I woke up to the sounds of distant combat drills, as I had been for several mornings now. I blinked a few times, letting my eyes adjust to the early morning light seeping through my windows. I climbed out of bed, stumbling slightly, trying not only to keep my balance, but also not to wake up Time Turner next to me. With all of the war preparation going on, we hadn’t been able to make any plans for our wedding, but I didn’t mind so much. Wedding is really just a thing; I was happy enough simply with him by my side. I looked back at him, taking a few moments to admire him in his sleep. It seemed like even after a long night in bed, his mane was still perfect. He was just... Perfect.

I made my way downstairs, pausing to check on Dinky to make sure she wasn’t up. Peeking inside her room, I found her sleeping soundly, her little rhythmic snoring calming me. I smiled, and continued down the stairs into the kitchen. As quickly and quietly as possible, I prepared breakfast, piling it all on a large dish before covering it and setting it on the table. I set up the table for two, placing a dish and cutlery on each side of the small, round kitchen table before taking a cold muffin from the refrigerator.

As I ate, I shouldered my messenger satchel and put on my cap. Just before leaving, I stopped myself, nearly forgetting to take my Symbol of Peace, a badge shaped like an olive branch. Red Storm had personally forged it of gold and given it to me, to ensure my safekeeping during my time as a messenger of wartimes. He assured me that while insane, his father and family played by the rules of war, and would not kill a messenger. While he was adamant about this, I still felt uneasy about going to the frontlines. But everypony else was doing their part, so I would too.

I stepped outside and was greeted by the shining sun and blue skies. I smiled and headed for the town square. I knew that Red Storm would be there as he was every day, giving orders and planning. The Royal Guard had also arrived yesterday, en mase. There were hundreds of soldiers camped out around the town, and outside its borders. Giant towers and cabins had been built overnight, and I could have sworn I had seen Celestia at least once. The whole town looked extremely overpopulated, and I still questioned the wisdom of holding the defense here, but I decided it was best to leave the decisions to those who would be fighting the battle.

I weaved myself through the crowds of townsfolk and guards, seeing several different posters on walls encouraging aiding the war effort. I also passed several new forges (that were not present last night) that were being manned by many burly-looking minotaurs and a few small dragons. I was slightly impressed at the scene, but quickly remembered that Equestria is home to many species, all of whom were in danger and would likely be prone to helping too, despite old rivalries. War really does bring ponies- er, people together.

Just at that moment, I saw several dozen pegasi, griffons, and dragons flying overhead in several formations, blocking the sun for moments at a time. I wondered how many treaties were made in order for all of this to be done as I trotted into the command center tent next to the town square fountain. The guards let me in without any trouble, as while the current ranking system was a bit abstract, I essentially had the rank of a colonel, as I reported directly to Red Storm. I had quite a bit of leverage, but I tried my best not to abuse it. Inside the tent was Red Storm, Princess Luna, a minotaur, a dragon, a griffon, and a diamond dog. They were poring over a series of maps and field reports, but looked up when I entered. Red Storm shot me a small grin, greeting me:

“Ditzy! Good to see you’re here. I was just about to summon for you. I need you to do something for me. I need you to fly out to the Foal Mountains and deliver these documents to the Changeling Queen who resides there. Her name is Queen Azure. You’ll find her a bit to the East, in one of the tallest peaks… And don’t worry. She and her changelings are friendly. We just need their support.” Luna spoke up, putting a hoof on a map that showed Equestria along with several red Xs in key locations.

“New intelligence suggests that Red Wing will be launching several attacks across all of Equestria, not just here in Ponyville as we first thought.” Luna lowered her gaze, talking through her teeth. “Celestia had just passed a draft today. It will come into effect tomorrow. Nonetheless, the Royal Guard will be stretched thin, so we need as much help as we can get from any other races that are willing to fight.” The minotaur placed a hand on her shoulder, and she shrugged it off, straightening her back. “This war is the second war in our history. This will be hard on everyone, but especially on my sister. Decisions like the draft will burden her mind for centuries to come, I assure you. And it has only yet to truly begin.” At mention of this, it was Redstorm’s turn to be solemn.

