//------------------------------// // Divided // Story: Foreign Relationships // by smirker //------------------------------// Volvox was the first being to ever exist on Earth that was created by the gods and the Maker, he acted on his own during the time of dragons and dinosaurs, and the time of angels and demons, Volvox met Dommiel during that time, who became his best friend, they also had many different creatures roam the Earth, the two manage to befriend a ghoul named Giovi, who lost his claws in battle and replaced them with knife blades, he chose not to speak, believing actions were more powerful than words. The gods eventually created a new species together called the humans, and since Volvox was the most powerful being on the Earth, they entrusted him to take control of their evolution, which Volvox would be their supreme ruler. Volvox was conflicted over how to make the humans, so he made two different types of humans, one group was militaristic and wanted to use things in a practical manner, they were also stoic and did things without emotion, and the other group was artistic and wanted to use things to make art and other beautiful designs, they valued their emotions and used it to make every decision. Volvox, Dommiel, and Giovi make new friends from both sides, the one from the militaristic group was Tom, he was wearing a black Kevlar and nomex pants with black Kevlar pads on his knees, black Kevlar mid-calf length steel-toed combat boots with silver spikes on the vamps and toe caps, a black Kevlar and nomex long-sleeve shirt that was tucked into his pants, black Kevlar pads on his elbows, a black military belt with a silver buckle, a heavy bulletproof black trench coat that went down to the ground with spikes on the shoulders, black Kevlar and nomex wrist-length gloves with silver spikes all over the back parts of them, and silver claws on the finger and thumb tips of the gloves, a round black Kevlar balaclava that covered the entire head except the face, and a black Level IIIA ballistic face mask with black acrylic glass built into the eye areas, a black peaked cap with a black visor, and a light gray tactical vest over his long-sleeve shirt and under his trench coat for extra armor. The human from the artistic side was the Count of Saint Germain, he had an inverted triangular face, somewhat pale skin, straight bright blond hair that went down to his scapulae, a full, well trimmed and groomed moustache, and green eyes, he was wearing a black top hat, a red double breasted long-sleeve tailcoat with black buttons on each side and was undone and black on the inside, and had a white double folded pocket square in the pocket on the left side of his tailcoat, he also wore a black buttoned up vest with gold buttons, a collar of a white shirt could be seen at the top of his vest, a black ascot with white polka dots was tucked into his shirt, he had two gold chains on the right side of his abdomen, and two silver chains on the left side of his waist, he was wearing white striped pants, and white shoes with black throats, vamps, toe caps, and heels, it was tightened by a gold strap going across the throat. Volvox did not know how to choose which group he wanted to rule until the gods proposed an idea, have them fight in a war, and whoever wins will be the group of humans to exist, while the other group and the things they built will be destroyed and erased from existence, Volvox decided it was the best course. Volvox told the humans how which group of humans would be ruled and the war began with Tom and the Count of Saint Germain acting as advisers, the gods also gave out the rules, the main one was no weapons of mass destruction, and everything had to be fair, the militaristic group made up the left half of the country and was called Sapien, the artistic group made up the right half of the country and was called Vinci, and Volvox had to regulate their weapons and armor so one group does not get too powerful, "Which one do you guys hope wins?" Volvox asked, "I don't care which one." Dommiel replied, Giovi nods in agreement, "I prefer Sapien to win." Tom said, "Vinci." the Count of Saint Germain said, "Why?" Volvox asked, "Because adjusting to Sapien is going to be very hard for me." the Count of Saint Germain replied, "Same with me if Vinci wins." Tom said, "You two have no hatred for one another, do you?" Volvox asked, "No, besides us wanting the opposite side to win, we actually get along pretty well." Tom replied, the Count of Saint Germain nods, "Come on, let's see how the country looks." Volvox said, and they look, they see Sapien was completely black while Vinci was many colors, Sapien had fortresses while Vinci had silk tents, they look and see Sapien's flag was just a black flag with nothing on it and on a stick, and Vinci's flag was a flag that was yellow on the left, blue on the right, and red in the center, and had a gold serpentine dragon going across it, Sapien also had razor wires and gun turrets on their fortresses while Vinci had wood carvings and paper lanterns on their tents, each tent also had a different animal on the back of it. Volvox and the other four lived in a two storey rectangular building in the back of the country, the left half was black with razor wire and gun turrets on it, and the right half was gray with a gold roof and had rose and vine carvings in the wall, and paper lanterns hanging from the corners of the roof. The humans were fighting and Volvox regulated them so one side does not get too powerful, they all fight and were at a stalemate at the moment, they all soon sense something off, they realize they were being transferred, "Everybody, brace yourselves." Volvox said, and they were transferred elsewhere. The people of Equestria were getting on with their days, but they hear a noise in the sea that was to the northeast of Canterlot and southeast of the Crystal Empire, Volvox's country appeared right before their eyes, the ponies, dragons, griffons, yaks, changelings, and hippogriffs look at it with curiosity, the kirins and buffaloes saw it as well, but mostly ignored it, they could not see anything due to the wall and ceiling around the entire country. A white cloud comes down and goes to Canterlot's balcony, where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were at, the cloud formed into Hermes, which surprised the ponies, "I am Hermes, the messenger of the gods, that nation there was transferred here due to a magic spell gone wrong on our part." Hermes said, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna laughed, "We apologize for the inconvenience." Hermes said, "It's alright, I think having them here gives us a wonderful opportunity to make new friends." Princess Celestia said, Hermes just bowed, "Well, go on and fix it, we have no complaints." Princess Celestia said, and Hermes went back up into the sky. The world's natives look at the wall around Volvox's country and see one side was completely black while the other side was multiple colors with wall carvings on it, "It looks divided." Rainbow Dash said, "I wonder why." Twilight Sparkle replied, "Ooh, ooh, I know, maybe they're having an art competition." Pinkie Pie said, "Well, it's very clear who's winning if that's the case." Rarity replied, they look and see the black part of the wall had barbed wire and spikes around it, "Um, Ah don't think they're havin' an art competition, Ah mean, look at the black half." Applejack said, and they see the spikes and barbed wire