alive I do not know exactly. Maybe he hit me in the right place? Who knows?” He shrugged.

“Kyris…” The teal mare placed a hoof on Kyris’ hand, whom looked at her and smiled.

“It’s alright, Dawn. It happened a long time ago.” He assured her. “I think telling the story one last time really got all those bad feelings out of me.” He sighed in relief. “It still hurts, just not as much.”

“Ponies can be so cruel.” She looked away from him, believing he thought the same about her, for she was also a Pony.

“Not all Ponies.” He laughed a bit, as Dawn turned her face towards him, her sad expression turning to a smile. “There’s one Pony I know that’s really kind.” Dawn tried to keep herself from blushing, but could not. Luckily, Star-Swirl took Kyris’ attention before he could notice.

“What do you plan to do now?” Star-Swirl asked him.

“I don’t know.” Kyris admitted. The room fell into silence for a few moments before Star-Swirl decided to stir up small talk.

“Did you notice Dawn received her Cutie-Mark since the last time you were here?” Kyris turned to a blushing Dawn.

“You did?” He got up from his chair to see her Cutie-Mark. Indeed, it had come. The Cutie-Mark was a heart that had a jagged line running through it. One side was pure black and the other side was pure white.

“What does it mean, though?” Kyris asked, but Dawn shook her head.

“We don’t know.” she admitted. “Star-Swirl keeps telling me though that the answer will come soon, and it will become clear about why I have this Cutie-Mark. I just wish I knew now.” She explained. “Where are you going to now, Kyris?” She changed the subject abruptly.

“I don’t know. It’s taken a long time to fit into my mind that my plans for the resistance aren’t going to work. Earitan was able to finally bash it in.”

“Pfft, the monkey has always been a coward. Speaks large about his people, but when the Pony Nation stares at him straight in the face, he cowers in fear and escapes to the nearest bar to drink away his sorrows.” Star-Swirl scoffed.

“None the less,” Kyris began “he brought up a good point that there simply isn’t enough of a following, despite his beliefs about how powerful the nation is.” He turned back to Dawn to elaborate on what he would do next. “There’s no reason for me to go back to the Mixed Lands now. I might as well stay here with you two.”

Dawn nodded, but inside her mind she was massively cheerful. She was excited that Kyris wouldn’t be visiting for half a day and leaving for a few weeks at a time like he normally would. He would be staying with Star-Swirl and her.

“Do you remember where your lyre is? You haven’t played it in so long.” She asked casually, as he nodded.

“It’s right next to your harp, like is normally is.” Kyris smiled. Star-Swirl chuckled, entering the conversation

“It’s funny to look at the two instruments together. One still has its golden sheen and is always polished, while the other gathers dust and has lost its true color.”

“I’ve been meaning to clean the lyre.” Dawn told them. They both laughed at the remark.

“I always suggest that she doesn’t though.” Star-Swirl explained to Kyris. “I like to keep it as it is as a reminder of how long it has been since your last visit. We don’t get many visitors other than you and Clover the Clever. It is always a pleasure to see you here.”

“Even when you have arrows in your body and spear wounds on your sides.” Dawn added. “That of which bothers the question in my mind further as to why you don’t stay here longer.”

“It’s because he’s a crazy seventeen year old without a thought about his own wellbeing.” Star-Swirl concluded. Kyris laughed.

“’Tis not true!” Kyris assured them, but they both laughed, and he laughed with them. “Well, you won’t have to worry about that for a while.”

“I’m glad.” Dawn said.

***

Dawn sat on the balcony of the highest tower, looking out at the stars that surrounded the beautiful moon. With one hoof, she held her small harp in place in front of her; her other hoof plucked strings accordingly. Her horn glowed as her magic plucked other strings; it helped compensate for her lack of fingers on a Human instrument.

She often practiced at night, as during the day she spent a lot of time learning from Star-Swirl or read; not only that, she didn’t feel confident in her playing, so she often did it alone and while Star-Swirl was asleep.

She loved her harp. A harp in the Pony Lands was rare, simply because of its difficulty to play with hooves, or even magic. It was a smaller harp though, and its shape was meant to be held in ones hand, which made it an even harder instrument to play; Dawn managed, however.

She skillfully plucked the strings, mostly with her magic, however. Playing the harp helped her to feel at peace. Every day she worried for Star-Swirl, as his health was slowly dimming before her eyes. Star-Swirl assured her that it was alright, and that it came with his age. She knew he would never lie to her, and that’s why he never said ‘I’ll be alright’. He just told her that the situation was okay, and that it’s a natural process for the old to lose themselves.

She worried for Kyris every day as well. Kyris had even said himself that he was often being attacked, which always made her worry more. She often wondered why he didn’t just stay with her and Star-Swirl up in the mountains where it was safe. When she presented the question to him, he said he had to live where all the creatures are, so he could assemble a large following against the Ponies. She knew now that he had given up on that hope since his conversation with Earitan.

She was glad he would be sticking around for a while. They both could play together, and have exciting conversations about magic and the places that Kyris has visited. Maybe Kyris would tell her about when he was little, she hoped.

She finished playing her complicated melody, walking into the tower with her harp held by magic. She wanted to get some rest so she could be wide awake for when Kyris and she would hang out together.

Crrreeaaaakkkk Dawn heard the loud sound of the front door opening. She quickly ran down the spiral staircase, running through the hall to the door to see who it was.

“Clover!” Dawn yelled as she saw a purple unicorn in a brown robe collapsed in front of the door. She ran to her aid. “Clover, what’s the matter?” Clover struggled to lift her muzzle to speak, but she had enough strength to say a few words.

“On my way here…they attacked…” She fainted with those words. Dawn looked for injuries, but could not find any. She took off her robe, and gasped at what she saw. Multiple wounds aligned her back, dried blood splattered along them. There was a larger wound on her back left leg.

“Kyris! Star-Swirl!” Dawn called out. “Kyris! Star-Swirl!” She cried out again. She heard the running of the two Humans coming to aid.