“Yes. I cannot express my sorrow for the misfortune that I have brought upon your kingdom, but I can hopefully bolster your defenses against the coming battle. Again, Princess Luna, I am sorry.” Luna nodded.

“It is fine. My sister and I have realized that against someone like your father, this would have been inevitable. You simply were a catalyst. However, you have redeemed yourself in that you have stood up to your responsibilities and are helping now.”

Suddenly, outside the tent, there was an enormous explosion of noise and light. Everyone in the tent jumped, excluding Red Storm. He pushed past me to get outside and I quickly followed, wanting to see what the commotion was about. When we stepped out into the light, we found a circle of guards around a single odd-looking changeling. He sat in a small ring of burns on the ground with a dozen spears pointed at him. Around us, everyone was whispering to each other.

“Are they already attacking?” “They can’t be! This is a changeling! There are no changelings in the Sanguine Nation.” “How can you know? You’ve never been there.” “And our intelligence says they still have several more weeks to reach Ponyville.” “It could be bad intel. They could be sending advance forces...”

Luna flew above the crowd, and with her Canterlot Voice shouted:

“SILENCE!”

The whole town went silent. As Luna touched back down, Red Storm stepped forward between the guards. He looked down at the changeling who was cowering before him.

“Who are you? What are you doing here?” The changeling said nothing, instead making a few motions with his forelegs.

“ANSWER ME!” The changeling shuffled backwards, dropping a saddlebag at the pegasus’ hooves. Red Storm reached down and examined it. An eyebrow went up as he signaled for the guards to stand “at ease”.

“Are you Cuddio?” The changeling nodded. Red Storm’s brow became furrowed as he held out the bag. “This is Whitewash’s bag. Do you know where she is?” Cuddio made a worried expression, and then made another gesture with his forelegs. Red Storm called backwards to a guard.

“Get this changeling something to write with! He’s mute.” Red Storm turned back to the crowd. “And what are you all looking at? Get back to it! We need to get ready! Move it!” As the crowd dispersed a guard returned with a slip of paper and quill. Cuddio took them in his magic and quickly scrawled something onto the paper. He turned it around and upon seeing it, Red Storm noticeably tensed up.

‘Whitewash is MIA.’

“Ok. Start from the top. Where did you come from?” Cuddio was sitting in a chair in the center of the main tent, surrounded by all of the leaders. He wrote on a whiteboard to with a marker, so that he respond quickly. Red Storm was asking questions, and I was standing behind him. He had told me to wait until further instruction, as he might have to change my assignment. Due to my curiosity, I didn’t complain.

‘I was sent here by Whitewash from the Crystal Empire’

“Why? What happened? Why did she teleport you? Where is she now?” Cuddio erased the board, then wrote:

‘She sent me using an untraceable teleportation ritual to bring you her saddlebag. The empire was attacked. She stayed behind to fight.’ Red Storm gritted his teeth, the grinding being audible to everyone in the room.

“Who attacked? Was it Red Wing? Was she still alive last you saw of her?” Cuddio quickly responded:

‘It was the Black Horse. Famine. She was still alive, but against the Black Horse, I cannot even hope that she survived.’ Red Storm reared back, smashing the table in the center of the room shouting.

“DAMNIT! THE DAMN IDIOT!” I flinched, but as Red Storm calmed down from his outburst, I took a moment to pick the splinters out of my mane. That’s when I remembered my badge.

“Cuddio didn’t say she was dead. Can’t I go looking for her? I’m a messenger. They won’t attack me.” Red Storm glared at me, then took a deep breath.

“Yes… I suppose you can. But do you really want to risk something like that? What would your excuse be?” I paused for a moment, then an idea came to mind.

“You’ve had me bringing orders to the front! You can give me fake orders and plans, and then if they search me, it would be two birds in one stone! We can trick them and I can find Whitewash in one trip!” Red Storm put his head down, thinking. The rest of the representatives whispered among themselves, and Luna moved forward.