on it, "Oh dear, I sure hope none of the animals get caught on it." Fluttershy said, "Still, I wonder what's going on." Spike said, the others nod in agreement. The world's natives watch the country but nothing happens, they all soon metal clanging against one another, "You all hear that?" Sandbar asked, Gallus, Ocellus, Smolder, Yona, and Silverstream nod, they also hear guns and bow and arrows being launched inside, "That don't sound good." Apple Bloom said, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle nod with her, but nothing happens for the rest of the day and they all go to sleep. The next day comes and the noises were still heard behind the walls, "What is going on back there?" Princess Luna asked, "I don't know, sister, but it doesn't sound good." Princess Celestia replied, they all watch and Hermes floated in the sky and was above the country, much bigger than before, "Volvox!" Hermes said, Volvox came out and stood on the ceiling, everycreature was shocked to see the giant three headed creature, "I'm sorry to say this, but since you're in a new world, you have to take the wall down, you're already distracting the natives." Hermes said, "Um, about that." Volvox replied, "I know it's risky, but it's for the best, because if you don't take it down, they're going to blast it down eventually." Hermes said, and he went up into the sky, Volvox sighed, "This is why I had my country far away from the others." Volvox grumbled, and he went back down into his country. An orange aura appears around the wall and ceiling around the country and they go into the water, they see Sapien and Vinci fighting one another with swords, spears, axes, hammers, catapults, guns, bows, arrows, trebuchets, and knives, the world's natives look on with horror while Pinkie Pie screamed. The humans continue fighting one another, oblivious to the fact that Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, and Spike were coming over, they land in the country with their hot air balloon, the humans continue fighting and there were dead bodies and fire everywhere, "STOP!!" Twilight Sparkle yelled with her Royal Canterlot Voice as she shot a signal fire into the sky from her horn, the humans ignore her and continue fighting, "EXCUSE ME!!" Twilight Sparkle yelled with her Royal Canterlot Voice, the humans continue to ignore her and keep fighting, Twilight Sparkle growls. The humans keep fighting until telekinesis pulls them apart, "Enough." Princess Celestia said as she and Princess Luna flew above the country, Princess Celestia used telekinesis on the humans from Sapien while Princess Luna used it on the humans from Vinci, "What is going on here?" Princess Luna asked, "We are in the middle of a war!" a male human from Vinci replied angrily, "A war? For what?" Rainbow Dash asked, "Which country will be the one to prosper on this island." a male human from Sapien replied calmly, surprising the ponies and Spike, "Let us go, we need to continue the fight." a female human from Vinci said, "How did the ruler come to such a suggestion?" Princess Luna asked, "He didn't, his superiors up in the sky did." a female human from Sapien replied, they all look up to the sky and then back, "Where is he?" Princess Celestia asked, "In that building back there." a female human from Vinci replied, they look and saw the building in the back was divided as well, they go over and look at it, "Excuse us." Twilight Sparkle said, the roof bursts open and Volvox stood on the roof, "What is it?" Volvox asked, "Why aren't you doing anything to stop the war?" Spike asked, "I can't." Volvox replied, "What do you mean you can't?" Rainbow Dash asked, Volvox tries to cast a spell to get rid of the weapons, but his spell is suddenly canceled, "See? Until the war is over, I am powerless, all I can do is regulate their weapons and armor to make sure one side doesn't get too powerful." Volvox replied, surprising the ponies, "Are there anymore rulers?" Princess Luna asked, they see Dommiel, Giovi, the Count of Saint Germain, and Tom appear, "What do y'all do?" Applejack asked, "He and I are just Volvox's bodyguards, we don't really do anything." Dommiel replied, Giovi nodded, "What about you two?" Twilight Sparkle asked, "He and I are just his advisors, we can't do much until after the war is over." the Count of Saint Germain replied, Tom nodded, "So, you guys just stand around." Rainbow Dash said, "Pretty much." Tom replied, "You all should leave, the people to your rights are getting angry." Volvox said, they look and see the people from Vinci getting impatient, "Let them go, and leave so you don't get caught up in the war." Volvox said, they do and stop using telekinesis and the war continues, the humans begin fighting one another once again. The Mane Six and Spike were in the throne room with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, "Well, as you all saw, there is a new country, and they are at war, and things look ugly already." Princess Celestia said, "At this rate, the war will not stop at anytime, and they are going to keep fighting." Princess Luna said, "So, why exactly did you two call us here?" Rainbow Dash asked, "If we can, we need to find a way to get both sides to live together peacefully before one side completely slaughters the other, and as you all saw, this isn't just one or two people having problems, but an entire country, this may be the biggest friendship problem we have ever faced." Princess Celestia replied, the seven were uneasy, "This is going to be a hard one, all of us might have to get involved, your jobs is to go there and try to understand both sides of the country, and have them come to terms with one another, surely, you all can do that." Princess Luna said, "Yes, Princess Luna, we can." Twilight Sparkle replied, "Good, you all start tomorrow, and be careful, all of you." Princess Celestia said, and they leave and head home while Princess Luna entered the dream realm and destroyed the nightmares the ponies had that night. The next day comes and the Mane Six and Spike head over again with the hot air balloon, the humans were fighting again and they were loud, Flurry Heart was awakened and crying from the noise, they begin to arrive and the humans from Vinci fire at them, which made them exclaim while ducking while Pinkie Pie screamed, "Begone! Or we will fire at you!" a male human from Vinci said, the six mares and Spike complain, "You all should leave, before that side loses their temper and attacks you guys." a female human from Sapien said, "But we're here to understand your ways." Twilight Sparkle replied, "Our culture and way of living is none of your business." a female human from Vinci said, "Now is not the time, wait until the war is over." a male human from Sapien said, "But one side will be completely gone." Applejack replied, "That's the point, then you can come and learn our ways." the male human from Sapien said, "No, no, no, we wish to learn about both sides." Rarity said, "We don't have time for outside diversions." a male human from Vinci said, "Please leave, we do not wish to cause an even bigger war by killing a foreigner by mistake." a female human from Sapien said, the six mares and Spike were silent for a minute, and they leave while the war continues when the hot air balloon was in the air. Twilight Sparkle and her friends were meeting in the Castle of Friendship and were discussing what to do, "This ain't good, at this rate, they'll destroy one another." Applejack said, "Yeah, and wars are not fun." Pinkie Pie replied, "I can't say I like their uniforms, especially the black ones, they are all the same, it is so dull and boring." Rarity said, "I really hope the animals there are alright." Fluttershy said, "That war looks awesome, I want in." Rainbow Dash said, the others look at her, "What?" Rainbow Dash asked, "Look, we have to stop the war before one side is completely gone, we need to teach them friendship and stop them from destroying one another." Twilight Sparkle said, "So, what do we do?" Spike asked, "We should watch them for a bit now and try to learn their ways through observation, and approach them when and if things calm down a bit." Twilight Sparkle replied, "Ooh, maybe a party will calm them down." Pinkie Pie said, "Ah wouldn't bet on that, they look unfriendly right now." Applejack replied, "Well, let's watch them for now, and try to learn about them by watching from afar." Twilight Sparkle said, and they all leave to go watch them. