Prologue:
It is a time when one's spirit is subdued and sad, one knows not why; when the past seems a storm-swept desolation, life a vanity and a burden, and the future but a way to death...
-Mark Twain
I sat on my window-sill, cheering as more participants gathered in the town clearing. My mother stood behind me, holding Poppy Seed, my baby sister in her arms. She was waving to my father in the massive crowd of ponies. Thunder Blunt, my older brother, whooped and frantically flapped his arms, trying to catch our pop's attention. I smirked and leaned out the open window.
"Hey, dad!" I cupped my hooves around my mouth and called out to him. He looked up in our direction and smiled, the corners of his mouth crinkling up like they normally did as he waved . I turned to my brother and grinned triumphantly, planting my crossed arms on my chest. He snorted and gave me a playful shove. Thunder was a good-looking guy at fourteen, with his deep brown hair and maroon coat. I guess I'm okay, I mean my mane isn't black, but it's pretty close. Not to mention my freakishly long legs. I'm almost as tall as dad, even though I'm only seven. Hey, I'm a tough kid. I started making stupid faces at Thunder, who responded the same way. Mother shushed us, as it was about to begin.
"Shh, Spider Hooves," she scolded softly. "It's starting." The Revolution.
Sombra was a cruel leader. Ever since he stole the throne from the two royal sisters a year ago, everything went to hell. He forced all inhabitants of the land he conquered into slavery, or to death. Most of Northern Equestria was already taken over.
We had planned this event for over four months, gathering as many members as we could. We weren't going to be his ants, burning under his rule like we would a microscope.
I let out another cheer as the group formed into a line, keeping their weapons near. Father was using his two favorite swords. God, he loved those things. Poppy squealed with excitement and kicked her little legs, watching the ponies march down the road. I laughed and tickled her chin, causing more adorable giggles. I turned my attention back to the window.
Several Sombra agents that were lining the streets paid no attention to the angry protests, and stood their ground. The shadow ponies cloaked in armor stayed motionless, even when one of the towns-folk spat at his hooves. I narrowed my eyes. Something's not right. They should be running away, like dogs with their tails between their legs.
Everything was going fine, and no one was getting hurt. Things were going as planned, using no physical violence. Then a bold young stallion, probably about twenty, pointed his gun defiantly at one of the agents. The shadow's eyes flashed, and in lightning swift movements the rebellious pony was dead. He collapsed in the dirt, his neck cut clean open.
My eyes widened as he lifted his dagger from the body, now dripping with crimson blood. The Sombra agent whipped his head away from the corpse, and turned it to the other now terrified horde of civilians. He raised his cloudy hoof, and with a quick flick of his wrist the shadows pounced, slashing through the screaming mass ponies with their swords. The blades were designed with a curve, to make a smooth, fatal cut. Gunshots erupted from the chaos, but none of the bullets hit their targets and the casualties continued.
I combed my eyes through the panic, trying to find our beloved father. My breath caught in my throat as I realized he might be dead. The thought made me look even harder, my heart threatening to pound it's way out of my chest. He's not dead, he's not!
I let out a sigh of relief when I spotted him at the front of the retreat, still alive. Mother had found him too, and was calling him over to take shelter in the house.
"Flint! Flint, hurry get back inside!" She raised her voice over the agonizing screams of pain. Father careened to the side, galloping for the front door. He skidded to halt as an agent appeared before him, pointing a razor sharp edge at his neck. I gasped and watched in horror as dad turned and merged back with the crowd, looking up at us with concern and fear.
"Get somewhere safe" he mouthed before his head disappeared under the writhing towns-folk. I gulped, swallowing the lump in my throat. I looked up to Thunder, who normally was calm and collected, but now was trembling uncontrollably. Seeing HIM scared, made me feel like everything was over.
Mother thrust herself between us and slammed the window closed, before grabbing my hoof and instructing Thunder to follow. We raced downstairs, ma still clutching Poppy Seed in her arms. She let go of me and pointed to small hatch on the floor. I understood perfectly and clasped the door with my hooves. Thunder Blunt did so as well, and we both pulled on the wooden boards.
Finally, it swung open and revealed an entrance to a small room. Mother shooed us in and carefully closed the door, which just barely muffled the frightening sounds coming from the town. I looked around the dusty compartment, and found a cot laying a little far off to the side. I crept over to it and sat down, still trying to wrap my brain around the events that just occurred. It happened so fast...
Mother was searching through some of the junk laying around, still holding my baby sister. After about ten minutes, she gave up and plopped onto the cold, hard ground with a groan.
