//------------------------------//
// Part I, Chapter I: The Pegasus War 
// Story: Before Equestria 
// by Fluttershyfan 
//------------------------------//

“It’s wonderful to see the two of you again,” the quartermaster said, descending from her perch upon the assembled supplies to land carefully beside them. “Commander Hurricane sends his regards.”

“Nice to see you, too, Private Pansy,” replied Smart Cookie, tossing her damp mane back over her ear. The trek from the domain of Clan Puddinghead to the territory under the control of Commander Hurricane’s legions had been a long one, and the Earth pony had worked up quite a lather over those several days.

“Actually,” spoke Clover the Clever, “I heard that it’s Captain Pansy, now.”

“Well, umm, yeah,” admitted Pansy bashfully, indicating the pile of supplies with the wave of a hoof. “I’m in charge of the supply train for the legions. Commander Hurricane was nice enough to promote me. I’m not really involved in any combat, though...”

The two visitors nodded, remembering well their friend’s lack of a propensity for violence—or physical feats in general, actually. “There’s no shame in that,” Smart Cookie noted.

“Certainly not,” concurred Clover. Looking over her shoulder, she watched the covered wagons roll forward into the pegasus camp. “And we, actually, have brought you additional supplies. One half of King Platinum’s gift to our most excellent allies.”

“Oh, wonderful!” exclaimed Pansy. Giving her friends a hug, she quickly added: “I need to delegate some laborers to unload them! I’ll see you later!”

As the pegasus flew away, Smart Cookie and Clover turned to each other. “Alright, Clover, you’ve been teasing that there’s been something more to the unicorns’ gift than just the supplies. Now, tell me: what else did your king send along with you?”

Nodding towards the covered wagons, Clover gave only one word in reply: “Them.” From several wagons emerged unicorns adorned with gleaming battle armor and robes in many rich hues. They bore no weapons, but certainly carried themselves with an air not dissimilar to that of the militant pegasi.

“What are they?” Smart Cookie asked. The Earth pony had been surprised by the appearance of the unicorn warriors, but figured that they were present to ensure a positive result for Commander Hurricane and the Equestrian League in the coming battle.

“They are the Celestial Guard,” responded Clover. “They are here to support our pegasus allies.”

“The Celestial Guard, huh?” Smart Cookie said, as the unicorns disembarked silently from the covered wagons in which they had been secluded since first departing from King Platinum’s realm.

“Yes. The name comes from an old unicorn word meaning ‘of the heavens’—they are the personal protectors of the royal family,” elaborated Clover. “By the king’s decree, the most magically adept foals are taken at an early age to be trained for this duty. It’s not a practice that I necessarily agree with, but I’m sure you’ll find the results nothing short of remarkable.”

Smart Cookie eyed them curiously, then turned back to her friend. “Really? So they’re the most powerful mages in all of Ponyland?”

“Well, yes, that’s true—save for myself and a scant few others, of course,” Clover explained, qualifying her previous statement. “I consider myself lucky, actually, as Star Swirl the Bearded took me as his apprentice before the Celestial Guard could draft me into their ranks.”

As the unicorns took position behind the phalanx of Commander Hurricane’s pegasi, a tall, tapering stallion who appeared to be their leader trotted up to the imposing winged warlord to discuss tactics. “I’d think you’d have been honored to join them,” observed Smart Cookie. “Judging from what I know of unicorn culture, that is.”

“Oh, it certainly would’ve been a great honor,” admitted Clover. “But, frankly, the thought of joining the military repulses me. I don’t have a martial mind, Smart Cookie—I’d much rather use my magical powers for more scholarly pursuits.”

“I can understand that,” agreed Smart Cookie. “I don’t have much interest in fighting, either. It’s my hope that, one day, ponies can put this era of violence behind them, and live in peace.”

Clover nodded in concurrence. “That’s my hope as well. But, today, I’m afraid it can’t become a reality. For the sake of harmony amongst our peoples, this battle must be fought, and won. Come, let’s find some place where we can hide and wait for the fighting to end.”