Chapter 1
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The Strategist waits in the shadows, watching the others leave the clearing. They pay him no heed. They leave behind a victim, tied to the ground. She has been broken. Unobstructed by The Spring's purple foliage and bereft of her magic, she will surely die. She hisses at the pain. The scene is sickening. This cannot be allowed to happen ever again. The Strategist steps forward.
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The Tyrant stands above the world known as Death. It will have to go. It is as simple as that. Her cohort advises enslaving the tribes. His strategies are brilliant, of that there is no doubt. But no. She may hate those that stand against her glorious Escape, but she is no monster. If they do not join her in improving their race, then she will offer them the dignity of embracing the void over forced servitude. The Tyrant gives the order.
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The Knight cowers from his actions. He led the operation. It was what he was ordered to do. She would not lead him ill. Would she? His mentor finds him. She advises treason. The founder is not following reason. She will destroy the Escape. Destroy herself. They must stop her. The doctor is already with her. They will rescue the Escape. Rescue her. His mentor leaves him to his thoughts. The knights waits.
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The Traitor double checks the sensors. They were right the first time. A star that orbits its planet. And this is where the trail leads. Interesting. There are powerful energies radiating from the planet. Perhaps a method of ascension can be found here. The Traitor grins.
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The Princess senses something. Another creature of the night. It is magical, but in a strange way. How exciting! She must tell her sister at once! She runs to her co-ruler at once. A heated discussion follows. Her mind fills with anger. Dangerous? Are fear and terror all her domain entails? Does her own authority not even extend to handling the issue? Her sister is already the more beloved of the two, and now she seeks to take even more power! Well, something must be done about that! The Princess laughs.
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The Sentinel watches the sky, watching the invaders retreat. He is only a child, one of the youngest to witness this critical moment. They are not alone, and their neighbors are dangerous. Some of their own, mages, have also revealed themselves to be a risk. Something must be done to protect humanity from these dangers. Maybe he could do his part. Even if it is a small part, maybe he could help his fellows. The sentinel nods to himself.
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The Scholar slams her head into a wall. She slides to the floor, crying, scratching at the focuser on her head. This wasn't what she wanted. She didn't want to be a slave in all but name, a trained dog on her master's leash. And those fools, calling themselves Umbra. They said they offered freedom, but it's just the leash changing hands. Still, it might be her best choice, if she wants to avoid conscription. She could stick to academia. The Scholar wipes her eyes.
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The Rogue exits the shuttle. G5-N(S), that was her designation. Generation-V, Navigation, Security Caste. She must report to the bridge for assignment. The "clients" of this particular ship could prove dangerous. A magic sword is suddenly at her neck. It's owner demands that she take her to the High Instructors so that she can kill them. Negligible threat to The Escape. Minimal threat to High Instructors. Heightened threat to self. The attacker seems to be expecting her to resist. The Rogue obliges.
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The Mage looks to his parents, then back at the recruiter. This could give him a future. He could learn to control his power. He wouldn't have to fear being ostracized. He was practically having a career presented on a silver platter. Safe and educated with a solid career. The recruiters passes him a document. The Mage signs.
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The Student opens her eyes and gets to her hooves. Everypony else is waking up as well. She notices that they all wear a physical manifestation of their element, a necklace with their cutie mark. She herself has a big crown thingy. She is reunited with her teacher, and witnesses the return of Equestria's second Princess. She did it. She helped Nightmare Moon. Helping others. She could make a habit of that. The Student smiles.
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The Bard casts one final look over her shoulder before looking ahead once more. The past can't help her. Can't harm her. It'll have to go. It's as simple as that. The future is all that matters. Her dream is foolish, given her situation. Her dream can help her. Can... harm her. But that is the risk of pursuing greatness. The Bard trots forward.
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Notes: You may have noticed this is a new first chapter. I've been restructuring the story a little bit.
Changes are noted in the second intermission, if you don't want to reread the whole story.