"I left the carrier upstairs," She sighed, and started rocking Poppy back and forth. "Oh, well. I'll have to put you to sleep myself then." I watched her swoon the filly to sleep, her eyes caring but full of fear and worry. I got up and trotted slowly over to her, trying not to keel over in shock. I tapped her shoulder, and she lifted her weary head to look at me.
"Oh, Spider Hooves," She smiled and placed a hoof on my cheek. "Are you alright?" I nodded quickly and gestured towards the tiny pony in her arms.
"Let me do it." I suggested firmly. Thunder glanced up from his arms, as he had his head buried in his hooves. Mother stared at me in confusion, which led me to thinking I shouldn't have asked. The thought drifted away when she smiled and beamed with pride. She lifted Poppy up to me, and I carefully took her in my arms. I held her close, gazing at the little body as she slept silently. She looked so peaceful. It wasn't fair that she had to be raised under Sombra's reign, where you could get killed just for speaking out of turn.
"Now be gentle," Mother instructed, before she dragged her hooves over to a bunk. She collapsed onto the stiff mattress with a sigh of relief, and proceeded to crawl under the covers. Thunder got up from his corner and hovered over to another bed and did the same, not making a sound. He folded his wings and lay his head on the pillow, closing his eyes to sleep. I didn't have feathers, or a horn. No one in our family could preform magic, and the only Pegasi were father and Thunder Blunt. I carried Poppy over to the remaining cot and slowly leaned backwards onto the cushion. I set the filly in the crook of my arm, and held her close like a teddy-bear. My breathing slowed, and I eventually nodded off to the steady beating of my heart...
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I woke to the sound of giggles, and the feeling of little hooves scampering over me. I grunted and opened my eyes, blinking out the sleep. I pulled myself into a sitting position and chuckled as Poppy Seed fell forward with a squeak. I lifted her up with my long back legs and balanced her on my hooves, reciting the hum of an airplane. She squealed with joy and looked at me with her huge, bright eyes. I smiled and picked her up off of my back legs and held her close. I got up from the bunk and stretched, then looked around for Thunder Blunt or mother. The cots they had been sleeping in were now empty, the sheets bundled up and not made. I figured they'd gone back upstairs, as the hatch leading to it was open. I climbed up the ladder, making sure Poppy was secure. I got to my hooves and looked around, ears pricked for danger. I trotted into the kitchen, where mother was cooking breakfast. I placed Poppy in her high-chair and peeked at the stove-top.
"Pancakes!" I smiled and wrapped my arms around ma's waist, causing her jump with a gasp. I let go, alarmed.
"Oh, I'm sorry," I apologized, taking a step back. "I didn't mean to scare you." Mother sighed and looked over her shoulder with a grin.
"It's alright," She turned back to the frying pan. "I've just been on edge after-" She tensed up, her body unmoving. I lowered my eyes to the floor. I recalled the horrifying events of yesterday, and shuddered. I sat down at the kitchen table, and noticed all of the windows had the blinds down. I gulped and turned to mother.
"Mo-"
"We have to keep out of sight for a while, okay honey?" Ma didn't move from her position at the stove, flipping a small pancake with a spatula. I looked back to the windows, afraid to see what the outside looked like at this time. T-they were so fast...
"But, but why?" I murmured, just loud enough for her to hear. Mother kept to the stove, although her ears were pricked and angled in my direction.
"The Sombra agents are eliminating any individual that took part or were somewhat involved in the Revolution," She placed a pancake on a plate and brought it over to me.
"Your father was a participant, and we were cheering him on." I stared at the flapjack before me, shivering at the thought of my family being killed, fighting for their freedom. I nodded slightly, trying to hide my trembling lower-lip. A hoof slipped under my chin, and brought my head face-to-face with a smiling mare.
"Don't be scared, Spider," She soothed. "I'll make sure each of you is safe, and I'll never leave you." I raised my eyes to hers.
"Promise?" I asked hopefully. Mother chuckled.
"Promise." She rustled my mane and returned to the stove, preparing more pancakes. Thunder trotted in from the sitting room, silent as usual. He took a seat next to me, keeping his stare solid. I meekly waved, and put on a slight smile. He looked at me, his gaze blank but passionate. He waved back.
Mother placed a plate in front of him and sat down across from us. She held a bottle in her hoof, which was for Poppy Seed. I had already begun eating, chewing the food slowly. It filled me up, but I couldn't help but feel empty. Something was missing. I looked around the table, identifying each member that sat at it.