“I think that this is a viable plan. Besides, I would consider this a task of utmost importance. Ms. Doo is a fairly reliable messenger, and all others are already out on assignments. I believe we can make this work… that is, if General Red Storm ‘Green-Lights’ this plan.” Red Storm stood up again, nodding.

“Report back here in twenty minutes. I’ll have papers for you to carry. Dismissed.” I nodded and left, leaving the silence behind me.

“Alright, Ditzy. We falsified some field reports, some troop movements and et cetera. Take these papers.” Red Storm passed me the papers which I slipped into my satchel. “If they shake you down, give them the papers. It might even save us later on… call it a bluff.” I nodded, and started for the tent flap.

“You know where you are going, correct? It is quite a flight.” Luna nodded towards the guards at the flap. “Are you positive you do not want a temporary transport? We cannot have you tiring out.” I shook my head, smiling.

“It’s ok. You need as much manpower here. I can fly on my own.” I received silent nods from everyone before I exited the tent. Outside, I found Cuddio waiting for me. He handed me his whiteboard, and gestured to what was written on it.

‘When you find Whitewash, give her this. Tell her that I’ll be waiting.’ Cuddio then traded the whiteboard for a small, segmented silver choker with a single emerald stud in it. I was confused for a moment, but then I realized what he meant. I looked up to him, a somber look on my face.

“What if I don’t find her? What if she didn’t… you know…” He smiled. He erased the board, and then he wrote:

‘Just make sure she gets it. Make sure she has it.’ I swallowed before placing the choker in my satchel.

“Of course. I’ll make sure she gets it.” Cuddio nodded, and looked like he already knew what I was going to find. I pushed away the feeling, and flapped my wings, waving as I took off. It was going to be a long flight.

I had been flying for two days straight. I was exhausted. But I didn’t stop. Red Storm was counting on me. I looked ahead, and I saw the Crystal Empire Palace. Except now, its spire was gone, and an enormous pillar of smoke was emerging from the wound. As I flew closer, I saw that most of the empire was in flames despite the snow. Houses were burning, and the streets were littered with the black, burned bodies of the dead. I felt sick. If this is what was really coming to Ponyville, I honestly don’t know how we could defend ourselves.

I touched down near the outskirts of town. I hadn’t been shot at yet, but I didn’t want to leave anything to chance. Something I had actually noticed on my decent was the smell. It smelled like not just like burned flesh, but also of rot. I gagged, and I wrapped my muzzle with my scarf that I kept in my bag. I moved onward, towards the Palace. I was to find Whitewash, and also find Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor if I could, and they were most likely going to be there.

As I moved through the ruins of the city, bodies were everywhere. I had to step over them carefully, and with my poor vision it was nearly impossible not to trip, but I managed. When I inevitably tripped, I caught myself with my wings, hovering just above one of the bodies. This was my first close look at one, and I immediately noticed something wrong. At a quick glance, I had assumed that these ponies were burnt and charred, but upon closer inspection, I realized that they were actually wearing pitch-black full body suits of armor. I choked up. I leaned in a little bit closer, and noticed that whether this stallion in front of me was alive or not, their eyes were closed.

I slowly lifted myself up, and just as I thought I was clear, the stallion’s eyes shot open. I shrieked, falling backwards onto another pony. I jumped again as I felt them shift, and soon I was screaming as one by one, they all started to get up, looking at me with terrifying glares. This was unlike Red Storm’s glare from earlier, which was one of parental distain. This was pure, murderous malice. Soon, I was surrounded by dozens of stallions in pitch-black armor. I was shivering in the center of this ring, ready to cry. They all started to laugh at me, closing in.
I was going to die. Red Storm was right. This was too risky. I’ll never see Dinky again. Or Time Turner. I was going to die here. Alone. And I don’t even want to know what they’ll do to my body. I shut my eyes as they began to draw their cruel, twisted weapons. I felt tears run down my cheeks as I tried to prepare myself for death… Except I couldn’t. I didn’t want to die. I couldn’t have ever prepared myself for this. I’m not a soldier. I’m a mail pony. I don’t deserve this.

