in the far future, a young stallion rises up to challenge the new king of equestria, and save his kingdom.
100 years into the future. Equestria's old regime has been toppled, Celestia is dead, Luna is missing, and the elements have been defeated. in their place, a cruel, malicious king now rules over the kingdom, crushing all opposition, and forcing a majority of the population into lives of bitter poverty.
but in a far corner of the kingdom, a young stallion will rise to the challenge, along with friends from the past and present, they will rise up to fight the new regime, and risk everything, to save their kingdom.
Once a land filled with peace, love and prosperity. A land where many live in harmony, with no fears to cloud their lives. A shining beacon to the rest of the world that, not everything was dark and cruel. The kingdom was ruled over by four benevolent Princess's, each tasked with a sacred duty, to help their subjects thrive. the eldest of them, Princess Celestia, blessed with the power to raise the sun to shine it's light upon the world, filling her subjects with hope. Her younger sister, Princes Luna, raised the moon at night, blanketing the world in her mysterious, beautiful night, filling her subjects with wonder. Their niece, Princess Cadence, who used her powers to spread love and light across the kingdom, giving them the power to see through the odds. Finally, there was Princess Twilight Sparkle, who used her new powers to spread the power of magic and friendship, across the land, with her friends by her side, nothing could defeat them, and many looked up to her as a sign of inspiration and courage, that no matter how dark things seemed to get, there is always a light in that darkness.
But that was a very long time ago.
20 years had passed since Princess Twilight defeated Lord Tirek, and saved Equestria from utter darkness, bringing peace back to the kingdom, but not all had changed for the better. Realizing that in case of another national emergency, they would need help, Equestria turned to their long-time rival nation of the Gryphons. Though tensions had always been high between the two countries, they managed to find a way to coexist, until one fateful day. Knowing they would need help in case of another attack, Equestria proposed a alliance treaty with the Gryphons, but they refused, believing that nothing could be benefited from it.
During this time, a greedy young general in the Equestrian army, saw the Gryphons refusal as a chance to grab power. Quickly orchestrating a massive explosion at an international school in manehatten, that resulted in the death of dozens of innocent ponies and gryphons. Enraged at the death of their innocent citizens and Equestria's inability to handle the situation, the Gryphon kingdom declared war on Equestria. With the help of brilliant and gifted young general, Equestria managed to turn by the tides of invaders and every turn, giving a sense of victory to the costly war. Helpless to challenge the new general, the gryphons were forced into surrender, vowing to leave Equestria.
Despite receiving numerous rewards and accommodations from his heroic actions, the young general felt cheated, and demanded a higher place in the Equestria royal court, but the Princess's quickly denied him. Feeling betrayed, the young general exiled himself to the gryphon homeland, where he struck a deal with them, vowing to give them access to Equestrian goods, in exchange for their help to remove the Princess's from power.
Without a general to lead their armies, Equestria quickly fell to the traitors brilliance and cruelty, until his forces had arrived at the gates of Canterlot. With no where left to run, the young former general challenged Celestia, to a fight to the death, with the throne as the prize, Celestia quickly fell to his power. With Luna on the run, and the crown on his head, the new king quickly placed his supporters into key positions of power, and set off to obtain absolute control. Until group of six brave heroes each embodying a virtue of friendship, rose up to stop the new king rule, but even they could not stand up to him, and quickly fell to the king's seemingly unstoppable power.
With all opposition out of the way, any remnants of the old regime, was stripped from the kingdom and destroyed, and anypony who resisted was quickly silenced.
That is what my dreams feel like. flying through the boundless sky, feeling the wind caress my face, on towards the setting sun. In a life as dreary and dull as mine, one can only find comfort in the limitless imagination of their dreams. I believe dreams to be a path to freedom, a path that leads to escape from the cruelties of the world we had been so forcefully thrust into. A place that no matter what happens, it always turns out right. My mother always told me to 'Follow my Dreams', that they would lead me to peace, only now do i understand what she meant, dreams are a powerful thing, much like hope and love, but all things must come to an end.
You might say it's foolish for unicorn like me to dream of flying, that it's impossible and can never happen, but in the world of dreams, anything can happen. But for me, all my dreams end the same way, just as i'm about to reach the sun, feeling the warmth on my face, I fall. My mouth opens up to scream, but nothing comes out, and I fall back into the bleak darkness that is my life.
In the world we live in, ponies desperately cling to to the safe haven that is their dream, but just like me, their dreams always find a way of escaping them, forcibly dragging them back into this life's cold and cruel embrace. But perhaps I am getting ahead of myself, allow me to explain.
We live in Equestria, a land that was, at one time, filled with love and peace, where nopony had to go through their lives, living in constant fear of the Red Spear Regime, or at least, that's what the stories say, or would, if there were any left. But our Equestria is much different from the old world, the land used to be filled with happiness, but now is dull and full of fear. Ponies say it all happened 80 years ago, after the traitorous general Red Spear, challenged our beloved Princess Celestia, and defeated her, taking her life and the throne. You might ask yourself, how is he still alive, if it happened so long ago, rumor says that after defeating her, Red Spear was granted an extended life, but not her entire immortality.
Those who followed him, were placed into high position through the court, and spread his influence across the kingdom, assuring those that resisted, would be met with harsh consequences. Many ponies have attempted to flee the kingdom, hoping to escape their harsh life, but they were all met with the same fate as those six brave hero's that stood up to the king's reign of terror, many decades ago.
Rumors had spread through the kingdom, that Princess Luna escaped the attack on Canterlot, and Fled to the Crystal Empire, Where she attempted to stage a Counter Attack on the king, but without any prior war experience, they were discovered, and she was forced into hiding, while the Crystal Empire fell, along with it's beloved rulers, Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor. Any and all mention of the former rulers was met with the swiftest and most brutal form of punishment, whether it meant being hauled off to an imperial prison camp, the crystal mines under Canterlot, or simply being shot on the spot.
Indeed, it is safe to say that many things have changed for our kingdom, most of it bad, but if i'm going to tell you the story of how i got to where i am today, then you best want to make yourself comfortable, it's going to be a long journey.
Hello, my name is Frost Fall, pleased to meet you, this is my story.
I awoke that morning as I did any other, lying on my back staring at the ceiling, the comforting embrace of my dream slowly leaving me, as a cold chill passed over me, I looked to my side and saw that the other half of the bed was empty, signifying that my sister had already gotten up.
With a heavy groan I pushed myself up, and rubbed the sleep from my eyes, turning to the mirror, I chuckled at the messy stripped light blue mane I had, giving it a quick brush to smooth it down, I left the small room that I shared with my younger sister.
Our family was forced to live in a very small two bedroom house, much like rest of the population of Ashen. Ashen was a small community in the north eastern mountains, far away from the shimmering lights of New Canterlot, a town that lived in poverty and despair. My family had lived in this house for two generations, ever since my grandfather built it, as a place for his family, to make a new life for themselves, some life it turned out to be. After my father died three years ago in a mining accident, I was forced to take up the duty of supplying my family with what money I could, and that meant taking up various jobs around town, until I found a steady job working at the lumber mill. My mother forbade me from working in the mines, in fear of losing me to, and she has every right.
As I made my way to the bottom of the stairs, I looked up and saw all the pictures of my family, from the day the house was complete, to the last picture we took as a family, when my father was still alive. As I got closer to the kitchen, the smell of food quickly filled my nostrils, luckily for us; our mother was a very good cook, something she learned from her mother, whom I never met.
As I walked in, I saw my sister, Misty Rain, sitting at her side of the table, patiently waiting for breakfast. Despite her young age, she fully understood our economic struggles, and never bugged to have new toys like some of the slightly wealthier filly’s she knew at school. My mother calmly smiled at me as she flipped another hay pancake, “morning sweetie” she said in her normal cheerful voice. Over the years I had come to understand that she purposely remained cheerful, to make us believe that she was okay, but as I got older, I understood what it was like living this lifestyle, though my sister may not have.
“Morning mom, misty” I said greeting them both, as I sat at my place, my mother quickly came over, levitating a plate of freshly made pancakes, to both our plates. “You got up later than usual, everything alright?” she asked me, I calmly smiled at her, despite her age, my mother still had that charming smile, that enchanted my father, “yeah I’m fine, just a little more tired than usual” I said as I took a bite, she smiled again and walked back to the stove, wiping her hooves off with a towel.
“Got work today?” she asked me, after I swallowed I stood up, “yeah, the boss wants me to put in a few hours today, but the good news is I get paid, is there anything we need from the market?” I asked as I walked over to her, she nodded and got some paper, “yes, I’ll make you a list, better finish up eating and get to work” she said and I quickly went back to eating, a few minutes later, I put on my coat and saddle bag, while my mom levitated up a small bag, that most likely contained my lunch. I smiled and kissed her cheek, then moved over to my sister, “I’ll drop by and pick you up mist, okay?” I said as I headed for the door, she didn't say anything, only giving me an assured nod, as I quickly left the room. ________________________________________
As I stepped outside the house, the cold morning air filled my lungs, making me shiver and pull my coat closer to me, as I stepped off the porch, into the fresh layer of snow on the ground. Living in Ashen had its advantages and disadvantages, one disadvantage, was that it snowed frequently, and many ponies had to go without snow shoes, making hard for ponies to go places, but luckily for me, I was used to walking in the snow every day, since I started my job at the mill. Taking a deep breath, I calmly made my way down the street, hearing the snow crunch under my hooves.
