//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Equestria Abides // by AmberRoss //------------------------------// The dry, sandy mountains were beautiful, but as General Helios took the last sip from his ever emptying canteen, he realized he didn't have much more time to enjoy the view. The Gem Peaks, as they were known, were a vast and largely unexplored mountain range between Everfree and Canterlot. A winding labyrinth of sheer cliffs and dry riverbeds were normally bypassed by travelers not using the railroad or an airship. Helios wished the train ran to where he was going, and that he didn't need to slog through the endless expanse or fly through the jagged peaks. With supplies running low to none, Helios knew he soon would be relying on his survival skills, just to make the return trip to Ponyville to reunite with his men. Just before him in the pass, Helios saw his destination, a massive, nigh-impassible wall of granite mountains, pockmarked by mine entrances, and veined with narrow cart rails. Hundreds of shaggy diamond dogs industriously darted about, pushing carts or shoveling mining waste into an ever-growing debris pile at the base of the cliff. Helios recognized this as a Diamond dog colony; he'd seen many before. Over the years, Helios had dealt with many of the Diamond dogs’ leaders as a diplomat. The dogs lived in isolated and separated tribes, all happily working these mines to satisfy an ever-growing desire for gems and precious metals. Helios had seen a number of these colonies, and most were smaller operations of a few dozen families. This one was different- it was near a thousand dogs in all. Still, more odd was the lack of gem polishers and cutters; Helios would normally have seen a large canvas tent filled with dogs tirelessly cutting and and polishing the gems that were recovered in the mines. Here, there was only miners, cart pushers and excavators. This made Helios think this particular mine had a unique purpose, a singular item they were looking for. In the mountain face, etched into the wall was the faint stone form of a pony, almost as if it was carved in. Helios furrowed his brow, knowing what this strange stone form was and realized why the Diamond dogs were digging here. Without his armor plate, Helios was enjoying an ease of flying that he normally didn't have. With only his cloak and shoes, he flew silently along the edge of the cliff unnoticed, to an outer mine entrance. The Pegasus wriggled his way though the small hole, which judging by it's small size, Helios figured it was either for draining rainwater or a garbage chute. He shuddered, remember a soldier's story about a time when he'd sneaked through a similar hole to find it was actually a latrine. However as Helios reached the top of the chute he found himself surrounded by a few empty lanterns and broken mine carts. He waited a brief moment as his eyes adjusted to the dim light of the forgotten byway of the tunnel. He hovered silently through the tunnel, trying to avoid going toward the sound of the workers. He instead followed the faint sound of a number of the leaders speaking. Helios knew from experience that the low level workers rarely spoke as they went about their tasks, but the leaders were always planning and scheming. Soon, Helios recognized the grizzled voice of Rover: one of the Diamond dog's highest leaders, and someone he'd dealt with a number of times before. By dog standards, he was very reasonable. By pony standards, however, he was vicious, petty, and mean. “ I don't know if this is what she was looking for . . .” Helios rubbed his chin, could they have found the Emerald already? Rover's voice was adamant, “No, this cannot be it! It's not a valuable gem at all; a piece has already fallen off!” Helios bit his lip- what they were describing did match the description of the Emerald. Still, it would be almost impossible to tell without actually seeing it. Sneaking would only get him so far; he would have to take a risk or two if he wanted to retrieve the gem. Unceremoniously, Helios trotted into the room, head held high, drawing the look of everyone in the room. Rover and two of his lieutenants sat around a heavy oak table with a flickering alcohol lamp illuminating the stone room. On the table, Helios could barely make out a massive green gem, but if it was recovered here there was little doubt of what it could be. “Hail friends!” He shouted as Rover and his ringleaders glared at him. “Seize him!” Rover shouted as the guards in the room pointed spears at Helios's throat. The Pegasus calmly stood at the tip of the spears. “I'm unarmed,” Helios offered. “We're not,” one of the armored guards droned. Helios smiled at Rover, “Old friend, please let them