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Sandbar, Gallus, Ocellus, Smolder, Yona, and Silverstream get as close as they could without being attacked by the humans and watch them, they were still fighting, which made them uncomfortable, "What do we do?" Sweetie Belle asked, "I wanna join, that looks fun." Smolder replied, the others gasp and look at her, "What? Dragons like fighting." Smolder said, they look and the humans keep fighting, they see dead humans on the ground, "Worst country ever." Silverstream said, "Doesn't your kind have two different types?" Gallus asked, "Yes, but we live together in peace, not fighting each other in a war." Silverstream replied, "At this rate, it looks like those guys in the black clothes are going to win." Scootaloo said, they look and see Sapien was better armed and armored than Vinci, "I hope the other guys win, their area looks more fun to learn and explore." Ocellus said, "Me too, I sure hope they have a lot to share." Sandbar replied, "Yona wanna explore both sides." Yona said, "Yeah, Ah wanna learn bout them, too." Apple Bloom replied, and they see the humans continue fighting, "Wow, maybe when they're done, they'll look just like Griffonstone." Gallus said, "I hope not." Sandbar replied, and they see the humans continue fighting, "We should go back so we don't get caught up in their mess." Apple Bloom said, the others agree and they leave while the humans continue fighting. Everycreature in the world watch the new country as the humans fight one another, the humans from Vinci let out battle cries while the humans from Sapien remained silent, the two were fighting and had different tactics, the humans from Vinci had their leaders lead from the front and fought fairly, while the humans from Sapien had their leaders lead from the center, and used whatever dirty tactic they can come up with. The creatures of the world continue to watch and some of them were enjoying seeing the war, the dragons, griffons, and yaks were cheering them on, night time comes and it was time to rest, and everycreature went to sleep. The creatures of the world try to sleep, but loud explosions and gunshots were heard, which woke up the creatures, and made the babies cry, they look and see some parts of Volvox's country were on fire, "EXCUSE US!!" Twilight Sparkle yelled with her Royal Canterlot Voice, the humans ignore her and keep fighting, "HEY!!" Pinkie Pie yelled through a megaphone that was loud enough to move the mountains, the humans continue to fight one another and the humans from Sapien begin throwing explosives, which were loud and made the creatures cover their ears', Gilda flies over and grabs two of the humans off of the country, the two men scream, "Hey!" a male from Vinci said, "We're trying to sleep!" Gilda said angrily, "The war will keep going until it's over." a male from Sapien said, "But it's in the middle of the night!" Twilight Sparkle replied, "Fighting at night time is common for us." a female from Vinci said, "Well, stop, we're trying to sleep!" Twilight Sparkle replied, the humans from Vinci grumble while the humans from Sapien put their weapons down, "Thank you." Twilight Sparkle said, and they leave, the humans from Sapien watch the humans at Vinci and see them glaring at them, the humans wait until next morning to come to continue their war. The next day comes and the humans began fighting one another again as soon as the sun rose, they look and see Volvox was on top of his building and asleep, the fighting noises stop and Volvox opens all six of his eyes, he sees Princess Luna holding the people of Sapien with her telekinesis, while Princess Cadence held the people of Vinci with her telekinesis, and Princess Celestia flew to him, "I am going to ask you to order a ceasefire between the two groups of your country." Princess Celestia said, "How come?" Volvox asked, "I do not appreciate being awakened at night to the sounds of warfare, and more importantly, your country's people are destroying themselves." Princess Celestia replied, "Well, that's easier said than done, my citizens and bosses up in the sky won't like this." Volvox said, "Give it time, maybe if things go right, your people can live together in peace instead of destroying one another." Princess Celestia replied, the humans from Vinci boo while the humans from Sapien shake their heads, "I only ask for a few days, I wish for the ceasefire to be at least a week long at longest." Princess Celestia said, the humans calm down and agree, "Very well, since my citizens are fine with it." Volvox said, "Thank you, I promise you won't regret this." Princess Celestia replied with a smile, and she and the other two princesses fly away. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna called the Mane Six and Spike to Canterlot and were ready to address them, "The ceasefire is in effect now, you six are to learn about them and try to come up with a way for them to live together peacefully." Princess Celestia said, "We have all of the guards standing by, but you all should be able to enter the country safely." Princess Luna said, "Thank you, we won't let you two down." Twilight Sparkle replied, "Go on, then, there's no time to waste." Princess Celestia said, and the six mares and Spike head to Volvox's country. The Mane Six and Spike go to Volvox's country with the hot air balloon and the humans aim their long-ranged weapons at them, "Weapons down, everybody, we'll start an even bigger war if we fire at them." Volvox said, the humans put their weapons down while the humans from Vinci grumbled. The six mares and Spike come down and they walk forward, "Okay, everybody we're here to learn about your ways, and understand your ways of thinking, so I would like for you to talk about your ways of living when we visit you guys." Twilight Sparkle said, the humans from Vinci let out annoyed groans and turned away from them, so did the humans from Sapien, "Hey, we come to say hi, and this is how you all treat us? Worst welcoming party ever." Pinkie Pie said, "Come on now, don't be like that, we need y'all to cooperate and have y'all live together peacefully." Applejack said, "Like I'd ever live with those no good Sapien savages." a boy from Vinci said, "Says the group that wastes valuable resources." a boy from Sapien replied, "Enough, stop it." Twilight Sparkle said as she held the two with her telekinesis, the two stand down, "Now, we're going to learn your ways, and don't try anything funny." Twilight Sparkle said