To the ponies that had lived and grown up in Ashen, it was a quaint little friendly town, the kind where everypony knew everypony, and many of them treated other with respect, while some from cities like New Canterlot or Manehatten, would look upon our seemingly uncivilized way of life, due to our lack of modernization, I had come to love it’s peacefulness. ________________________________________
As I walked along the road, the various shops had just started to open, many of them not getting much business. Our biggest trade was lumber and coal, which we traded with travelers from across the kingdom, much of which went to the large factories through the kingdom, if there was one thing the entire kingdom could agree upon, it was that under Red Spear’s rule, technology sure had advanced.
Equestria had reached its own Industrial Revolution, motor vehicles now driven by the high class ponies of the capitol city and those like it, large factories built across the kingdom, spat out brand new inventions, especially those made for militaristic purposes, such as pistol’s and shotguns, which were only carried by imperial soldier’s and other high ranking officer’s. Ashen itself, was very different, without access to these items, not many ponies knew much of the rest of the world, only that Ashen had one or two motor vehicles that had broken down and abandoned by their owners.
Walking down the road, I came up to a large old building, one of the first to be built in Ashen with a large sign over the door.
Cloud’s Lumber Mill
As I walked in, I passed by other workers on their way out to the yard to haul in more lumber, quickly giving them a friendly nod, something they kindly returned, I made my way inside. After making my way through the shop, I came into Mr. Cloud’s office, as I knocked on the door; he looked up from his desk and smiled at me, the overhead light reflecting off his glasses. “Frost, glad you could make it in today, sorry for that; I’m a little short right now, but I may need you to deliver some lumber as well, think you can manage?” he asked, with his cheery old smile, that always made ponies laugh, Mr. Cloud was one of the more respected members of the community, and was widely adored for his good nature. “Sure thing boss, let me just get my things and I’ll get to it, oh! Almost forgot, mom say’s hi, and she wanted me to give this to you, just a little gift” I said reaching into my bag, and pulling out some extra food from the night before, and placed it on his desk.
Mr. Cloud looked at me and smiled widely, “well thank you Frost, your mother is a sweet mare, I know times are tough for you right now, but you know I’m always here to help you out, your father was a good friend of mine, and I will do what I can to help his family out” he said putting a hoof on my shoulder. I smiled at that, Mr. Cloud was always like a second father to me, mainly because I had known him since I was a foal, and my father was almost like a brother to him, and the whole town grieved when he passed. I calmly removed his hoof and turned towards the door, “thanks Mr. Cloud, let me just get into my gear, and I’ll get to work” I said, he gave a calm nod and returned to his desk, while I made my way to the locker room. ________________________________________
There was a dull thwack, as the head of my axe, chopped through a chunk of wood, splitting it in two. I had already been at work for a few hours, and the clock had ticked past noon, signifying that my shift was almost over. I sat and took a breather as a older earth pony walked past and hauled away the wood I chopped, I quickly turned away as I levitated another batch of wood over, dumping it next to my cutting block, when I turned back, much to my surprise, my axe had disappeared. Quickly looking around to make sure I didn't place it anywhere else, I noticed hoofprints in the snow, leading off to some tree’s, wiping the sweat from my brow, and I walked after them.
As I got closer to the tree line, I heard some hoof steps, as a young mare my age, stepped out from the tree’s, smiling at me, she had a light blue coat, and a dark blue mane with streaks of purple in it. She had a sly smile on her face as she waved the axe around; “looking for something?” she asked teasing me with the axe. I felt a smile creep along my face, “hey River, yes I’m looking for my axe, and can I have it back, please?” I asked with a kind voice, she smiled at me and examined the axe. “What this one? Oh, I doubt that, I stole this axe from a handsome young stallion, and I’m waiting for him to ask me nicely” she said in a teasing voice, with a mischievous look in her eyes.
River was the mayor’s daughter and my best friend since we were foals, and we still are today, growing up in a town like this, one need friends to get by, and since we shared a lot of the same interests, we quickly grew close. But we equally had our differences, she was more of a dreamer than I was, with me being more grounded in reality, I suppose that might have to do with the fact that she was of the richest family in town, and I was from the less fortunate part, but that never stopped us.
“Hmm, well then you won’t mind if I do this” I said throwing a snowball at her face, she cried out in shock and fell back, the axe falling from her grip, as she wiped the snow away, a grin on her face. “Hey! No fair” she said standing up, I smiled as I levitated my axe up and holstered it, “well, nopony said I had to play fair” I said with a smile. Finally standing up, she turned to me, and we walked back to my station. She simply sat to the side as I levitated another piece of wood, and quickly cut it, “so, how much longer is your shift?” she asked, I let out a grunt as I pulled the axe back up, despite using magic, the work had as much physical strain as it did mental, I put the axe down, “um, should be ending any minute now, but Mr. Cloud wants me to deliver some wood as well, but that shouldn't be long” I said as I repeated the same motion on the next block of wood.
She smiled as she watched me work, “cool, mind if I tag along, couldn't hurt” she said in a calm tone, the same tone that always came with her calm and caring demeanor. I thought for a moment and smiled at her, “sure, I’ll have to ask Mr. Cloud, but I’m sure he won’t mind” I said wiping my brow, just as I did, the whistle, that signified the end of the shift, howled in the distance. I quickly turned to her and smiled, motioning her to follow me, as I holstered my axe and we made our way back to the main building. ________________________________________
After finishing my shift, River and I, made our way around town, delivering fresh fire wood to the usual stops, and then returning to the mill, where we parked the cart and made our way inside.
Walking in to Mr. Cloud’s office, he looked up and smiled at us, “job’s done sir” I said as we walked in, he quickly got up and walked over to me, placing a small bag of coins in my hoof, “excellent work frost, here’s your pay for the week, with a little something extra for the deliveries, you two take care now, and say hello to your mother for me!” he shouted the last part as we left his office, and made our way back. ________________________________________
As we walked through the town, I remembered that I had to stop at the market, and pick up some food, and we quickly made our way there. Going through the aisles, River helped me pick out the things I needed, such as vegetables, eggs, and other assorted things for the house, and with the help of Mr. Clouds slight raise, I was able to buy a little something for River and Myself. As we walked through the market, fetching the items, a group of older stallions was standing not far from us, attempting to talk quietly, but they couldn't stop their excited voices from raising a little too high. “…not sure why they’re coming here, I hope they just come and go…” was what one of them said, river and I quickly listened in, “…besides, you know as well as I do that the town’s been producing less than usual, they might be coming here to whip us into shape” the other said, and finally the third one spoke up, “damn imperial troops, why can’t they just leave us alone, go bother some other town…” he said but we couldn't hear the rest as we made our way out of the market.
As we came out, I turned to River, and I could immediately tell, she was thinking the same things I was. “Imperial troops? Coming here? Why? We haven’t done anything wrong” I said with a concerned tone, River turned to me, “it’s not that we’ve done anything wrong, those stallion’s were right, the town has been producing less than usual, my father’s tried to solve the problem, but no luck, we’ll see tomorrow, I have to get home, see ya” she said as she trotted off, I nodded and trotted off in the direction of my home. But I couldn't fight the concerned feeling in my gut, imperial soldier’s frequently sent patrols to the outer towns, to keep order, but when they came in larger numbers, it could only mean one thing.
After parting ways with River, I quickly made my way home, walking the same path as I did every day, but as I walked, I couldn't ignore the nagging feeling in the back of my head. What River and I heard from those older stallion’s, about imperial troops coming to Ashen, something that rarely ever happened, could only mean one thing, that trouble was headed our way.
As I continued on the path home, despite walking along a mostly abandoned street, I had the strangest feeling I was being watched, but as I looked up and scanned my surroundings, I couldn't see anypony. Just as I was to turn around, I heard the flapping of wings; I looked up to see the town’s mail mare, land in front of me, and her usual friendly smile plastered on her face, I smiled as she landed. “Hey Frost, haven’t seen you in a while, been working hard?” she asked, I chuckled lightly and nodded, “hey Vapor, yeah, but luckily for me, mom’s thinking of getting a side job, just to bring a little more money, but no luck so far” I said as we walked together, something that I always greatly appreciated.
“Yeah, I know how hard it is, it’s amazing that I still have my job, considering that we never get that much mail now, anyway, how’s things with you?” she asked as we turned on to another street and made our way down. I smiled and looked up, “well…things are good, you know, your father is keeping me busy, but it’s good work, pay’s well enough” I said and we both laughed, “yeah well, if there’s one thing my dad’s good at, it’s keeping ponies busy, oh hey! Did you hear about the imperial soldiers that will be here tomorrow, it’s all over town” she said in a more excited voice. That was strange, if it’s the talk of the town, then how have I not heard about it.
As if she read my mind, she spoke up, “well, whatever it is, it can’t be good, but let’s just hope they get what they want and leave without any trouble, I don’t know…it just seems that our town never catches a break…ever since the mine incident…” she stopped and looked at me, she noticed I had a sad look in my eyes, even before I did. “Oh…Frost I’m sorry, I…I didn't mean to bring up your father” she said in an apologetic tone. I looked at her and did my best to smile, “no…it’s fine, just…I’m more worried about our mom than anything else…even after all this time, and she still never fully recovered” I said as the sun started it’s slow descent towards the horizon.