know those spears will do nothing if I wished to hurt them.” Rover nodded, “He's right.” Helios smirked with pride as the two guards backed off, trusting their leader. “What is your business here?” “I was strolling through the mountains, taking in the beautiful landscapes when I happened to come across this excavation. I recognized your handiwork, and thought I'd pay a visit.” Helios walked to the table, taking a drink from a stone pitcher of water, ignoring the guards as they aimed their spears at him. “I though I told you to stay out of my mines!” Rover grumbled. “Hmm, I swore you said I was always welcome in your mines…” “I said never welcomed!” Helios grinned, “Oh, easy mistake.” The Pegasus casually inspected the Emerald on the table, and the closer inspection revealed the truth. This chipped, dingy, and jagged gem was the one he was looking for, and the dogs had no idea what it was. Helios swallowed; his steely reserve the only thing that held back the equal panic and excitement that was making his heart beat like a four-ton drum. The only outward sign of Helios' emotions was the slightest flick of his ears as he spoke. “That's not all your found here is it?” “That is not your business!” Rover shouted, grabbing the Emerald and hugging it to his chest defensively. “All this digging and this is all you've found?” Rover now looked a bit embarrassed; a Diamond dog's pride in his ability to find gems is what makes him a leader. Helios knew that saying such things to Rover was bringing him into question in front of his top men. “It's . . .rather large-” Helios scoffed, “Rover, this gem is garbage compared to some of the ones I've seen you unearth! Still, it may look nice on my mantle.” “This thing?!” Rover said, “Well to bad! I found it and it's mine!” “Really? Well then, that's sad. I was going to trade you for a few of these,” Helios hefted a sack off his saddlebag, dropping it to the table as a few milky white gems spilled out, glimmering in the dim lamplight. Rover's eyes grew so wide, Helios thought they may pop out of his head like a cartoon character. “Are . . those…?” “Yes, lunar onyx.” Helios explained. “Her Majesty, Princess Luna, journeys to the moon every so often. She brings back so many of these, I hardly know what to do with them!” “Give them to me! I know what to do with them!” “These things? You'll be able to get a few of your own once you boys start mining the moon.” “Please! I will give you the big ugly gem!” “And three days worth of food and water.” “Yes, yes! That is fair!” Helios pushed the milky white gems toward Rover, who chimed, “Get the pony his food and water!”, as he gathered up the onyx and handed the Emerald to Helios, who jammed it into his side bag promptly, trying not to show how much he wanted to leave. “Rover, what if that is the gem we're looking for?” one of the other dogs in the room said. “Than we will tell her where it is!” Rover said, inspecting one of the Lunar onyx. “And these gems are enough to pay for our operations thus far!” One of the guards handed Helios a canvas sack. He peeked inside seeing a full, sloshing water skin, two loaves of dark bread, and a handful of dried corn. “Well then, it was nice seeing you, Rover,” Helios said with a bow, “Should you ever find yourself near Canterlot feel free to visit!” “Yes, yes pony; go away!” Rover said as he inspected the gems. Helios didn't hesitate, backing out of the room with a flourish, trying his best to control his urge to dart out of the mine like his tail was on fire. He made his way out the front door of the mine, the gem in his saddlebag feeling heavy with it's importance. To the Diamond dogs, this greenish, dingy gem was nothing more than a piece of unknown crystal, but to Helios is was one of the most important objects in the world. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sugarcube Corner was a beehive of activity, with more ponies in armor than Pinkie Pie could remember seeing. Her ever loyal coltfriend, Pokey, was doing his best to keep up with the constant orders. While the blue unicorn was only marginally good at baking, he always did his best to help Pinkie, giving her a playful bump as he passed her, the two sharing a wordless glance. The loyal soldiers were all sipping apple juice or fruit smoothies, most avoiding the sugary treats. Every other place to sit down was already full of soldiers, and their recent arrival meant that the engineers and quartermasters were still setting up a proper encampment outside. The commanders and foot soldiers alike were all sitting in the crowded room to take advantage of the soothing breeze from the ceiling fans. Pinkie carried the latest round of treats from the kitchen on a tray on her back, recognizing