With a gasp I dropped my fork, and heard the utensil clatter on the tile floor. I bolted from the kitchen, ignoring the cries of protest from behind me. I burst outside into the crisp, fresh air, galloping past Sombra agents and deceased bodies. I clenched my teeth and squeezed my eyes shut. They haven't buried them yet... I don't want to look...
I raced through the streets, nearly flying by the buildings. I was almost instantly out of town, but I kept going. I didn't stop until I reached a field surrounded by trees. Gasping for breath I looked around frantically, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.
"Poppa!" I bellowed into the open, tears threatening to fall down my cheeks. I trotted deeper into the wilderness, eyes wide with dread.
"Daddy, please!" I choked back a sob. "Please, answer me!" I collapsed into the grass, my body wracked with agony. No... Dear god no...
I looked up, the moisture growing at my lids. Through the blur, I caught sight of a glisten not far off. I sniffed and wiped my face with my arm, then got to my feet. I trudged closer to the shimmer, getting a better view with each step. I stood over the two swords, tears streaming down my cheeks. I fell to my knees, biting my lower lip. I picked up the sheathed blades with a trembling hoof and clutched them tight. Dad... I...
The sound of hooves neared behind me, but I didn't look up. I heard heavy breathing, raspy and dry.
"Spi- Spider," It panted. I felt a hoof on my shoulder, and glanced at it. I couldn't make any noise, opposed to the soft sobs that continued to exit my mouth.
"Hey, don't run off like that," It was Thunder Blunt. I could tell because of the sternness in his voice. I shrugged him off and held the swords closer. I lowered my head, letting my tears fall to the ground.
"Whoa, what's wrong?" He sounded worried now, not that it mattered. I swung around to face him, eyes full of sorrow. His expression seemed to change in seconds, from nervous to terrified. He sat next to me and wrapped his wing around my body.
"Spider, what happened?" He was urgent now. I slowly uncovered the blades, not speaking a word. They were untouched. Never taken out of the case. I wouldn't be crying if it weren't for the red smudge on one of them.
Mother ran up beside us, holding Poppy Seed in her arms.
"Oh, thank goodness you found him!" She cried, and embraced me in a warm hug. I said nothing.
"M-mom..." Thunder stammered, pointing at the object in my arms. Mother released me and brushed the hair out my face. She gasped once she caught sight of the tears that flowed. She lifted my chin with her hoof.
"Spider, what's that you've got?" She asked softly. I turned away and laid the swords at her hooves. I heard a sharp gasp, followed by rustling. I glanced over my shoulder and saw mother holding the blood-dried case, eye's wide.
"Flint, y-you," She doubled over, her body shuddering slightly. I trudged over to her and sat down, before picking up Poppy who had been crawling away. I leaned onto ma's shoulder, and heard the faint sobs of grief coming from her mouth. I will find him... I'll find him for you, mother...
Thunder let out a sigh from behind us. I buried my tear-streaked face into ma's fur, holding Poppy Seed tight. The silence was almost deafening.
"Hey!" My ears perked up as a voice sounded from the direction of town. I heard Thunder Blunt gasp and trot closer to us. I looked up, vision blurred through tears. I wiped my eyes with my arm with a grunt of annoyance. My heart skipped a beat when I saw a Sombra agent nearing. I snapped back to mother and shook her hard.
"Mom," I whispered urgently. "We have to go!" She looked behind her wearily, eye's widening as soon as she caught sight of the shadow pony.
"Oh no." She murmured. I watched her pick up a nearby rock, then holding it behind her back she put the swords down and got to her hooves. Thunder backed up next to us, teeth clenched. I was now standing, trying to conceal my fear. The agent stopped in front of us, looking at the weapons mother dropped. He scowled.
"What are you doing with those?" He spat, pointing an accusing hoof at the swords. I broke into a sweat. Please, don't let him recognize them! Ma cleared her throat and stepped up to him defiantly.
"We were going to go hunting." she stated firmly, chin held high. The shadow smirked.
"You've been crying." He growled. Mother hid under her mane and took a step back. The agent advanced, pulling out a gun.
"Don't lie to me." He hissed. There was a wicked gleam in his eyes, as if he desired the satisfaction of killing us all. He slowly raised the pistol.
"Are you part of the Revolution?" In a flash, he was sprawled across the ground, a respectable sized rock laying beside his head. Mother spun around, clutching my hoof with hers.