After a moment of silence, I spoke up again, “anyway, did you have something for me, we don’t see each other much, so I assumed…” I said, and her face lit up again, “oh! That’s right, I have a letter and a package for you, not sure from whom, they didn't specify, but they claimed it was urgent, said it was for you, and you alone” she said reaching into her mail bag, and fetching out a small wrapped bundle, held closed by a simple string, with a letter on top. I quickly took it and examined it, “hmm, that’s weird, I rarely ever get letter’s, especially from ponies I don’t know” I said, and she gave out a quick chuckle.
“yeah well, he was pretty fixated on getting this to you, didn't say what it was or anything, just dropped it off with the instructions, and then left, really strange guy, he was an older stallion, dressed in a suit, maybe he came from one of the big cities, but this town’s full of weird ponies” she said and we both chuckled, “well, I have to get going, finish my rounds, see ya later frost” she said, I said goodbye as well, and with a quick flap of her wings, she was off.
I watched her go for a minute, then quickly looked back down at the small package, using my magic, I quickly took off the letter and unfolded it, it was written in simple lettering, nothing to suggest that there was anything special about it, quickly opening the letter, I started reading:
Dear Frost Fall,
You may not know who I am, but I have been watching you for a long time now, and I have sent you a little gift.
The gift is unusual and unique in nature, but I sent it to you, because I think you are the only one who can keep it safe, from those who would rather keep it for their own selfish purposes.
You may be asking yourself, why did you receive it? But that is not something I can explain now, but I will in time. For now, you must watch over it, show it to nopony, and guard it well, in time, I shall explain everything, but you must be cautious, there is trouble headed your way, and you must be careful, with whom you trust.
Sincerely,
A Friend
More than confused, I reread the letter multiple time’s, trying to fully understand it, but I couldn't figure out who this pony was, or what he meant. “A Friend? That’s weird” I said to myself, as I tucked the letter in my bag, and began undoing the string with my magic, once it was fully undone, I slowly and cautiously unwrapped the rag, and as I was about to unfold that last flap, I heard my name being called out. “Frost! There you are, I thought you said you were going to pick me up, I was waiting for an hour” I heard a much younger voice call out. The voice nearly making me jump out of my coat, after calming down, I turned to see my younger sister, walk up to me, with an angry expression on her face.
I hesitated for a moment, trying to find the right words to say, but forgot as she noticed the covered object in my hoof, “what’s that?” she asked gesturing to my hoof, I shook off my shock, and looked at it, “this? Oh, it’s nothing, sorry for not picking you up, Mr. Could had me do some extra work, but I got the groceries’ mom asked for, so let’s head home” I said with a smile, as I walked past her, the entire time she regarded me with suspicious eye’s, but she quickly caught up, and we walked home together. ________________________________________
After returning to our house, I quickly went into the kitchen, an dropped off the groceries I had picked up, my mom quickly smiled at me, “oh wow, you got more than I thought you would, what happened?” she asked as I took off my bag and coat, and hung them up. “Oh that, well…Mr. Cloud gave me a little raise, you know how he likes to help us out when he can” I said as I helped sort the food out, she smiled and sighed, “well that’s very nice of him, he’s such a sweet stallion, anyway, get upstairs and wash up, I’ll have dinner going soon” she said, and Misty and I raced upstairs, with me taking a turn into our bedroom, where I placed my bag on the bed, giving a quick glance behind me, to make sure neither of them were watching, I opened my bag, and took out the folded rag. Just as I did earlier, I carefully unfolded it until it was at its last fold, I hesitated for a moment, not entirely understanding the reason why, but I slowly removed it. Much to my surprise, in my hoof was a medium-sized medallion, one that could easily hang around my neck, the medallion was made of pure gold, but that was not the reason for my interest, the engraving on the medallion was the most interesting bit.
There was the smallest layer of dust on it, so I couldn't fully make it out, but it appeared to be four regal ponies, all facing away from each other, even though I knew little of old equestrian history, but the four ponies seemed to be the four alicorn princess’s that once watched over us, but such a thing was impossible, all old world treasure’s were taken and stored away, and those who were found with them, were taken to prison, or thrown into the mines to work.
Trying to make out the engraving better, I slowly brushed the layer of dust away, but just as my hoof touched it, I felt a strong force, come from it, as a strong chill passed down my spine, and as if things couldn't get more strange, there was a muti-colored shine that emanated from it, but in the briefest flash, it was gone. I stood there for a minute, trying to process what just happened, I heard my mother call out, “Frost! Time for dinner” she shouted up the stairs, shaking myself out of my state, I ran to the door, “I’ll be right down!” I shouted back, and ran back to the bed, examining it one more time, I folded the strange medallion back up in the rag, and sneakily hid it under my pillow quickly, before I made my way downstairs. ________________________________________
After eating dinner, through which I had remained mostly silent, knowing that my mind was still contemplating, the strange letter and gift I received. Dinner ended as it usually did, with Misty and I splitting the dishes’, as we washed, I could hear misty talking, but my mind wasn't registering what she said, my thought kept floating back to that the medallion, and that strange glow it gave off once I touched it, but I was suddenly pulled from my thought, “hey!” my sister said as she jabbed my in the shoulder, I winced and rubbed the spot where she hit, turning to her with an annoyed look, “what’s with you? You've been so distant all night, everything okay?” she asked, her face going to anger, to concern.
I rubbed the spot and turned back to the dishes’, “yeah, I’m fine, just worked longer than usual, I’ll be fine, just need some sleep” I said as I finished my side of the sink, and wiped my hooves dry, she still gave me that suspicious look, but sighed, “well, I can handle the rest of the dishes, you go to bed” she said, I turned to her with a confused look, “you sure?” I asked her, she smiled slyly, and continued cleaning, “maybe, if you promise to pick me up from school tomorrow, like you were supposed to today” she said with a mischievous grin, I couldn't help but smile back, as I began walking away, “deal” I said and made my way upstairs. ________________________________________
Another hour into the night, and I couldn't help but stay awake, I lay on my back staring at the ceiling, the shadows from the tree’s outside, made the branches’ look like evil claws, but nothing happened. My sister was fast asleep beside me, turned on her side, back faced towards me, without even knowing it, my hoof reached under my pillow and took out the medallion and brought it close. As my hoof slowly caressed it’s surface, my mind wandered back to the letter, and quickly brought it out and read it again, “…there is trouble headed your way, and you must be careful with whom you trust.” I said in my mind. If there was one thing that I knew for certain, was that I always could tell what was going to happen in my life, most of the time it turns out to be the same thing every day, but now, I was at a loss. I knew there was only one pony I could talk to about this.
As quietly as I possibly could, I slowly climbed out of bed, making sure not to let the bed springs creek under the pressure, as I stood up, I slowly made my way to the door, making sure not to wake my sister, and I quickly closed the door, and made my way downstairs.
Making extra sure not to wake our mother in the downstairs bedroom, I grabbed my coat and pulled it on, tucking the wrapped medallion, into my coat, I quickly left the house, into the cold dark night. ________________________________________
Despite not having much in the way of modern technology, Ashen was gifted for having good electricity, and lamp posts had been installed to keep the streets light, for those few ponies that went out about their night-time business. Even though few ponies were out at this point, I managed to make my way across town, without being questioned, even though I could tell some ponies were giving me suspicious looks.
After making my way passed town square, I found myself in the wealthier part of town, which hardly differed from the rest, aside from the nicely built brick house’s, and brick road, indicating that that was the point where the town had started, and spread out from there, without the fancier part.
As I walked along the streets, I watched as some of the lights slowly flickered as I passed them, as I did, a cold chill passed over me, instead of looking around, I pulled the coat over me further, and quickened my pace.
After walking along the street for awhile, I came across one of the fancier houses in town, Mayor Blue’s house, he had been the mayor of Ashen for twenty years now, but after his wife died of sickness, it was just him and River now. As usual, there were still some lights on, one being the upstairs room, I took a deep breath and made my way to the back of the house, where I could see the window closer.
Normally, this was something I would never think of doing, but I really had to talk to River. I calmly levitated a small rock up and quickly flicked it at her window, letting out a small tap sound, at first nopony came to the window, but with another flick of a pebble, River appeared in the window and looked out, trying to find the source of the noise.
When she finally looked down, I saw her eyes widen in shock, I made a simple wave of my hoof as she opened the window and leaned out. “Frost? What are you doing here, it’s late and cold” she said, quiet enough so that we could hear each other, but nopony else could. I simply smiled and chuckled, “oh I’m fine, I came to talk, I need some advice on something” I said back up. She sighed and leaned against the window sill, her eyes filled with an exasperated look, “can’t this wait until tomorrow, you know you’re not supposed to be here?” she asked, I smiled and shook my head, “yes I know, but would I be here if it wasn't important?” I asked her, she frowned slightly and just stared at me, looking me over, and I could tell that she was deciding rather to ignore me or talk to me. With one quick move, she said “fine!” and closed the window and disappeared.