the patrons at the table as members of Celestia and Luna's personal guard. First, Pinkie caught a flirtatious smirk from Captain Aquilinus, one of the Princess's closest bodyguard, his sunsteel petrel glimmered in contrast to his ghostly white coat that scarcely covered an array of scars from battles past. Pinkie giggled as Aqui was nudged contemptibly by one of his lieutenants, an earth pony with a velvet coat and teardrop shaped eyes that smiled playfully. Pinkie hadn't had a chance to hang out with Rainy Days much, but she knew the mare was also close to the Princess- part of her castle detail, or was she promoted? Pinkie honestly wasn't sure. The next was the leader of Princess Luna's detail; Pinkie recognized him by his order as much as his brilliant red mane. Sir Fulldark always ordered the same blueberry smoothie every time he came in, but this was the first time she'd seen him without Princess Luna being nearby. Captain Long Strides was also at the table, being mostly quiet, staring with disturbing, unblinking eyes. Pinkie had known him- a ranger, or a scout of some kind. He spent most of his time in the frontier, coming into Ponyville on occasion for supplies, but never stayed long. He was a slim, and quiet figure wearing a green wool hood that nearly covered his piercing eyes. “Heya soldier ponies!” Pinkie said with a grin, “Another round of drinks as ordered!” “Thanks Pinkie,” Rainy Days said with a sideways smile, “You know, I may be spending some time in Ponyville- care to spend a little time together?” “Sure! Pokey and I were gonna go pick strawberries tomorrow. Do you wanna tag along?” Rainy made a playfully pouting face and ran a hoof down Pinkie's cheek, “Aww, does Pokey have to come?” Pinkie giggled, as she trotted off. “Sure he does, silly! He carries the basket!” Aqualinus and Fulldark laughed, as Rainy Days sighed. “One Day Aqui . . .I'll close that deal one day . . .” Aquilinus patted Rainy on the back, “Pinkie is smitten with that blue fellow I'm afraid; she'll be a tough nut to crack. Should have gotten with her a year ago- she was an even bigger party animal back then.” “Reguardless, we may not have time. Helios should be back by this evening.” Long Strides said, sipping his milkshake. “Should we be concerned? He only took three day's worth of water and he's been in the mountains for a week.” “He taught me all I know about survival,” Long Strides said, “He stays where he is until the job is done.” “All you know eh?” Aquilinus said with a laugh, “That should mean he could make water from sand.” “So once we have this thing, we just load it in a chariot and fly it to Canterlot?” Rainy Days asked. “That was the plan,” grumbled Sir Fulldark. “To many dragons in the air. They crave the gem. They likely don't know what it is, but they will desire it.” “If we hoof it, we'll have to go through Diamond dog territory. They’re sure to give us trouble.” Rainy Days said. “And the fastest land passage through the Gem Mountains that's safe from dragons would take us weeks to traverse.” Aquilinus said. “What are we to do then?” “We should wait for Helios, my friends, before we make any decisions.” Aquilinus said, “We are all soldiers, but he is a general and will have more of a strategy.” “I don't feel right leaving Princess Celestia without her top men, especially with how the griffons have been gathering her troops on the western border.” Rainy Days said. “Our entire infantry is on that border, and most of our airship fleet. The griffons won't have troops to invade. They're just flexing their muscle because their mages have noticed the gem is out of it's resting place.” “What is so important about this ‘Celestial Emerald’ anyway?” Rainy Days asked. “Why do we have five thousand men here to retrieve a single crystal?” There was a hush that settled over the soldiers so thick and ominous Rainy could almost smell it. Finally Aquilinus spoke up. “It belonged to Celestia's father, part of his royal jewels. It's of great historical and cultural significance. That's it, end of story.” Rainy recognized the tone in Aquilinus' voice- he was reciting an official story meant to answer a question without really answering it. Rainy knew from filly school that Celestia's father, Cosmos the All-father, was one of the creators of the universe itself. Anything that belongs to him would be more than just an important artifact, it was likely an object of immeasurable power. Still, at this point, it was part of her job requirements to not be aware of such things. So, she would buy the story for now, even though everyone present knew it wasn't. “Yes Sir,” Rainy Days said. “Helios will have a plan.” “If not him, then Princess Luna or Veleris.” Sir Fulldark said. Aquilinus