"Run!" She cried. My body was taken by the fear of me being shot, or even worse, my family. I held Poppy close and raced ahead of the others, panic fueling my legs to go faster. Thunder pulled up beside me, beating his out-stretched wings at a neck-breaking speeds. I glanced over my shoulder, and was relieved to find mother right behind us. She was tiring fast, as the two swords she carried on her back weighed her down. I faced forward again, telling myself she was going to be fine. I can see our house, it's right there! ,Just a little while longer...
A loud bang erupted from behind us, followed by an ear-splitting scream. I skidded to a stop, kicking up clouds of dirt. I spun around, racing to the mare who released her agonizing shriek. I fell to my knees beside her, and struggled to pull her up with the one available arm I had.
"Mom, come on!" I tugged on her hoof, watching in horror as she struggled for air. Thunder landed beside me, and without hesitation he hoisted her onto his shoulders. I could tell how much he was hurting, his muscles straining under his pelt due the weight. We kept going, getting closer to home with each step. I managed to look behind me, staring at the agent we encountered earlier. He was standing atop the hill we came from, his lips moving. I couldn't hear what he saying over the ringing in my ears, but I didn't have to listen to understand.
"I love it when they run," He grinned. "now the real fun can begin." He gradually raised a hoof to his chest, and gently pressed the button embedded into his armor. I zipped around, the same shriek echoing out from mother's mouth. She writhed atop of my brother, making it harder for him to keep his balance. I winced at the sound of sizzling and the smell of burning flesh entering my nostrils.
"Spider!" I looked to Thunder, who was nodding his head towards our cottage. With a grunt, I pulled ahead and arrived at the house, flinging the front door open. I rushed upstairs, the other two not far behind. Thunder gently laid mother onto her bed, making her cry out in agony at the contact. He started to look her over, checking every part of her upper half. He pulled up her mane covering her neck, revealing the menace that was causing so much pain.
"I-it's," Thunder stammered, eyes wide at the small marking. "It's the Avtapoia."
I should've known what it was when I heard the gunshot. Then we might've been able to save her. It was hopeless now. I stared, terrified at the small spiral that was dissolving into ma's skin.
"G-get away..." She murmured, drained of energy. "They're coming, you have to go..." I shook my head and clutched Poppy closer, trying to keep her quiet.
"No, we're not leaving without you!" My voice cracked, and tears were beginning to sting the corners of my eyes. She looked up at me, her gaze urgent.
"Please," She took a deep breath, then lashed out with a ferocity I've never seen before. "PLEASE, I DON'T WANT YOU TO DIE!" The rumble of hoof-steps neared in the distance, getting closer each second. My cheeks were soaked, and I was acting more like an crazed animal than a civilized being.
"Mom, they're coming!" I had abandoned any sense of rationality, and desperately tried to get her to move. "We can still escape undetected!" I turned to Thunder, who was watching me with a look of sorrow plastered across his face .
"Don't just stand there, help me!" I cried. He sighed and trotted over, his solemn expression not changing in the slightest.
"Spider, she-" He choked back a sob. "She's been tagged." I paid no attention and pulled on her arm even harder.
"No, we can't just abandon her!" I was crying, but I didn't care. I only cared about getting her to safety, along with everyone else. Thunder grabbed my shoulder and dragged me off.
"Listen to me!" He bellowed. "Even if we got away they would find us. No matter where we went." The pounding hooves grew louder, followed by several knocks on the door. They're here.
"Please..." Mother had tears glistening in her eyes, silently begging us to leave. "Find your father," She handed him the swords.
"and protect my children." Thunder stared at her for a moment, before giving a curt nod and scooping me off my feet.
"No! What are you doing!" I beat my hooves against his back, trying to get free. He opened the window, unfazed. The knocks from downstairs became loud bangs, indicating they were attempting to ram the door in. Thunder Blunt glanced over his shoulder, and gave a weak smile.
"I love you, mom," He wiped his face with his arm. "Always and forever." I looked from her to my brother, still trying to process the events. Then, the door broke, and we were gone.
"Wait!" I outstretched my hoof, lightly brushing past mother's own as Thunder flew from the window. Time seemed to slow as we sped away from our home, leaving behind everything we held dear. I watched in awed silence as the Sombra agents swarmed into the room. One of them stepped forward and without hesitation held up his gun to her forehead. Then pulled the trigger.
"NO!" I screeched, squirming in my Thunder's arms. The shadow looked directly at me, eyes narrowed and lips spread into a grin. I'll never forget that devilish smile. You killed her... You, you...I buried my face into my brother's fur, sobbing loudly. I didn't look up. No sir. I felt the wind in my mane and wept until the cows came home...