A few quick minutes later, I heard the garage door open and she popped her head out, “in here” she said quietly, and I moved in, desperate to get out of the cold, as she pulled me in, I shook the cold off me, as the heated room, filled me up, I turned to River and saw the expectant look in her eyes.
“okay so, after we split ways, I met up with Vapor, we talked for a bit, and she gave me a package from this mysterious pony, whom I've most likely never met, stating that I was to keep it and watch over it, and when I opened it, this is what I got” I said reaching into my coat, and pulling the wrapped medallion out, and showing it to her. When her eyes fell on it, I immediately saw them widen in shock, as she looked up from me, back to the medallion, and then back to me.
“Frost… what is this?” she asked me, we both turned and examined it, “I’m not entirely sure, here, take a look at this” I said giving her the letter, she levitated it and read it, as she did, I could see her expression change many times, from fear, to shock, to concern, she quickly gave the letter back, and turned to me. “Frost, I’m not entirely sure who gave this to you, but you can’t keep it, it’s definitely old equestrian treasure, and you know what will happen if the soldiers catch you with this” she said in an urgent tone, I frowned and sighed heavily, turning to meet her gaze. “Well, what do you expect me to do? I can’t just send it back, I don’t even know who sent it to me” I said back, she frowned again, as she turned away momentarily, I could tell based on her facial expression, that she was deep in thought.
A minute passed before she turned to me again, “well…you said you got it from Vapor, just go back to the post office, and give it to her, she must have some kind return address or something” she said in a calm, yet concerned tone. I sighed again and looked away, “I don’t know River” I said as I looked around, trying to find anything, that wouldn't have to make me look at her. I suddenly felt her hoof bring my face to look into her eyes, “Frost, whatever you do, you have to promise me, that you won’t keep that thing, I care what you do, but think of your family, what would happen to them if you got arrested, tell me?” she said giving me an expectant look.
The one thing I always prized myself on was my ability to always know what to say, but now, I was at a loss, and River always knew how to corner me. After a few minutes, I gave a heavy sigh, and looked into her eyes, “alright River, I’ll stop by the post office tomorrow, on my way to work, I should get going” I said making my way to the door, even though I couldn't see behind me, I could tell River was watching me, pulling the coat over my shoulders again, I opened the door, but not before turning my head back, “goodnight River, see you tomorrow” I said before walking back out into the cold night.
The next morning came as they always did, with me waking up, heading downstairs and eating breakfast, and then getting ready for work. But the memory of last night, had kept me up, more than I thought it would, as I remembered that I promised River I would stop by the post office and ask Vapor to return the medallion to the sender.
As I made my way through the town, I went off my usual path and made my way to the post office, where Vapor would help me out. The post office had once been a general store that had closed down a decade or so back, and after the owners left town, mayor blue, decided to make this an opportunity to give the town its own postal service, so we wouldn't have to rely on imperial messenger’s anymore.
As I walked in, I saw that I was the only one there, I calmly walked up and rang the small bell on the front desk, a few seconds after the soft cling echoed around the room, I heard a crash come from the back room, and a minute later, Vapor emerged rubbing her head, swearing under her breath. When she looked up and saw me standing at the counter, she smiled as her face lit up, “oh hey Frost! What brings you here, shouldn't you be at the mill?” she asked as she took her spot at her end of the counter. Despite that, I did my best and gave her a friendly smile, “hey Vapor, I just swung by to ask you a quick question, do you know the pony that sent me that gift?” I asked. She immediately stopped rubbing her head, and looked to the side, obviously trying to remember that moment, a few seconds later she shrugged, “no sorry, usually I take names before I work with them, but he seemed to be in a hurry, he just came in, dropped off the package, and left, sorry I can’t help more” she said with a frown.
I sighed and thought of something else, without a name, there would be no way for me to send it back, so I decided to think of another tactic, “hmm, do you remember what he looked like?” I asked, Vapor seemed surprised by this question, but she raised her hoof up to her chin, and then started to talk, “yeah…he was wearing a hood, so I didn't get the best look, but he was wearing glasses, and he was nicely dressed, so he could have been from one of the bigger cities, and I think he had a beard, that help at all?” she asked. Aside from the fancy dressed part, that description matched many ponies in Ashen, but despite that, I smiled at her.
“Well, thanks anyway, on a different note, what’s the deal with those soldier’s, are they here yet?” I asked, I watched as she gave out a heavy groan, and frowned. “Yeah, I hear their up at the mayor’s house, they brought some higher up with them, one of the big general’s, other than that, I’m don’t know, and I really don’t want to know” she said in an irritated tone. Like many ponies in Ashen, Vapor despised the imperial troops, and whenever they came to town, they caused trouble, harassing elderly and children, or shop owners, but they had never come in such a large amount, so it must be something big.
I turned and looked at Vapor, and nodded, “thanks again, see you later” I said and turned to the door, Vapor nodded and went back into the other room, and I stepped outside. ________________________________________
There was yet another heavy thwack, as the head of my axe, split another chunk of wood in half, sending the head deep into the wood. After leaving the post office, I made my way to the lumber mill, to begin my work day. Mr. Cloud’s gave me a concerned look when I told him I had been to the post office, just like he gave when anypony mentioned Vapor to him, for the most part, Vapor and her father got along well enough, but she had always been rebellious of his plan for her to work at the mill, so she moved out, and the mayor gave her a job as mail pony, much to Mr. Cloud’s dismay, but he later came to accept it, but still didn't like it.
The clock at the mill had read a little past noon, and many ponies were well into their work, just as I was, with ponies constantly dropping off more pieces of wood for me to chop. After splitting another piece in half, I yanked the head out, and wiped the sweat from my brow, despite my using magic, my work had an equal strain on my body, which is part of the reason why I was always so fit, that and the combination of extra work on the side, helped me stay in good physical shape.
Just as I was about to levitate another group of wood chunks to my block, I looked around and saw many of the ponies, dropping their work, and making their way back to the mill. I turned and watched them go, as I did, I saw River running up to me, “River? What are you doing here?” I asked, but before she spoke, she stopped and caught her breath. A few seconds later, she looked up and our eyes met, I could see the distress in her eyes, she had clearly run all the way here, “Frost…the soldiers, there calling everypony into town square, you have to hurry” she said, before I could question her further, she took off in the direction she came, I hesitated for a moment, but dropped my axe and quickly ran after her. ________________________________________
After following River, we quickly found ourselves at town square, and much to my surprise, she was right, a large amount of imperial troops, were stationed around the square, some of them had set up a makeshift stage in the center, where some other troops, were talking with a pony dressed in a more bulky uniform, which was decorated with medals, and among them was Mayor Blue, and some other ponies with the town council, one such was Mr. Cloud. As we followed the crowd, we passed by some soldier’s, who had equally stoic face’s, and said nothing other than the occasional ‘move along’ or ‘keep going’.
As the soldier’s pushed us into the square, River turned to me, “I have to go” she said and made her way through the crowd, I would have spoken up, but the crowd of ponies kept pushing me in, and we were soon filed into to large columns, with one center aisle, where some soldiers stood guard.
Ashen never had a particularly large population compared to the time it was a new town, 70 years ago, but it was still fairly large, so the Columns were pretty intact, as I pushed in, I saw my mother and sister not far away, and pushed my way over, “mom, misty!” I called out, they both turned to me, and I noticed the immediate relief on their faces, and my mother pulled me into a hug, and then we stepped away.
But before we could say anything else, so soldiers came by and grabbed hold of my mother, she attempted to struggle, but failed due to her age, they quickly spoke up as I attempted to stop them, “I’m sorry sir, but younger ponies on this side, elderly to the other” one of them said, my mother gave me a confident smile, as she stopped struggling and went with them, I watched her go, but quickly turned to my sister and held her close, “Frost…what’s going on? I’m scared” she said, as she scooted closer to me, even though she was older than that, she was still young and had yet to earn her cutie mark, even though I earned mine, when I was her age, and imagine my concern when it turned out to be nothing more than a simple icy snowflake. I calmly rubbed her shoulder, “I don’t know, but…everything’s going to be fine, I promise” I said to comfort her, even though I truly didn't know what was going on, I scanned the crowd and saw River on the far side, with her back to me.
Soon, there was the loud sound of feedback, as we all turned to face the makeshift stage, we watched as mayor Blue came up to the microphone. With a clearing of his throat he spoke up, “good morning my fellow citizens, I know you must all be wandering why you were called here today. I have here with me, general brick of the imperial army, who would like to say a few words” he said, and stepped away, as the pony dressed in a more formal military uniform, stepped up to the mike, and began to speak.
“thank you mayor, good morning citizens of Ashen, I am general brick smasher, and we’re here to solve a problem that has been troubling your fine town for a few years now, so we’ll try not to take up to much of your time” he began by saying, with a confident smile spread on his face, aside from a few quiet murmurs, the crowd remained quiet.
“Now I’m sure many of you had heard the rumors over the past few years, which Ashen has been producing and exporting less and less over the past few years, now before you get all anxious, the government is fully aware that this town recently suffered a mining incident, that forced you mine to close. We are also aware that many of you lost husbands, fathers, and son’s to the incident, so after much consideration, King Red Spear, as gracious and kind as he is, has come up with a solution” he said as more murmur’s came up, but with the raise of a hoof, the crowd fell silent. I had remained quiet for his speech so far, eager to hear what he had to say, but I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling, which something bad was coming.