as she put the two boys down, and the six mares and Spike walk forward. The ponies and Spike walk forward and decided to split up, "Okay, Spike, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash, you all come with me, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie, I leave the other side to you three, let's do this." Twilight Sparkle said, and she, Spike, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash go to Sapien while Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie go to Vinci. The ponies and Spike go see the humans, the humans from Sapien aim guns at them while the humans from Vinci glare at them, "Hey, what's with you guys getting all defensive all of a sudden?" Twilight Sparkle asked, "You are still an intruder." a male human from Sapien replied, making Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack uncomfortable, "Come on, guys, we mean you all no harm." Rainbow Dash said, "You still cannot be trusted." a female human from Sapien replied, "Seriously, y'all, lighten up." Applejack said, "We cannot." a second male human from Sapien replied, "What do we do?" Spike asked, "We have no choice, let's just go forward." Twilight Sparkle replied, and they do. Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity walk to the humans from Vinci, they glare at them, "Oh, come on, turn those frowns upside-down." Pinkie Pie said, the humans from Vinci get even angrier, "Why, darlings, I must say, what a diverse fashion sense you all have." Rarity said, the humans from Vinci did not respond, "Um, can I see the animals?" Fluttershy asked, "There are no animals in this country." a female human from Vinci replied, "Oh." Fluttershy said, "Well, I wanna learn how to make your ways." Pinkie Pie said, "Oh, fine, but leave after we're done." a mlae human from Vinci replied, and the three walk forward. Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack walk to Sapien and look around, they see all of the weapons and fortresses everywhere, "Okay, everybody, let's get started, tell me about your culture and your ways." Twilight Sparkle said, the humans remained silent, "Guys, we won't get anywhere if you stay silent." Twilight Sparkle said, "We still can't trust you." a female human from Sapien replied, "Yes, I... I understand why, but you have to." Twilight Sparkle said, "Why?" a male human from Sapien asked, "So we can understand one another and be friends." Twilight Sparkle replied, "Sounds unappealing." a second female human from Sapien said, "Give it a try, y'all, maybe y'all will have different thoughts later." Applejack replied, they thought about it, "Very well." a second male human from Sapien said, and put their guns down, "Thanks, I promise you guys won't be... huh?" Rainbow Dash asked, she looks and sees the humans from Sapien were holding knife handles and were ready to unsheathe them and attack them if they tried anything, "Oh, come on, we mean you guys no harm." Rainbow Dash said, "Can never be too sure." a third male human from Sapien replied, "*sigh* Look, let's just get this over with, I'd like to know about your ways of living." Twilight Sparkle said, "We just do what we must in order to survive, we use everything we can, nothing goes to waste." the first male human from Sapien replied, "Nothin' goes to waste?" Applejack asked, the humans from Sapien shake their heads, "What do you all do?" Twilight Sparkle asked, "Eat, drink, make weapons, study medicine, and fortify defenses." the first human from Sapien replied, "I noticed you all are calm and speak in monotone, is there a reason for that?" Twilight Sparkle asked, "We value discipline and logic, emotions have no place in our culture." the first female human from Sapien replied, "What?" Rainbow Dash asked with shock, "Why, y'all?" Applejack asked, "Emotions cloud judgement and lead to poor decisions." the second female human from Sapien replied, "Don't you guys have any art or music?" Spike asked, "We only use art to record history, we don't have music." a third male human from Sapien replied, "Why not?" Twilight Sparkle asked, "We have more important things on our minds." the second male human from Sapien replied, "Well, the war's not going on right now, so why don't you all go on and try it?" Twilight Sparkle asked, "Those materials can be used for more practical things." the first female human from Sapien replied, "But don't you guys get bored on working on surviving all the time?" Rainbow Dash asked, "We cannot feel boredom." the second female human from Sapien replied, shocking the ponies and Spike, "What do you guys do for cooking?" Spike asked, "Filtered water cooked in a pot and over a fire is enough for us." the first female human from Sapien replied, "What do y'all cook?" Applejack asked, "Meat and vegetables." the second male human from Sapien replied, "What about making things like cake and pastries?" Spike asked, "Unhealthy and waste of time." the first male human from Sapien replied, "I'm in a military-like group called the Wonderbolts, we do aerial shows." Rainbow Dash said, "Aerial shows are a waste of time." the first female human from Sapien replied, "No, they're not." Rainbow Dash said, "Say, do y'all have any books?" Applejack asked, "History and science books." the second female human from Sapien replied, leaving the four speechless, "Well, I guess that's everything we'll get to know here." Twilight Sparkle said, and they go back. Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity go to Vinci, the humans glare at them, "Come on now, everybody, we just wish to have a peaceful relationship." Fluttershy said, "With you, a trespasser?" a male human from Vinci asked, "No, no, no, we just wish to understand your ways and know why you all behave the way you do." Rarity replied, "Why?" a female human from Vinci asked, "So we can become friends through common interests." Rarity replied, the humans from Vinci murmur, "Ooh, I know, what do you all do for fun?" Pinkie Pie asked, the humans from Vinci become happy and excited, "We like dodge ball, fun to play." a male child from Vinci replied, "Ooh, I love dodge ball, let's play." Pinkie Pie said, "Pinkie, darling, not the time." Rarity replied, "We also have the best bakeries you can find." a second male human from Vinci said, "I wanna see!" Pinkie Pie said while hopping up and down, "Pinkie, focus." Rarity said, "So, um, do you all plan to bring animals here?" Fluttershy asked, "Why, yes, of course, we are planning to have pet shows and zoomorphic architecture if we win the war." a female human from Vinci replied, "Oh, what do you have as fashion?" Rarity asked, "We're working on that, we're planning to have fashion shows after the war." a second female human from Vinci replied, "Ooh." Rarity said as she clapped her front hoofs together, the humans from Vinci notice her excitement, "Please let me come, I'm always open to new fashion ideas." Rarity said, the humans from Vinci grow to like her, "Tell us, darlings, what does your culture value?" Rarity asked, "We value art, and spreading beauty across the country." a second male human from Vinci replied, "My, I must say, that wall that used to be up was beautiful." Rarity said, "Thank you, we all made that together." a third female human from Vinci replied, "What else do you all value?" Fluttershy asked, "Emotions, it adds so much more beauty to the world." a third male human from Vinci replied, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity smiled, "Do you all have therapy