I waited. I heard them move around, their metal armor clinking around and their blades grinding and screeching. Then silence. When no pain came, I opened my eyes. None of the stallions were moving, but they were instead on their forelegs, kneeling down. I stifled my crying for a moment, trying to understand what had just happened. Where they kneeling to me?

“Who are you?” I felt myself lose control of my bladder as a terrifying, echoing voice came from behind me. The tears came back as I felt the hot urine running down my thighs. I couldn’t help myself. I slowly turned around in the newly-formed puddle beneath me only to come face-to-face with a being that looked like something out of my nightmares.

Before me was a tall mare, almost as tall as Princess Luna. She wore a suit of armor as black as the night, if not darker. It seemed like all light was absorbed into its frame, yet I could still make out the details of it. It was adorned with engravings that depicted decay of every variety. She was just a unicorn, but the mare emitted magical power that made me feel insignificant in comparison, something beyond even what the Princesses projected. I swallowed. This was the Black horse. The mare narrowed her glowing white eyes.

“Tell me who you are before I kill you.” I snapped.

“MY NAME IS DITZY DOO! I’M A MESSENGER SENT BY RED STORM! I HAVE A DAUGHTER WAITING FOR ME AT HOME, PLEASE DON’T KILL ME!” In no time, I found the tears running down my face again. My thighs became hot and wet again, and I could feel snot running down my nose as I broke down completely. I put my head to the ground, intending to grovel. Suddenly though, I felt a powerful force grip my head and jerk it up to face the Black Horse again. I could barely see though my tears, but her terrifying vision seemed crystal clear.

“A messenger, say you? Hmm… You bear the Symbol of Peace. Very well. I shall not kill you. What brings you here? You did fly here, did you not? Did you not see the fires?” I gulped for air, my face being crushed in her magical grip.

“Yes… I… I flew here… I was sent by R-Red Storm to... to deliver orders…” I didn’t want to risk lying. I could tell this mare could kill me with a glance, despite me wearing the Symbol. But I knew that if I told her why I was really here, I wouldn’t be able to use the fake orders as leverage. She snorted before dropping me. I coughed a few times, waiting to see what she would do next.

“Very well. Follow me then.” I did as I was told. As we walked slowly through the armies of armor clad ponies, I realized that some were in fact mares. It seemed like nearly a two-to-three ratio of mares to colts, but I didn’t pay this much attention. The walk to the Palace was the longest several minutes of my life. It was also the quietest. All I heard was the sound of our hoofsteps and the crackling of burning buildings. I didn’t even know crystal could burn. What disturbed me most though, was not even how her soldiers were perfectly still. It was that her extremely ornate and obviously heavy plate mail was completely silent as she walked, almost as if it wasn’t even there. No clanking of metal against metal. More like skin on skin. It was almost… organic.

My thoughts were interrupted by a sudden cheer that erupted from the palace. It sounded like the type of cheer that a thousand barbarians would cry out during battle. Even though we were still several blocks away, the cheer echoed through the city. I swallowed again and tried to keep up. As we came closer, the cheers became louder and more frequent. I realized that they were coming from inside the palace. When we approached the door, two soldiers who were standing on guard opened the door for us. As we entered, the cheering started up again. Only now, it was deafening. I realized that my guess earlier on it being a thousand barbarians might not have been that far off.

We climbed a set of stairs, and at the top I saw something incredible. The entire atrium was filled with soldiers. Shoulder to shoulder, shouting at the tops of their lungs. Some stood on crates, others on tables. They all looked like they were trying to get a better look at something. However, as soon as they realized that the Black Horse had arrived, they all immediately went silent. I followed her though the crowd towards the center of the room. My eyes went wide at the sight before me. When the crowd parted, I saw a circle about twenty meters in diameter. Half a dozen dead soldiers lay on the ground, their blood spattered around the floor. In the very center, standing together, were the badly wounded Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor. Both of them were covered in bleeding cuts and black bruises. Not only that, but both of them had the tips of their horns cut off, so that they couldn’t use magic. Cadance had her wings clipped so that she couldn’t fly. Both held crude daggers in their mouths. Both had expressions that were a combination of rage, pain, and despair. They had been forced to fight against soldiers for entertainment. This was barbaric. Horrible. I fought back more tears as the Black Horse turned back to me.