After taking a drink of water, the general cleared his throat and continued. “After talking it over with his advisory, King Red Spear has come up with a way, that Ashen can go about its daily business, and also pay off its debt” he said as one of his helper’s walked up and handed him a list, the crowd started talking in hush tone’s, I felt Misty tug at my hoof slightly, “Frost, what’s going on?” she asked me, I could hear the fear in her voice, without looking down at her, “I…I don’t know” I said, I knew she was hoping for a different answer, but I had nothing I could say that would comfort her, truthfully, I was as scared as she was.
My gaze wandered back to River, who despite her angle, appeared to be looking down, but from what I can tell, there was shame in her eyes, but my attention was quickly drawn back to the general as he started talking again. “I have here with me, a list of Ashen’s strongest, and most capable youth, those who’s name’s I call out, will come to work in the crystal mine’s of New Canterlot, now before you start to resist, allow me to explain, those who are chosen will be allowed to return to their lives’ here, after they finish their time of work in the mine’s. I assure you, this will allow you to go about your daily lives’ here, those who are chosen will be allowed to write to you, so that we can get through this arrangement nice and easily, those of you who’s name’s I call, please step into the aisle” he said, as he started off by calling out some names. Immediately, I could feel the atmosphere of the crowd turn tense, and I could feel my heart slowly starting to increase its beating.
The whole crowd fell silent, as those who were called out, stepped into the main aisle, and were taken by the soldier’s and lined up in front of the stage, so far, only those whom I had barely known from school, had been called out, until I heard a familiar name, “…Vapor Cloud…” the general called, my eyes immediately shot straight towards her direction, my heart rate increasing rapidly. I watched as Vapor was pushed out into the aisle, and nudged along the row, occasionally pushing back against the soldier’s, but they had been trained to handle resistance.
My eyes darted up to Mr. Cloud, who’s expression showed one of shock and fear, as his own daughter was pushed into the growing line of ‘new workers’. Despite this he continued calling off names, as more and more young ponies were pushed into the line, and then he called a name, I had hoped he never would. “…Misty Rain…” he called out, and I felt like my heart had shattered, I slowly turned to her, as she slowly began making her way to the aisle.
For me, time seemed to slow down, as two soldiers grabbed on to her and began pulling her towards the line, I could feel a single tear slip down my cheek, as they dragged her away, but I would be damned before I let her be taken away to work in the mine’s. As if acting on instinct, I felt my body rush out into the aisle, and run towards the soldier’s, all the other ponies turning their gaze towards me, I pushed through the soldiers and faced the general.
“No! No, take…take me in her place…please” I asked. At this point, the entire crowd had gone silent, and turned their eyes toward me, standing in the middle of their aisle, but I kept a strong stance and faced the general, who had a shocked look of his own, but he quickly smiled and chuckled, breaking the silence. “Well…this is certainly…unusual, I think we have a volunteer, very well” he said, as the soldier’s let my sister go, and came to grab me, my body stood frozen, my heart rate beating rapidly, my mind had trouble catching up to what happened, what I just did.
As the soldier’s pushed me into the line, I heard my sister call out to me, but the soldier’s blocked her path, and forced her back into the Columns. the soldier’s shoved me roughly, into the line, and turned me to face the crowd, their gaze’s still locked on me, but there were a few individual gaze’s I refused to make contact with, as the general turned to the rest of the crowd. “Well, that covers everything, thank you all for your participation and understanding, your now excused” he said, at first nopony moved, some of them still in shock for my action’s, but with a quick move of his hoof, the general ordered all the ponies to be driven from the square, most of them using their rifle’s to shove many of the ponies out of the way.
Those who were selected were turned and marched up towards the stage.
After the rest of the citizens were escorted out of the town square, those who were chosen were taken on to the stage, where the general explained the plan. We would have a full day to pack anything we needed, from clothes to personal items, and then we would be gathered into a large motor vehicle, and taken towards New Canterlot. Afterword, the soldiers escorted us to our homes, where we would have the chance to say goodbye to our families, but I had the feeling my goodbyes would be more unique than others.
After the soldier’s left me in front of my house, I knew I would have to face my mother and sister, and it wouldn't be pretty. I took a deep breath, and slowly made my way inside, opening the door, I immediately saw my mother and sister, standing in front of the stairs, my mother had a look of distraught on her face, something I hated to see. I sighed heavily and walked up to them, there was a glistening in her eyes, indicating that she had recently been crying.
I walked up to her, afraid to meet her gaze, but I willed myself to look up, my own blue eyes meeting hers, “mother I-“ but before I could fully speak, she cut me off with a hard slap to the cheek, my words lost in my mouth, it was true that the stinging felt bad, but it couldn't compare to the pain I felt, seeing my mother in such pain.
I turned back to her, her lip was quivering, and tears started to pour from her eyes again, “I’m sorry” was all I could muster, instead of saying something, she moved to strike me again, but faltered, her hoof caught in the air, it was then that she gave in and began bawling, she wrapped me into a tight hug, and held me close, I could feel the tears hitting my shoulder, I tried to comfort her, “it’s going to be okay mom, I’ll be fine, I can handle myself, I promise you, I will be back, I won’t ever leave you” I said, and ever so slowly, the tears stopped, and she turned to look at me, and with a nod, I turned to my younger sister.
At this point she had been struggling to hold back tears, I bent down slightly to get to her eyes level, “Misty, it’s going to be okay, just…just promise me you’ll look after mom, and stay out of trouble” I said as I turned back towards the door, I knew there was a couple of things I had to take care of, before I packed up. Opening the door slightly, I turned back and gave them the best smile I could, even if I truly didn't believe it myself, and with that, I quickly went out the door. ________________________________________
After leaving the house, my first stop had been to go to the lumber mill, to talk with Mr. Cloud, but as I arrived, he had been more distressed than I had ever seen him. After talking with him for a while, he assured me, that when I came back, my job would still be waiting for me, and that he would do what he could to help my family out, something I was immeasurably grateful for, and with that I decided to talk a walk around town.
As I walked along the street, many ponies had gone about resuming their daily lives, but every now and then, I could feel them turn to watch me, and despite not being able to hear clearly, I could hear them whisper, not that I knew for sure, but I had a pretty good feeling they were whispering about me, and my little stunt.
As I turned a corner, and began walking on to a slightly more deserted street, I suddenly felt a familiar chill run down my spine, the same one I felt before I received that mysterious gift, but before I could react, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I quickly turned around and was met with a hard punch to the face, one powerful enough to send me falling to the floor. The sting from my earlier attack came back, along with a new sting, I groaned and looked up to see none other, than a very pissed off mayor’s daughter.
As I slowly pushed myself up, rubbing my already sore cheek, she slowly spoke, “you stupid…idiot! What in the name of Celestia were you thinking?!” she shouted at me, as I fully stood up and faced her. “Heh, nice to see you too River” I said trying to lighten the tense mood, but when I looked up at her, there was nothing but anger in her eyes, and I could tell she was expecting an answer, “well? What were you thinking?” she yelled again, moving to hit me again, but I moved back, and she stopped.
“Me? I was thinking about my little sister. What was I supposed to do, River? Let them just take her away, she’s strong, but not that strong, she wouldn't last a day with that much work” I said back, River still had the angry look in her eyes, but she knew I was right, and she hated it. “I can’t believe you did that” she said turning away from me. Knowing that I was safe from any further strikes, I slowly took a step towards her, despite her being turned away, I could hear what sounded like sniffling.
Still taking cautious steps, I stepped next to her, “River…if you had a younger sibling, what would you have done, I love my sister, and I would do anything to protect her” I said, placing a hoof on her shoulder, almost immediately she shrugged it off. “it’s not about that, do you have any idea, how much it hurt me, to see the ponies I grew up with and befriended, get called up, to be gone for so long” she said as wiped what looked like tears from her eyes.
I slowly felt a growing pang of guilt grow in my heart, “River…what’s wrong?” I asked with a honest tone, she didn't speak for a moment, but she eventually turned to face me, and I could see the tear stains on her eyes, indicating that she had been crying before coming to me, but what for, I didn't know. “my father…he purposely asked the general to remove my name from the list, I begged him to put it back on, to make it fair to the other ponies, but he refused, I hate being treated differently because of my father’s status, I wanted myself to have a fair chance, it’s not fair, I have nothing productive to do here, you have your family to take care of, what will they do while you’re gone? How will they survive? What about me? Did you ever take into account, what it would do to me? Watching my closest friend be taken away, can you tell me that?” she asked, bringing us up to eye contact.
I looked into her eyes, and saw a mix of many emotions, anger, sadness, depression, but I was at a loss for words, something that had only recently started happening to me, I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out, and my mouth slowly closed, I watched as River gave off a sad smile, as a small tear slid down her cheek, “no…I didn't think you could…” she said and slowly walked away. I watched her go, and like before I acted on impulse, “River…wait!” I called after her, she briefly stopped and turned her head back to me, “I’m sorry Frost, but…I guess this is goodbye for now” she said as she continued walking away, I felt the need to call after her, but my better judgment told me to let her go. But much to my surprise, I felt a tear slip down my cheek, as my eyes began to get misty, I quickly wiped them away, and when I looked back, she was gone.