sessions?" Fluttershy asked, "Oh yes, we talk about our feelings to one another, it's okay to be open to us, go on, tell us how you feel." the first male human from Vinci replied, "That's fine, darling, we're okay right now." Rarity said, the humans from Vinci smile, "What else do you all do?" Pinkie Pie asked, "Well, we haven't developed yet, but we plan to add new forms of entertainment." a female child from Vinci replied, the three smile, "Well, that's all, thank you all for your support." Fluttershy said, and the three walk away while the humans from Vinci wave bye at them. The ponies and Spike get on the hot air balloon and the humans from Vinci wave bye at them while the humans from Sapien watched them, "How did you all get along?" Twilight Sparkle asked, "Oh, it was great, darlings, I tell you, those humans on that side are very friendly and welcoming." Rarity replied, "Yes, they're all about having fun and being entertaining." Fluttershy said, "They're going to be like us after sometime, all of the baking, fashion shows, and maybe plays." Pinkie Pie replied excitedly while jumping up and down, "Wow, sounds like you all had a good time." Spike said, "What was your side like?" Fluttershy asked, "Boring, they all speak in monotone." Rainbow Dash replied, "Yeah, and they don't value emotions, it's almost like they're robots." Applejack said, "What do they do for fun?" Pinkie Pie asked, "They don't have fun." Rainbow Dash replied, "What?" Pinkie Pie asked, "It's true, they call making those things we have as entertainment a waste of time and resources." Twilight Sparkle replied, "Oh, it is not, it adds beauty to the world." Rarity said, "Come on, everybody, let's just go home and see what we can do to make them stop fighting." Twilight Sparkle replied, and they all head home and sleep for the night. The next day comes and the humans were fighting again already, shocking the ponies and Volvox pulls them back with his telekinesis, "Not yet, everybody, give it a week before you all start fighting again." Volvox said, "But we wanna fight now!" a male child from Vinci replied, "Patience, young one, it'll get you to a lot of places if you have it." Volvox said, the humans from Vinci growl, "Volvox, they want to fight now, you know that Vinci acts purely on emotions." the Count of Saint Germain said, "Yes, I know, I do wish they'd calm down sometimes." Volvox replied, "One reason why Sapien values logic." Tom said, "Even then, someone who is always calm and acts logically cannot see someone's true colors unless it is blatantly shown." Dommiel replied, they watch and see Sandbar, Gallus, Ocellus, Smolder, Yona, and Silverstream watching them from afar, "Who are they?" Volvox asked, the others shrug, they see Twilight Sparkle flying over, "You six head on to school, I'll handle this." Twilight Sparkle said, and she lands in the country, "Okay, everybody, I need two of you to get together and discuss your differences and come to an understanding." Twilight Sparkle, the humans from Vinci groan and turn away, "Don't be like that, it'll only make things worse." Twilight Sparkle said, the humans from Vinci did not turn back, "Come on, guys, what I'm trying to do is make things better." Twilight Sparkle said, "You'll make things worse at this rate." a female human from Sapien replied, "How?" Twilight Sparkle asked, "Just look at Vinci." a male human from Sapien replied, she looks and sees they were still angry and did not want to speak, "I'll go if you guys do this, I promise." Twilight Sparkle said, the humans from Vinci groan, "Fine." a male human from Vinci replied, and he goes to the center of the land while a male human from Sapien goes to him. The two humans see one another while the man from Vinci glares at him, "What do you want?" the male human from Vinci asked, "We're doing what they want." the male human from Sapien replied, the man from Vinci groans with annoyance, "Come on, you two, talk about your culture and try to come to a middle ground." Twilight Sparkle said, "Fine, we value art since it makes the world beautiful." the male human from Vinci said, "It is a waste of material and resources." the male human from Sapien replied, "What about you guys?! Building those forts there, ugh, it is so ugly!" the male human from Vinci said, "It is designed to stand strong and defend the land, it's appearance is a trivial matter." the male human from Sapien replied, "How about your outfits? What do you say about them?" the male human from Vinci asked, "Designed to protect us in battle and damage the enemies in close combat." the male human from Sapien replied, "Isn't it heavy and uncomfortable?" the male human from Vinci asked, "We are trained since birth to get accustomed to the outfit's weight, the outfit itself is not uncomfortable to wear." the male human from Sapien replied, "But it looks hideous." the male human from Vinci said, "Again, it's appearance is a trivial matter." the male human from Sapien replied, "No, it's not! Looking good makes things easier on the eyes." the male human from Vinci said, "What is beautiful and what is ugly is different for each individual." the male human from Sapien replied, the man from Vinci growls, "Your side has flaws as well, you all act on emotions and never think things through." the male human from Sapien said, "Emotions is what adds character to the world." the male human from Vinci replied, "Being emotional means being easy to manipulate and going from doing one thing to another." the male human from Sapien said, "Things get boring after a while." the male human from Vinci replied, "Haven't you ever heard of diligence?" the male human from Sapien asked, "What is that?" the male human from Vinci asked, "When you start something, work on it until it's finished." the male human from Sapien replied, "That is why we have stations and take turns." the male human from Vinci said, "Even though the other person may ruin your original vision?" the male human from Sapien asked, "We have blueprints for them to look at." the male human from Vinci replied, "What if they don't follow it?" the male human from Sapien asked, the man from Vinci becomes speechless, "See, there you go, I don't know why you still take pride in the creation if you didn't make it all by yourself." the male human from Sapien said, "Because they originally came up with it!" the male human from Vinci replied while raising his voice a little, "What about the others who helped make it?" the male human from Sapien asked, "They are assistants!" the male human from Vinci replied, the man from Sapien shakes his head, "What about your side?! Where is your country pride?!" the male human from Vinci asked, "Pride is a delusion that exists nowhere but inside of your head." the male human from Sapien replied, Twilight Sparkle reels back in shock at what he just said, "Then how do you all get things done?!" the male human from Vinci asked, "We just do it." the male human from Sapien replied, "That's it?! No enjoyment?!" the male human from Vinci asked, "There are more important things to get done than feeling emotions about it." the male human from Sapien replied, "Like what?" the male human from Vinci asked, "Our country's defenses and being able to keep it protected." the male human from Sapien replied, "But making those is so boring!" the male human from Vinci said, "Boring or not, it has to be done." the male human from Sapien replied, the man from Vinci growls, "Okay, um, let's end the dispute here