looked surprised, “The Princess is coming here? And Count Veleris?” “He's one of the most powerful mages in Equestria,” Fulldark said confidently, “If a little . . .eccentric. He'll be able to counter any threats that we soldiers may have trouble handling.” “Are we expecting trouble of a magical nature?” Rainy asked. “Likely, and in that case I'd prefer to have Veleris on our side.” Fulldark said sipping his apple juice. “I'm not sure he is on our side” Aquilinus grumbled. “He's obsessively loyal,” Long Strides offered. “To Luna,” Aquilinus said with an air of disdain. “And she will be here to handle him, Captain,” Long Strides said. “Say what you will, Long Strides, but I don't trust Lunarians. Those in the Nocturne guard who swore allegiance to Luna-” “How is it you trust Luna but not her guard?” Fulldark retorted. “I don't lend trust to anyone who rejects Princess Celestia.” Rainy smiled, this was a common argument between the commanders. Since the return of Princess Luna, many of those who would be joining Celestia's royal guard, were instead swearing fealty to the princess of the night. Many factions were lying in wait for the return of Luna. Being that Aquilinus' family had always been loyal to Celestia, and he'd grown up hearing tales of the wicked Nightmare Moon. It was difficult for him to accept ponies so quick to trust the night princess, and though he appreciated her, he was always wary of her followers. Rainy was indifferent; she was from a family of sailors, who often said prayers to Luna for her stars to guide them. While Rainy wasn't a Lunarian, she knew most Lunarians were simple folk: farmers, sailors. Now that many were becoming soldiers, the military structure that Equestria had been used to for a millennium had begin to change. Just then General Helios entered, the proud tan pegasus tossing his dusty mane, though it still was a brilliant milky white. His cape appeared as if it had been dragging in the mud, as it likely was. “Stand and Salute!” Captain Aquilinus said, as all the soldiers present stood and held their hooves to their breastplate. “As you were,” Helios said in a tired voice, the soldiers present returning to their snacks. “General, we've prepared a war tent just outside of town,” Sir Fulldark said. “No need for now, Sir Knight,” Helios said, cracking his neck, “I've been in the Gem Peaks for two full weeks, and we can discuss strategy while I have something sweet to eat. I don't know how those Diamond dogs bake bread, but it was tough enough I considered improvising armor out of it.” The gathered captains let out a laugh. “Have you secured the Gem?” Rainy Days asked. Pinkie Pie trotted to the table grinning at Helios, setting down an egg cream soda, knowing his usual order. “Please, Pinkie my dear, tell me you've made shortcake for this weary warrior.” “You betcha!” Pinkie said, “I'll got get some for you.” “Thank you Pinkie. Should Pokey allow it, I would kiss you!” Pinkie giggled, “He's awful jealous; you be careful!” Helios chuckled, turning to all the captains present, “I have retrieved the artifact.” There was a visual release of tension in the room as Helios sat down the gem on the table, all looking at it with wide eyes. The Celestial Emerald was a dark, opaque green. It's facets looked as if they were carved long ago with a fine skill, but the years had worn it down, and it seemed to have a few chips and scratches. “It's . . .not what I expected,” Sir Fulldark commented. “It's not how it looks, Sir knight, but rather, what it can do that is important.” “Indeed general.” Pinkie Pie happily trotted in and tossed a shortcake, dripping with blueberries and sauce before Helios, who happily took a few large bites before continuing. “Now, as I see it we have two options: the air route, and less desirable land route.” Helios said. Aquilinus nodded, “Indeed sir. We were just discussing that matter.” “And I suppose your scouts came to the same conclusion I did.” Captain Long Strides nodded. “Indeed General, the sky and the railroad will be impassable thanks to the dragons. They desire the gem and will be drawn to it.” “Theisen's pass will take us weeks to traverse, especially an army this large.” Rainy Days said. Helios nodded in agreement, “And, that route is also going to be impassable. I just saw a contingient of Diamond dogs, growing in number. Once they figure out why I was there, and what I took they will certainly want to take it back.” “With all due respect general,” Sir Fulldark said, “I think our soldiers can handle a few hundred Diamond dogs.” “I would agree with you, were it only a few hundred,” Helios grumbled, “There was never been a proper census of the dogs, as you know, but it's estimated over a million of them