As if my day couldn't get anymore worse, but as fate seemed to hate me the past few days, it did. Much to my surprise, I heard a light chuckling, and turned to my right, to my surprise, an older male unicorn, sat leaning up against the building, looking at me with an amused smile, he was dressed in more fancy attire than I had seen in town.
Then it hit me, he matched the description that Vapor gave me, even with the glasses and the beard, he was even smoking a cigar. “well my friend, that was…quite the interesting show” he said in a more elegant and educated tone, which only proved that he was from one of the bigger cities, I immediately wiped the glistening from my eyes, and fully turned to face him. “Sorry sir, I apologize that you saw that, it’s just that…” I tried to say, but the right words escaped me, he just continued to smile and took a puff of his cigar, and waved his hoof, leaning back and placing his hooves on the ground.
“Oh I don’t mind, I enjoy a good show as much as the next pony, but you may want to watch who your audience is” he said as he stepped out of the shadows, revealing himself to me. He had a dark grey coat, and a deep blue mane, that matched the strips in mine, but his words are what interested me the most, “I’m sorry, I’m not sure what you mean” I said, he simply smiled and finished his cigar, before throwing it off to the side, blowing the smoke in my direction. “well, I’m talking about the little stunt you pulled in town square, and before you ask how I know, I was there, I watched the whole thing, and I must congratulate you, not many ponies dare to do something so defiant” he said with a calm yet unnerving smile.
I looked this stallion over with a suspicious gaze, but he seemed perfectly normal. “I…just did what I thought was right, she’s my sister…” I tried to say, but before I continued he raised his hoof and silenced me, “please, you don’t have to explain your actions to me, you have real courage, to stand up against the general’s will, to protect those you care for, you proved that not every pony’s will has been broken by Red Spear’s regime” he said with a confident smile, as he removed his glasses, and took out a cloth and cleaned them.
At that point, I was really confused, “I’m sorry for my abruptness, but…who are you?” I asked, he seemed a little surprised by my question, but he smiled and chuckled, putting his glasses back on, “ah yes, where are my manners? We haven’t been…formally introduced, my name is Midnight Star or better known to you as…a friend” he said the last part slowly. My eyes shot open, and my mouth hung open as well, I could even feel my heart rate increasing, he simply smiled as I tried to find the words lost in my mind. But I found them none the less, “it’s you…you’re the pony that sent me the medallion” I said in a baffled tone, he merely chuckled at my amazement.
“guilty as charged, but you might want to be careful who you say that to, my dear Frost Fall” he said with a smile that could make anypony uneasy, I felt a eerie chill run down my spine, “how…how do you know my name?” I asked, even though I could tell, it was a stupid question, but they were the only words I could form, and he took great amusement out of it, giving off a hearty chuckle, which only furthered my uneasiness.
“Oh my dear boy, I know much about you, probably more than you know of yourself, I know you were born and raised here, I know your father died in the big mining accident, and I especially know that you completely went against my instructions and told your friend about the gift I gave you” he said, as his voice took on a edgier tone, as the smile was replaced with a frown, instinctively, I took a step back, not sure what I could expect from this pony, “how…how could you possibly know that, we were alone, I made sure of it” I said, but he chuckled once more, something I could tell was a regular thing of his, he looked at me, as the light flashed from his glasses. “So sure of everything are you? Well, I can assure you, that I have my resources, how sure are you that you can trust miss River?” he asked in a quizzical tone, I was taken aback by his question.
“she…she’s my best friend, ever since we were in school together, she would never do anything to betray me, as a matter of fact, you can take the damn thing back, my life has been turned up-side down, ever since I got it” I said as I took a step forward, trying to prove my bravery, but his resolve was hard to crack, and he just smiled at me the entire time, and after a silence, he spoke up. “I’m afraid I can’t do that, you see Frost, I sent the medallion to you, you are the only one who can protect it now” he said in an unusually morbid tone of voice.
“What is that supposed to mean?” I asked, still trying to sound brave, but his greater authority, was slowly eating away at my resolve. He smiled and looked down for a moment, and then looked back up at me, “that is something you shall find out soon enough, things are about to change for you, and not for the best” he said, and I could feel my heart rate increasing, he looked up at the sky briefly, and then back down to me. “I believe our time is up, we shall meet again, but I must warn you, there is a storm coming, and you my friend, are smack in the middle of it” he said as he turned and made his way back down the street, I continued staring at the spot where he stood, attempting to process all he had said, after shaking that off, I turned to face him, but much to my shock, he had disappeared.
I stood there, looking all down the street, but there was no sign of him, he simply vanished, I blinked to make sure I had been seeing right, but after retrying again and again, the fact remained, he had gone, where I did not know. As I looked up into the sky, I could see it was getting late, and that I should be getting home, I would have a long night tonight, probably sleepless, and with that, I turned and made my down the street.
The night came as any other, after my strange encounter with the mysterious Midnight Star, I found myself thinking about what he said, his words echoing through my mind, all the way through dinner, to which I had remained mostly silent through.
After we had finished dinner, I did as I always did and helped my sister with the dishes’, and then immediately moved upstairs to pack my things, which in truth was not much. Luckily for my sister and I, our mother believed in a realistic sense of the world, she didn't feel it was necessary to sugar-coat the harshness that we lived in, by promising to but us new clothes, I had learned to live with the extremely limited supply of clothes.
Through the night, I found myself lacking in sleep, but much to my surprise, it wasn't about my impending leave to work in the mines, but my thoughts were directed more to Midnight Star, and what he had said about the medallion, what could he have meant about me finding out in the future? And what did he mean about a coming storm? All those questions floated around in my mind, forbidding my mind to be floated off to the land of dreams once again. ________________________________________
The next morning came with an unusual surprise for me. As I was up in our room, packing the rest of my belonging’s, I distinctly heard a knock on our front door, and immediately my heart beat faster, in fear of it being the soldiers to pick me up, and that fear was only heightened when my mother called up to me. “Frost? Come down please? There’s somepony who would like to speak to you” she yelled up, I took a deep shaky breath, slinging the bag over my back, I made my way downstairs.
Just as I made my way to the top of the stairs, I came into full view of the entry room of our house, and much to my surprise, there was a older blue unicorn stallion standing there talking to my mother, I instantly recognized him as the mayor of our town. He looked up at me with a somber expression, my mother followed his gaze and smiled up at me, “Frost, come down and say hello” she said in a calm and orderly fashion, my muscle’s tensed as I came down, placing my pack on the stairs, and standing in front of him.
Immediately the mayor turned to my mother and calmly smiled, “excuse me miss, but I wonder if I might have a word with Frost in private?” he asked her, she smiled and nodded, before making her way back into the kitchen, with that the mayor turned to face me, and he could see the clear discomfort in my eyes, and he gave a heavy sigh. “Frost listen, I know you and I have never been on the best of terms, but I want you to kno-“ he tried saying before I cut him off, “best of terms? Well, that’s probably because you always tried to keep River and I apart, whenever you could, as if I wasn't good enough to be her friend” I said, and he cringed slightly, but he nodded, knowing full well how much I despised him.
He sighed again, “Yes I know, I wanted to come and apologize for that as well, I know my actions in the past were uncalled for, but I know you and my daughter are great friends, and that’s not matter what I did, you still remained friends. I’m also here to apologize for anything harsh she might have said to you the other day, she’s been very distraught lately, and she may have acted reckless” he said, I cringed myself, remembering what she had said to me, and my mind drifted back to the burning sensation on my cheek, but I looked back at him with a calmness. “I know how much it must hurt to see your friends be taken away, but you must understand, as a father I do whatever I can to protect my children. I came here to tell you, that we are all grateful of your sacrifice for this town, I know it couldn't have been easy” he said as he stopped, after he finished talking, I could feel my expression softening, and I looked down. We both remained silent, until I raised my head, “thank you sir, my family means a lot to me, just as yours does to you, maybe you don’t think I’m good enough for your daughter, but the fact remains, she’s my friend, and nothing you can do can change that” I said in a proud tone.
Much to my surprise, he looked at me and smiled, which was strange, most ponies would have taken that as a challenge, “I know, and I’m sorry for what I did in the past” he said, just as my mother walked back in, “I so sorry Mr. Mayor, but would like some tea or coffee?” she asked in a kindly tone, the mayor smiled and turned to her, “no thanks miss, I must be going, I have…other business to attend to, and thanks you Frost” he said, as he closed the door behind him, leaving us alone in the main room, my mother quickly turned to me with a confused expression. “What was that all about?” she asked, I just turned to her and smiled, “nothing really, he just wanted to thank me. Come on, we should be in town square by noon” I said as I ran upstairs one last time.
Walking into our room, I reached under my pillow, and pulled out the wrapped medallion, just as I was about to unwrap it, I reeled my hoof back and sighed, not knowing if it was the smart choice or not, I quickly put the medallion in the inside of my coat, as to make it harder to find if they searched me. With that, I made my way downstairs’, placing the pack on my back again, I opened the door and made my way outside. ________________________________________
As we made our way down the street, we found it hard not to notice the other ponies all making their way to the town square, some of which I recognized from the line of ‘volunteers’ that were picked out. Many of them had been walking with their parents or siblings, hoping to spend as much time with them as possible, before they would be shipped off to work in the crystal mines.