since you two can't come to an equal ground." Twilight Sparkle said nervously, "No, in the name of honor, I stand my ground and am ready to fight." the male human from Vinci replied, "Why do you people care so much about honor for?" the male human from Sapien asked, "Because it makes us respected and gives us glory, we'd take that over the shame of being a coward." the male human from Vinci replied, "Sometimes, it is better than run away and live another day." the male human from Sapien said, "Never!" the male human from Vinci replied, and he begins to attack the man from Sapien. The two countries run to them and they all begin fighting again, "No! Stop!" Twilight Sparkle said as she and Volvox use telekinesis to separate them, "Not yet, everyone, not until the ceasefire's over." Volvox said, "But Emperor Volvox, we want to fight now!" a second male human from Vinci said, "You will at this rate, just be a bit patient." Volvox replied, the humans from Vinci complain to Volvox while the humans from Sapien remain silent and just watch them, "Um, excuse me, guys?" Twilight Sparkle asked, they all look at her, "Can you all calm down for a minute and try to think things through?" Twilight Sparkle asked, "But thinking about things is so boring." a female human from Vinci replied, "No, it isn't, thinking can be fun." Twilight Sparkle said, the humans from Vinci stop for a minute, "As always, you people from Vinci are easily swayed and can be manipulated, your emotional vulnerabilities may prove fatal one day." a male human from Sapien said, the humans from Vinci growl, "Don't get mad at us, we're not the ones swayed by words and emotions." a female human from Sapien said, the humans from Vinci get angrier, "How are you all able to think straight?" a female human from Vinci asked, "Because we already have goals and know what to do, one shouldn't just stop because of something one says." a second male human from Sapien replied, "But how do you all stay focused on it?" the female human from Vinci asked, "Because we already have a goal and know it has to be done so it will be beneficial in the long run." the second male human from Sapien replied, the humans from Vinci growl, "How do you all focus on that one thing without losing interest?!" a second female human from Vinci asked, "We work together on it at the same time." the second male human from Sapien replied, "How do you all finish without taking breaks?!" the first male human from Vinci asked, "We all work on it together instead of taking turns." the first male human from Sapien replied, the humans from Vinci look at them with disbelief, "Why don't you all work together?" the first female human from Sapien asked, "So we can be proud of each individual addition we make to everything we make." the first male human from Vinci replied, "Even if it takes longer to finish?" the second male human from Sapien asked, "Being proud is each individual addition is more important, you can't rush art." the second male human from Vinci replied, "Alright, guys, that's enough, clearly, you all can't reach an agreement." Twilight Sparkle said, the humans from Vinci glare at her, "Uh... um... is it something I said?" Twilight Sparkle asked, "You should leave before they get mad and lose their tempers." the first female human from Sapien replied, "Oh, um, alright, I'm going." Twilight Sparkle said nervously and she flies back to Equestria. Twilight Sparkle arrives back at her castle and sits in her throne, "Ugh, there has to be some way for them to get along." Twilight Sparkle said, "They couldn't come to an agreement?" Spike asked, "No, they disagree with everything, their cultures are so different from one another." Twilight Sparkle said, "What do you plan to do this next?" Spike asked, "I don't know, Spike." Twilight Sparkle replied, Spike just looks at her, "Just... give me time to rest, Spike, I need to think of a new plan." Twilight Sparkle said, and she sits and thinks while Spike leaves. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna look at the divided country and see it was mostly quiet for now, "You think Twilight will be able to handle this?" Princess Luna asked, "I hope so, I still fear they will have another war." Princess Celestia replied, "Me too, I think we may have to help them." Princess Luna said, "We will if it gets out of hoof." Princess Celestia replied, and the two go back to doing their royal duties. Everybody looks at the country and see Sapien and Vinci were quiet but it was an uneasy quietness, "Y'all think we should go there?" Apple Bloom asked, "No, let's wait for things to cool down a bit." Sandbar replied, "Yeah, going now would probably be a bad idea." Smolder said, "Oh, I can't wait, looks so fun to go to." Silverstream said, "Come on, let's go home, it's almost dark." Scootaloo said, and they all go home and sleep. The next day comes and Twilight Sparkle goes back to the country with Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Spike, and Starlight Glimmer, the humans from Sapien aim their guns at them while the humans from Vinci glare at them when they step out of the hot air balloon, "Come on, y'all, relax." Applejack said, "We still cannot rule out the possibility of betrayal." a male human from Sapien replied, "Seriously? Calm down, guys, we're not here to cause trouble." Starlight Glimmer said, "You already are." a male human from Vinci replied, "Okay, everyone, let's try something different today, let's try switching roles." Twilight Sparkle said, "What?" a second human from Sapien asked, "What we're saying is you all should switch places, and do what the other side does, so you all can try to understand one another." Starlight Glimmer replied, the humans from Vinci look at Sapien with disgust while the humans from Sapien just look forward and their facial expressions could not be seen due to their masks, "Come on, everyone, let's give it a try, we'll explain what things are and how things work if you don't know about it." Twilight Sparkle said, the humans from Vinci roll their eyes' and the two sides go to the other side while the ponies and Spike go to them. The humans from Sapien go to Vinci and they see Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity up ahead, they just look around, "What is this?" a male human from Sapien asked, "Don't you all like the decorations?" Pinkie Pie asked, "Why?" a female human from Sapien asked, "It makes the things look more attractive." Rarity replied, "More like wasting resources." a second male human from Sapien said, "No, it isn't, animals like decorations, too." Fluttershy said, "Since when?" a third male human from Sapien asked, "Um, well, my animals like decorations." Fluttershy replied, "Are your animals domesticated?" a second female human from Sapien asked, "Some of them." Fluttershy replied, "It seems this world's animals may be different from our world, the animals don't care about decorations, they care about surviving." a fourth male human from Sapien said, "Don't they admire the decorations you all make?" Fluttershy asked, "They don't care about decorations." the first male human from Sapien replied, "Wait, they don't?" Fluttershy asked, "No, they only care surviving in the wilderness." the first female human from Sapien replied, they look around and see cake, "What's with the cake?" the second female human from Sapien asked, "To welcome you all here." Pinkie Pie replied, "Sorry, but due to our trainings, we are on a strict diet." the second female