live in the Gem Peaks in isolated clans. When I was there, I saw Rover meeting with the heads of several clans, and commanding an expedition of thousands. In past conflicts, I've seen the Diamond dogs put together a force of several hundred thousand troops in a matter of days.” “We must wait for re-enforcements then,” Rainy Days said. “Good idea, but we cannot wait for long.” Helios said, “They will be coming here, en mas. And I wouldn't want to face any kind of large force in an indefensible hamlet like this one, especially with so many innocents in the line of fire.” Sir Long Strides bit his lip, “I know of some militia posts in the frontier near here; they may have troops to spare, in all honesty they have little to do out there.” “How many?” “Four, maybe five hundred men, depending on how many are one duty out there.” Helios nodded, “That's a start. Fulldark, how many men do Princess Luna and Count Veleris control?” Fulldark sighed, “Luna is pledging one thousand men of her Nocturne Guard- fliers and linebreakers. The Count commands seventy five of his palace guard.” “And we've marched five thousand into this valley, give or take that will mean we'll have seven thousand troops. Sir High Regard will be arriving soon with re-enforcements as well, all parade guard and apprentices but soldiers are soldiers” Helios said, nibbling at his shortcake. “I'd prefer to have a bit more of a surplus,” Aquilinus grumbled. “We all would friend, but we have little choice,” Helios admitted, “With the griffons amassing their armies to the west, there isn't a whole lot we can spare. Where there is a lack of horsepower, we make up for it with a surplus of brainpower. We’ll put our heads together, and figure a way to get through those mountains in the time we have.” “If we move slowly, we could avoid the Diamond dogs,” Rainy days offered, “Send out decoy parties taking different routes, it would take some time to plan-” Helios held up a hoof, silencing the young earth pony. “A capitol idea, Lieutenant, but we don't have time. I'll spare you the details of our situation, but it's fair to tell you if we do not return the Celestial Emerald to Canterlot Castle within a week, it will cease to matter if we make it or not. We must deliver the artifact quickly, and we must not let it fall into enemy hands. Either outcome would be unacceptable.” The commanders all shared a worried stare; Helios never exaggerated the seriousness of a situation, and when he said something was unacceptable it was something serious. “If only there was a way, to split the difference between the air route and the land route!” Helios said. “I've flown the Gem Mountains dozens of times, General. It's possible to fly under the timberline where the dragons cannot reach, but at one point or another you have to fly over a ridge or a low pass.” “And when we do, we'd be little more than a snack.” All knew Helios was right- a group of slow moving armored pegasi would be little more than canned food, and the Celestial Emerald would wind up as dessert. The commanders were silent, all wondering how they could pull off the impossible, since at this point there was little alternative. “Pinkie!” a voice called from the doorway, breaking the silence. Pinkie trotted out through the kitchen doors, meeting a bluish gray mare with blonde hair and peculiar eyes. Helios was taken aback by her cross eyed expression, but she had a confidence of movement that defied her apparent handicap. The mare looked a bit worn out- her wings still spread and hair mussed from what appeared to be a long flight. She pulled a cardboard box off her back and plopped it on the floor in front of her. “Derpy, you did it!” Pinkie said, hugging her friend, “Everybody said it would take until Monday to get my package if I ordered on Thursday!” Derpy grinned proudly, “Since it was for a friend, I used my secret route. Well, that and the sky was full of dragons." Helios and the other commanders were set aback, exchanging rare looks of surprise. Almost as one, the group rushed Derpy, firing one question after another. “Are you talking about the Gem Peaks?” “Is there really a two day route?” “How many Diamond dogs were there?” “Who are you to know this passage?” Helios raised a hoof, silencing his officers, before turning to Derpy. “Young Lady, I am General Helios, commander in chief of the Equestrian military. I have an item that must be across the Gem Peaks in a few days; can you help us?” Derpy shook her head to regain her senses after the barrage of questions, then smiled. “Sure!” Helios smiled and rested his foreleg over Derpy's shoulder, “Gentlecolts, and fillies, the solution presents itself and it's all too simple. We need but to mail the gem to Canterlot.”