Despite the walk seeming longer than usual, we eventually found ourselves, standing in town square, where many other ponies had gathered around, saying goodbye to their friends and loved ones one last time. I also noticed the two large motor vehicles that many of the soldiers were all standing around, I took a deep, shaky breath as I watched the ponies who had been called out, were slowly loaded into the back of one of the vehicles.
I quickly turned to my mother and immediately saw that she was starting t tear up, despite my efforts to remain strong, I could slowly feel my eyes mist up. “Mom…It’s going to be okay, I’ll be fine, I promise I’ll write to you as soon as I get there, I will come back” I said as I pulled her into a strong hug, one she gladly returned. A few seconds later, we separated and I moved to kneel down to my younger sister, as she too had looked on the verge of tears, only she wasn't as good at hiding it.
I took a deep breath and made eye contact with her, “Misty…everything’s going to be fine, I promise, I will return, just…promise me you’ll stay out of trouble, and take care of mom, and I’ll be sure to tell you all about it, when I get back, and then I’ll take you and pick you up from school every day, deal?” I said, trying my best to give her as confident a smile as I could bring up. She didn't say anything, but merely nodded, as tears spilled down her eyes, I quickly wrapped my hooves around her, and pulled her in for a hug, something she usually tried to avoid, in fear of me embarrassing her in front of her friends, but this time she welcomed it.
After what seemed like a few minutes, we separated and I turned away, I scanned the crowd of ponies, and much to my surprise, I saw Vapor talking with her father, judging from the distance, I couldn't make out what they were saying, but I could tell from their facial expressions, that it was emotional. I decided my best bet was to go talk with her, and I made my way over, trying my best to look confident, as I walked up to her, she turned away from her father, and smiled at me.
“Hey Frost, you ready?” she asked, her usual cheery smile never failing to brighten somepony’s day, but even I could see there was a hint of sadness and concern mixed into it. I sighed and chuckled lightly, “well, as ready as I’ll ever be, come on, let’s go report in” I said gesturing for her to lead, she nodded and we slowly made our way to the large vehicles, and the soldier who was checking off those who had already showed up. As we walked, I continued to look around, there was one pony I didn't see, “hey Vapor, have you seen River, I thought she would be here” I said as I looked around, Vapor chuckled at me, “River really? I heard she was still at her house, some ponies said that she didn't want to come, can’t say I blame her, but…you know” she said, as she slowly walked along. I immediately felt my heart sink, I thought she would have been here to at least say goodbye, but then the memories of the day before came back, the way she acted towards me, I looked away sadly for a moment, but looked ahead again as we approached the soldier.
“Names please” he said as we walked up, we stopped in front of him and stood firm, trying not to look intimidated by him. “Frost Fall and Vapor Cloud” I said with a strong tone, he looked up and studied our faces, and then crossed off something on the clipboard and then looked back at us. “very well then, you two will be put in the last truck, lucky you, you’ll get it all to yourselves” he said and motioned for us to go through, we turned and watched as the other soldier opened the back up, and with a slight hesitation, we climbed inside and took our seats at the far end.
The interior of the vehicle was made of wood and a metal top, only adding to the boring and dull situation, not to mention the seats being annoyingly uncomfortable, we sat down and turned to look out. Much to my surprise, I saw my mother and sister standing on the other side of the square, and with that the soldier closed the door, nothing but the small window in the back for us to look out of. After a few minutes of sitting there in silence, we heard a loud roar, as the engine came to life, unfortunately, neither of us had even been in a motor vehicle, so the sudden roar made us jump slightly. And with a quick jerk, the vehicle, surged forward and moved away, through the window I watched as the town square slowly moved away from my view. But strangely, as the vehicle pulled away, I could have sworn I saw my sister begin to run after me, but was quickly pulled back by my mother, I slowly looked away, letting a single tear roll down my cheek, fully aware that it would be a long time before I would return here.
The ride to New Canterlot had turned out to be more boring and dull than I had previously imagined, which would make it unbearable. For the majority of the ride, Vapor and I rode in silence, I had managed to occupy some of the time, by looking out the small window on the back door. Vapor seemed content to simply stare off into space, while occasionally glancing around the already dull ride. Since Ashen was on the more secluded part of the kingdom, the only path that we could take to the capital was through the dreaded Everfree Forest, which during the decades of Red Spear’s reign, had only become more dangerous and hard to navigate, with many ponies who had wondered off the path, never returning.
Vapor and I had hardly exchanged words the entire trip, mostly from our exhaustion, but also from the fact that she didn't look like she wanted to talk, but I knew I had to try something, or else I would probably die of boredom. I slowly looked up at her, she seemed to be occupying herself by staring at the wall, “so Vapor, what did your father say to you?” I asked, finally breaking the long, tense silence between us, sadly it didn't end like I expected.
She quickly looked up at me, with a face full of confusion and mild anger, “what concern of it is yours?” she asked in an irritated tone of voice, I was slightly taken aback, but I also should have expected that, many ponies who know Vapor, also know that she gets touchy when people mention her father to her, but just as I was about to say something else, I was interrupted by something unexpected. There was a sudden jerk on the vehicle, making the both us lurch forward slightly, we both looked around confused, “why are we stopping, it’s the middle of the forest?” Vapor asked, but her answer came when a soldier opened up the back, and looked in at us.
“Well, you two are in luck, another pick up, at least you’ll have some company now” he said with a sneer, and backed away, as he did, a new group of ponies slowly climbed into the back, only with these ponies, they all had shackles around their hooves, and then the realization hit me, we had stopped to pick up actual criminals, one’s who had committed actual crimes. I turned and looked at Vapor with a concerned look, her only answer was a shrug of the shoulders, as a young male Pegasus sat next to her, which much to my surprise, seemed different from the lot of criminals. He merely looked out of place among the rough, heavy-built stallions in the back.
Just as quick as he opened it, the soldier quickly slammed the small door shut, and with a particularly loud roar, the engine started up again, and we were all met with a slight jerk, indicating that the vehicle had started moving again. Many of the stallion’s had remained quiet through the ride, with the exception of a few who engaged in quiet chatter, as they did, the young stallion looked up at me and gave a calm smile, something I gladly exchanged.
He had a brown coat, which was accompanied by a yellowish mane, which was slightly longer than mine, glancing quickly at Vapor and smiling, but her only response was a scoff and a turn away. “So…what they get you two for?” he asked in a calm and welcoming tone, I sat up more and glanced at Vapor, who didn't seem to acknowledge the question, so I quickly turned back to him. “Oh no, were not prisoner’s, we were…volunteered to work in the mine’s” I said with a small chuckle, trying to make light of our grim situation, but it was at least good to talk to somepony.
He looked shocked as he leaned back, a small smile cracked on his lips, as he let out a chuckle, “Volunteered? Well…that’s the first time I've ever heard something like that, that’s crazy” he said as he looked at Vapor, who looked at him with a skeptical gaze. He stopped chuckling and looked back at me, “by the way, name’s Dust Wind, and you?” he asked with a friendly smile, he reached over with his hoof, or at least attempted to, since his hooves were chained together, I gave him a suspicious look, but I quickly realized he was simply trying to be helpful, he didn't see like a criminal.
I calmly smiled and shook his hoof, “Name’s Frost Fall” I said as we shook hooves, he smiled and looked over at Vapor, “and what about you miss, I think it would be great for us to be friends” he said, Vapor looked him over, with a suspicious gaze, but much to my surprise, she smiled and turned towards him.
“Well, aren't you a charmer, my name’s Vapor Cloud” she said as they shook, I sat there with my mouth agape, tried for the entire ride to talk with her, and this guy comes along and she warms right up to him, I don’t know why, but I could feel the smallest amount of jealousy rising in me, but that went away when he turned to me again. “so…Frost, you say you were volunteered, who does that happen, I’m guessing based on your expression that it wasn't you who volunteered yourself, am I right?” he asked with a smug look, I chuckled lightly and shifted to get more comfortable. “Yeah, the town we come from, well, let’s just say it isn't the wealthiest mining town in the kingdom. We suffered a mining incident a few years back, I lost my father to it, but now, he government caught wind of it, they made up a list of the youngest and strongest in town, and called them, we were supposed to get shipped off to the mines in New Canterlot, where we would work for a set amount of time, and then be sent off home” I said with a remorseful look.
He gave a me a sad but understanding look, “I’m sorry to hear that, just so you know, I lost my mother when I was young, but anyway, I can only assume they picked your name’s?” he asked, quickly glancing between us. I looked at Vapor and she just shrugged at me, “well, not exactly, they called her name, but for me, it was actually my little sister they called, but she was far too young, so I took her place, much to our mother’s resentment” I said looking down for a moment. He frowned and leaned back, “wow, that’s very brave of you, you must care for her a lot, but enough about sad things, what town are you two from anyway?” he asked, as his tone grew more pleasant, and we were both more than happy to change the subject.