human from Sapien said, "What do you all eat?" Pinkie Pie asked, "Fruits, vegetables, bread, meat, and drink water." the third male human from Sapien replied, "But I've brought a lot of party food." Pinkie Pie said, "Sorry, but we can't eat them." the second male human from Sapien replied, Pinkie Pie tears up a little, "What is with those outfits back there?" a fifth male human from Sapien asked, "Haven't you heard of fashion?" Rarity asked, "We have, but it has no place in our culture." the third female human from Sapien replied, "And just why not?" Rarity asked, "Such clothes will get in the way of battle, and serve no function." the first female human from Sapien replied, "It's not supposed to, it's supposed to show off your taste in art and your beauty." Rarity said, "You forgot social status." the second male human from Sapien replied, "Oh, yeah, that too." Rarity said, "Well, come on, go ahead and try some of the things." Fluttershy said, and they do. The humans from Sapien look at the items in Vinci and examine them, "They carve decorations into their items? What a waste of time and degradation of quality." the first male human from Sapien said, "No, it is not, it makes the things easier on the eyes to look at." Rarity replied, "Our eyes are not affected." the second male human from Sapien said, and they look around and see the ornaments on the buildings, "There they go wasting resources again." the first female human from Sapien said, "No, it's not, if the place is ugly, no one will want to go in." Pinkie Pie replied, "Actually, we do, for shelter and hiding from the enemy." the third male human from Sapien said, the three mares become speechless, "Well, come now, we'll show you how some of these things work." Rarity said, and they watch. The humans from Vinci look at Sapien and groan with disgust, "What's the matter?" Spike asked, "They only make their homes in one shape and use one color, it is hideous." a male human from Vinci replied, "I'll admit, all of this black and razor wires is kind of tiring to look at." Twilight Sparkle said, "I can't believe they live like this, it is so tedious." a female human from Vinci said, "Well, you do need some kind of defense against invaders." Rainbow Dash replied, "No way, everybody is welcome to Vinci, regardless of who they are." a second male human from Vinci said, "That's dangerous, y'all." Applejack replied, "Ooh, what is that accent of yours?" a female child from Vinci asked, "Um, everyone in mah family has this accent." Applejack replied, "Please, teach it to us one day." a male child from Vinci said, "Focus, everyone, try their things and try to understand them, come now." Twilight Sparkle said, and they go forward. The humans from Vinci look at the things and see the books, "Ugh, those covers are so ugly." a third male human from Vinci said, "I know, and look at that plain font, how can they live with such dullness?" a second female human from Vinci asked, "It's not the cover you all should look at, it's the inside." Twilight Sparkle replied, and the humans do reluctantly, "Wha? What is this?!" a fourth male human from Vinci asked, they all look and see the pages were plain white with black letters on them, "It is so ugly, I'm bored already." a third female human from Vinci said, "No, don't give up like that, come on, try reading." Twilight Sparkle replied, and she does, the woman throws the book away, "No, don't do that, it's rude to destroy other people's stuff." Twilight Sparkle said, "I just didn't like it, I have no intention of destroying it." the third female human from Vinci replied, "Don't you all like the books?" Twilight Sparkle asked, "No! These are all on history, math, and science, it so boring." the first male human from Vinci replied, "Well, what do you all want to read?" Rainbow Dash asked, "Fictional stories." the second male human from Vinci replied, the others nod, "Well, I can give you guys some of my Daring Do books if you want that." Rainbow Dash said, the humans from Vinci murmur with interest, "What is that food there?" a third male human from Vinci asked, they look and see mostly vegetables and oatmeal, "What a boring diet, our diets are full of delicious tastes." the first female human from Vinci said, "I agree with a diet being boring and having almost taste, but I also have to stay in shape for my training." Rainbow Dash replied, "Ugh, we hate training, it's boring and it hurts." a second male child from Vinci said, "But it's necessary sometimes, I had to train in order to fly at first, Spike here had to train, too." Twilight Sparkle replied, "I had a lot of training as a Wonderbolt." Rainbow Dash said, "And Ah had to build up mah strength to work on the farm." Applejack said, the humans from Vinci look at them with disbelief, "Well, come on, try learning their ways to understand them so you all don't have to fight anymore." Twilight Sparkle said, the humans from Vinci grumble and roll their eyes' but they decide to give it a try. The humans try the things of the other countries and have trouble with the mares and Spike trying their best to explain them, the humans from Sapien remain calm and silent while trying to figure out how to work some things while the humans from Vinci complain and let out angry grunts. Volvox just stands on his stronghold and watches, he sighs while he looks on with boredom, "What do you four think of this?" Volvox asked, "I'm getting kind of bored." Dommiel replied, "Yeah, me too." Tom said, "I'm bored as well." the Count of Saint Germain said, Giovi nods, "Well, let's just keep watching." Volvox said, and they do. A few hours pass and the humans were getting ready for bed, "Typical Vinci, always caring more about the art and comfort, wasteful as always." a male human from Sapien said as he looked at a bed with wooden carvings and a big mattress on it, "It is not, I'm quite jealous of this bed." Rarity replied, "Still a waste, let's just sleep." a female human from Sapien said, and they do. The humans from Vinci see Sapien had simple beds, "What is this? It's stone and a moss blanket." a male human from Vinci said, "Well, maybe they didn't have time to make proper beds." Twilight Sparkle replied, "Proper? It is ugly and looks uncomfortable, can't believe we have to sleep on such garbage bed." a female human from Vinci said, the other humans from Vinci grumble and lay down on them and sleep. The next day comes and Princess Ember, Grampa Gruff, King Thorax, Prince Rutherford, and General Seaspray go to the country, they brought gifts with them, "Here you guys go, we brought two of each, think of them as welcoming gifts." King Thorax said, the humans look and see Princess Ember brought gems, Grampa Gruff brought scones, King Thorax brought lanterns, Prince Rutherford brought helmets, and General Seaspray brought seashells, "Her Highness would have came, but she is too busy at the moment." General Seaspray said, "Come on now, one for each." Princess Ember said, and they take them, the humans from Vinci thank them while the humans from Sapien remain silent, they all go back to their respective sides to use the gifts accordingly. The humans go back to their respective sides and look on, "WHAT IT THIS?!" a male human from Vinci asked, they see their homes were fortified and some of their decorations were broken down to be used to make armor while Sapien had multiple colors and their weapons and armor had decorations carved and painted on them, "What did you all do to our home?!" a