“Were these two the commanding officers you were to deliver your messages to?” I nodded. The Black Horse paused. She looked as if she was thinking, and then gestured towards my satchel.

“Give me those orders, and I shall let you all go free. Alive. I shall provide transport back to Ponyville. I am feeling merciful today, so do not test me.” I swallowed hard, but I then remembered what Cuddio asked me to do.

“Under one more condition.” The Black Horse raised an eyebrow. “Bring me to Whitewash. I have a parcel for her.” The Black Horse nodded, and then gestured to her troops.

“Clean and dress their wounds. But be tender with them. We are sending them back. Should I find a single wound more on them, I shall personally kill one hundred of you.” A collective groan of disappointment was emitted, but after a stomp of her hoof, a number of soldiers got to work. The Black Horse nodded back to me, and I began to follow her deeper into the Palace. I took a glance backwards just in time to see Princess Cadance collapse onto Prince Shining Armor, and for the Prince to give me a nod of thanks. I turned back around and followed the Black Horse upstairs.

We entered the throne room, and I realized where the smoke had been coming from. There were large bonfires lit in each of the four corners of the room. Snow fell from the open roof, and it littered the ground. But there, in the center of the room, was a crucifix that had to have been at least fifteen meters tall. I only knew about what it was because I had read about them in a history book that Twilight had given me, though I never thought I would see one in real life. They were used by an ancient civilization, before the time of even the Sisters to execute traitors of the state. A pony would be nailed to the large cross-like structure and left to die from either bleeding or exposure. Then their body would be left as a reminder and warning for everyone to see.

On this crucifix, was Whitewash.

Whitewash was no longer in her armor as I had grown accustomed to her seeing before she left Ponyville. She was naked and nailed to the crucifix, her blood running down its length. She was covered in more wounds than I could count. Her mane was matted to her face which hung low and lifeless. I took off my cap, and laid it on the ground. I then realized I had been holding my breath, and when I exhaled, I noticed that the Black Horse was not moving. She merely was standing by the door, watching. I stared at her for a few moments before she spoke up; not in her booming voice from before, but in a voice fit for a mare of her size.

“She killed over eighty of my best soldiers before she collapsed from her wounds. I had her nailed to the crucifix while she was still breathing… Go on. Deliver your parcel. It’s recipient is waiting.” I nodded, and removed the shimmering choker from my bag. Hovering using my wings, I moved close to Whitewash. She looked pale, and she wasn’t breathing. I gently pushed her mane out of her face, and I realized she was smirking. Her eyes were closed, but she was smirking. As if she was having a pleasant dream. I slipped the choker around her neck, and I fastened it. It fit perfectly. I then whispered in her ear:

“Cuddio is waiting for you.” I paused. I was unsure what to say, so I instead moved back to the ground. The room became silent as the two of us stood in silence.

“She will be sent home with you.” I jumped slightly, but then turned around to face the Black Horse again. She almost looked sad.

“Just because my husband wishes me to be cruel, doesn’t mean I am. Whitewash has spent her time on that cross. I shall have her sent home where she can be laid to rest by her loved ones. Before they are laid to rest around her.” Her matter-of-fact way of stating this chilled me, but I nodded. She continued, making for the door.

“Go home, Messenger of Death. Go home to your family. Spend your last few hours with them. And tell everyone that the Pale Horse is coming. Not that it will help.”

Author's Notes:

Holy fuck, my fingers hurt. This is by far the longest chapter yet. I think that it came out well, actually.
...
Oh. Right. Merry Christmas, all of you. AND TO THOSE WHO DO NOT CELEBRATE THE DAY OF THE FAT REVERSE BURGLAR HAVE FUN WITH YOUR HOLIDAY OF CHOICE YOU POLITICALLY CORRECT BASTARDS.
HOHOHO
Nah, I love you guys. And girls. And things.
Except Richard. Fuck you Richard. You Dick.
...
Ahhhh! Got you again!
...
HOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO*passes out from exhaustion*