second male human from Vinci asked, "We're asking you guys the same thing." a male human from Sapien replied, "We made your country more colorful, it is so ugly with one color." a female human from Vinci said, "You should've made it camouflaged instead." a second male human from Sapien replied, "What are these hideous looking writings in our books." a second female human from Vinci asked, "They are information on math and science." a female human from Sapien replied, "You destroyed our country's beauty!" a third male human from Vinci said angrily, "You made our country more sustainable to invasion and wasted valuable resources." a third male human from Sapien replied calmly, the humans from Vinci growl. The humans in the two countries run to one another and begin fighting again, "NO!! STOP!!" Twilight Sparkle said as she shot a signal into the air with her horn, the humans continue fighting, "Should we stop them?" Dommiel asked, "No, I don't think there's any stopping them this time." Volvox replied, the humans continue to fight while the ponies and Spike try to break them up to no avail. The humans continue to fight until a yellow aura appears around them and separates them, "Enough!" Princess Celestia said as she flies down to them, "All you guys have done is fight and argue, you will destroy yourselves if you continue, I understand both sides want what is best for the country, but what you all should do is find a balance that both sides is satisfied with, not try to destroy one another." Princess Celestia said as she walked between the two sides, the humans look at her, the humans from Vinci have widened eyes' while the humans from Sapien just listen, "Now, I'm sure you all saw how the other side was, now, it's time to find an equilibrium and something both sides can agree on." Princess Celestia said, the humans from Vinci look at Volvox, who was sleeping and snoring, "Emperor Volvox." a male human from Vinci said, Volvox continues to sleeps, "Excuse me, Emperor Volvox." Princess Celestia said as she flies up to him, he continues to sleep, "EMPEROR VOLVOX!!" Princess Celestia said with her Royal Canterlot Voice, the humans back away while Volvox opens his eyes slowly, "Yeah?" Volvox asked, "Is it okay if I try to find something both countries can agree on?" Princess Celestia asked, "Go ahead, I'll let you know if my superiors complain." Volvox replied, "Thank you, I promise to get some good results." Princess Celestia said, and she flies back down. Princess Celestia walks between the two sides, "Okay, get the gifts." Princess Celestia said, and they do, "Take turns while answering, and don't talk over others, now, what did you all want to do with the gems?" Princess Celestia asked, "Make new weapons with them." a male human from Sapien replied, "Okay, what about you people?" Princess Celestia asked, "Carve them into our statues." a male human from Vinci replied, "Okay, what were you going to do with the scones?" Princess Celestia asked, "Well, whether we eat it or not depends on if it's healthy." a female human from Sapien replied, "We will consume it if it's delicious." a second male human from Vinci said, "Alright, now the lanterns, what were you all going to do with them?" Princess Celestia asked, "Light them up at night so we can see any intruders in the dark." a second male human from Sapien replied, "Set up lanterns to create a beautiful night scene for painting." a female human from Vinci said, "Alright, both have valid points, what were you all going to do with the helmets?" Princess Celestia asked, "Use it as armor." a third male human from Sapien replied, "Use it as part of a costume." a second female human from Vinci said, "Okay, and lastly, the seashells." Princess Celestia said, "Well, we could put them in cans and tie them up on rope to act as an alarm system." a fourth male human from Sapien replied, "It will be perfect to use as display for our sea and beach landscape paintings." a third female human from Vinci said, "There, you all heard what one another wants, now, work together and make a result that both sides can be happy with." Princess Celestia said, and they do. The humans begin to gather together and use their gifts together, they use the gems first, the humans from Sapien make daggers with the gems while the humans from Vinci try make carvings on statues to put the gems in, the humans from Sapien try putting the gems in the hands of the statues, along with sticking out of the statues to act as traps, the humans from both sides become satisfied. The humans try the scones next, everybody sees the humans from Sapien were either bald or had short hair or shaved heads, they examine the scones and see it was healthy, they nod and eat them, the humans from Vinci also eat the scones and liked the taste. The humans try to use the lanterns next, the humans from Sapien set them up high so they can light up the country at dark, the humans from Vinci turn them on and were unsatisfied with how Vinci looked, so they all rearrange them and try again, they all become satisfied when the lanterns were on the buildings and looked attractive when hanging around the doors. The humans use the yak helmets next and the humans from Sapien test them with their weapons, the helmet withstands all of it, the humans from Vinci wear them and try them on with other outfits and liked it. The humans try the seashells last, the humans from Sapien put them in cans and shake them around, they tie them with ropes and trip them, the cans go down and shake as an alarm, the humans from Vinci put them on their pictures and around the country for visuals, the humans from Sapien see they could also be used as caltrops, they become satisfied and continue working. Princess Celestia smiles as she watches the humans and walks to them, "Good, you all are already reaching agreements, now you all must reach agreements with everything else." Princess Celestia said, and they do. The humans begin redesigning their country while Volvox, Dommiel, Giovi, the Count of Saint Germain, and Tom watch, they see the country get a makeover, "Well, it looks like the war's over." Tom said, "Not exactly, I still have to see what my superiors will say about this." Volvox replied, and the humans continue redesigning, they finish and Sapien was now full of colors and decorations while Vinci was fortified, both sides were satisfied, "Truce?" a male human from Sapien asked, "Truce." a male human from Vinci replied, and they shake hands while the ponies and Spike smile. The ponies and Spike go back to Canterlot and they were satisfied, "Well, that wasn't too bad, a few bumps, but we did it." Twilight Sparkle said, "Yes, they are all now living together happily, I think this country will grow and develop at a wonderful rate." Princess Celestia replied, and they all watch them. The clouds come down and Hermes forms, "I'm in trouble, aren't I?" Volvox asked, "Well, the gods aren't too pleased that the country to prosper wasn't decided through war, but they'll let it slide." Hermes replied, "Alright, I was ready to reset things, too." Volvox said, "Well, things are fixed on our side, we can send you back now." Hermes replied, "Please do." Volvox said, and he goes into the sky, the world's natives say bye to them and the country disappears. Volvox and his country return to their world and the war was over, everybody lived on peacefully and the country prospered, everybody lived together peacefully and had no wars for generations to come.