“Well, were both from Ashen, it’s a little to the north of here, we've been on the road for a few hours, what about you?” I asked, he leaned back and sighed, as both Vapor and I waited for his answer, he smiled as he recollected his home, “me? I’m from Spring Wood, it’s more to the east, it’s also a mining town, we exported stuff like coal and wood, other various items, I've actually heard a couple travelers talk about Ashen, from what they said, it seems like a nice place” he said with a smile. Before I could say anything to answer him, Vapor gave off a loud enough scoff, so that we both turned our heads to look at her.
“Yeah, if you want poorly made homes, a broken down mine, and all other sorts of stupid things like that, Ashen isn't the most modernized town in the kingdom” she said with a smug smile, Dust looked at me and shrugged his shoulders in confusion, but I just waved him off, he calmly turned to her, “well hey? I find that kind of nice, no fast paced lifestyle of the capital or any cities like it, for me, I would love to live in a town like that” he said with a smile, Vapor slowly turned to look into his eyes, and again, much to my amazement, she smiled again, it came to the point where I had to clear my throat to get their attention. “Anyway, so what’s your story Dust?” I asked him, he seemed a little taken aback by the question. “What do you mean?” he asked, not entirely getting the point of my question, “well, from what I can tell, you had to do something to get arrested” I said, making sure not to pry too much into business that didn't concern me.
He sighed and leaned forward and chuckled lightly, “me? I was caught trying to sneak around this checkpoint, but hey managed t catch me, unfortunately, I had some goods on me that were acquired…illegally, and they put me in chains and here I am” he said with an unusually calm tone, Vapor seemed more shocked than I was, “wait, you stole them, you’re a thief!?” she said with a shocked look on her face, I on the other hoof, was glad he was merely a thief, and not some mass murderer. He looked at Vapor and chuckled, “well, thief is a strong word, you see, growing up, my family was very poor, and it only got worse after my mother died, I had to acquire some food from the market just to get by, and not long ago my father passed away, and since I had no family ties to the town, I finally decided to leave” he said with a slight frown, I could tell by the way he reacted to telling the story, that he wasn't lying.
I was about to ask another question, but was interrupted by a very loud rumble that came from outside the vehicle, a few seconds later, the vehicle came to a jerking halt, almost making every pony fall on their faces. Every pony began looking around, wondering what had been the cause for us stopping, “why did we stop? We can’t be there yet, were still in the middle of the forest” Vapor asked, but before either of us could answer, there was another loud rumble, but this time it felt much closer, making the back of the vehicle shake violently, even throwing some ponies forward. After the last one we all started looking around, and then we heard what we thought sounded like gun shots, which was quickly accompanied by the sound of shouting soldiers. “Where’s the attacker!?” one shouted, as the vehicle shook again, “is that explosions outside?” Dust asked concerned, but he already knew his answer.
Then before any pony else could talk, there was a deafening explosion that seemed to go off right next to our vehicle, sending it flying on to its side, sending almost every pony flying forwards of backwards, the last thing I heard were screams and shouts, before I slammed the back of my head against the side, and then, everything went black. ________________________________________
The only thing I could feel was a painful throbbing sensation in my head, my vision had gone blurry, and all I could hear was a high-pitched squealing as I noticed my body being dragged out from the vehicle. My entire body was sore, but ever so slowly my vision began to clear, and I saw soldiers running all around, and with my vision came my hearing, as I heard explosions off in the distance. I quickly broke free of whoever was ragging me and sat up, only increasing the pain in my head, as I stood up, I turned to see Vapor and Dust staring at me with concerned looks, “Frost, you alright?” Dust asked me, I nodded my head and stood up fully, just as a nearby explosion, caused a hail of dirt to wash over us. After recovering, “yeah, I’m fine, what’s going on?” I shouted over the noise, “somepony’s attacking the convoy, we have to get out of here, into the forest” Dust called out as they ran towards the tree line.
I slowly stood up and looked around, our vehicle had been completely knocked on to its side, small fires littered the path, and soldiers were running everywhere, trying to find the attacker. As I got up, I realized I didn't have my bag with me, I looked over at Vapor and Dust, “Vapor! Dust! I have to get my bag, I’ll be right back” I said as I ran over to the vehicle, forcing open the door, I crawled inside, and managed my way over to where I was sitting. Much to my relief, my bag was sitting there, I levitated it and put it around my shoulders, I carefully reached and patted my coat, sighing with relief as I felt the bulge where I had put the medallion, with all y things in check, I made my was out of the turned over vehicle.
As I did, there was a particularly large explosion near me, causing many soldier to fly past me, the force of the explosion threw me to the ground. Again my hearing was gone, and my vision was blurry, but as I turned on to my back, I saw something that sent chills down my spine. A black-coated figure, slowly walking towards me, a sword levitated by its side, indicating that it was a unicorn, whomever they were, they had a hood covering their head, and a mask covering the majority of their face, I could only see their eyes. Their lavender eyes stared into mine, as I moved to try and get away, he medallion fell from my coat and clattered to the ground, I quickly reached for it, and tried to hide it, but she quickly moved her sword close to my face, the grip covered in a purplish aura.
“That’s not possible. Where did you get that?” the pony asked, accompanied with a strong and frightening female voice, the pony’s eyes grew narrow, as she glared from the medallion to me. Fear filled my body as I froze up, my heart rate increasing, but before I could answer her, there was a loud shout, as other soldiers charged at us, and with a quick flash of her horn, and the attacker was gone. In a panic, I put the medallion back in my coat, and scrambled towards the tree line where Vapor and Dust were waiting for me. As I caught up to them, “what just happened?” Vapor asked me, I ran up to her and caught my breath, “I’m not sure, let’s get out of here, come on” I said and we all turned and ran into the forest.
The night had definitely taken a turn for the worst.
A few hours had passed since the three of us had fled the destroyed convoy, although we had no idea where we were or where we were going, Vapor, Dust, and I had managed to find a small clearing in the forest, where we had sit down to rest. We all sat there panting, “that…is probably…the most I’ve run…in my entire…life” Vapor said as she held a hoof to her chest and breathed rapidly, Dust simply chuckled as he breathed in slowly, before standing up, “well…now you know how I feel” he said as he stood up and cleared his throat, and began walking around, examining our surrounding’s.
As he did Vapor and I finally caught our breath’s and began looking around with him, “well, where are we?” I asked, looking around, Dust glanced at me and chuckled, unfolding his wings he flew up over the tree’s and looked around, and Vapor and I exchanged confused looks, but watched as he flew down to us. “Well, were not far from the mountains, north should be in that direction” he said pointing to his left, Vapor looked at him in confusion. “How did you know that?” she asked, he smiled and stepped next to her, pointing up into the sky, “you see that star? The one that’s slightly brighter than the others, it’s the north star, I’ve studied the night sky before, my uncle lived in Spring Wood, he owned a small book store, and he would occasionally lend me books of all sorts, so I know a lot of things” he said, as he they turned to each other, and in a moment they froze.
As I noticed this, I groaned and walked away, while Dust simply smiled at her, “well, that’s…that’s very interesting, what else do you know?” she asked, with a smile on her face, which much to my surprise, was something I was used to, since she walked around town with that same smile plastered on her face. Before he could answer I spoke up, “hey you two, hate to spoil your moment here, but we should probably find something to start a fire with” I said as I walked away, Dust calmly cleared his throat, “yes, Vapor, help me get some small branches’ from the tree, Frost, you make a small pit for the fire” he said as the two of them flapped up and disappeared into the tree line. ________________________________________
Not long after they left, Vapor ad Dust returned and dropped two small piles of branches’, and immediately started stacking them together, but we quickly realized that none of us had any matches, to start the fire with. Dust looked around and groaned, “well…this presents a problem, we have nothing to start a fire” he said looking around, but then he looked over at me, and a smile grew on his face, “hey frost, What kind of spells do you know?” he asked.
The question caught me slightly off guard, but he posed a good question, all my life I never really had need to expand my spell repertoire, other than the simple telekinesis and levitation spells I knew for work and other stuff. I thought for a moment of what to say, rubbing the back of my head, “well, um…honestly, I don’t know that many spells, just some simple telekinesis, I don’t think I can be of much help” I said as my ears flattened down. Dust merely chuckled, “well, there’s always a first time, either you give it a shot, or we freeze to death and get eaten by a large animal” he said with a smug smile.
Despite his unnecessary joke, I knew he was simply trying to encourage me to try, but I still wasn’t sure, although I did appreciate the effort, but I knew I should give it a shot. After a brief hesitation, I sat up and walked over to the small sire pit, lowering my head and pointing my horn at the pile of wood, I closed my eyes and focused my magic. Although I couldn’t see for myself, I could tell that my horn was starting to glow, taking a deep breath as I closed my eyes tighter, I could feel the smallest bit of sweat form on my forehead, and in a brief flash, a small bolt shot from my horn, and ignited the pile on fire.
“Not bad Frost, I may not use magic, but I can easily tell that you need practice” he said with a smug smile, I glared angrily at him as I stood up, and I could hear Vapor snickering behind me. After I took a deep breath and relished in my accomplishment, I knew that Dust was right, I would need to train more, but that would be a discussion for another time.
At that moment, we heard a loud rustling in the tree’s behind us, and all our head’s snapped in that direction, watching as the rustling continued, and in a brief flash, something dark flew at us, but it seemed too small to be a Pegasus, and it didn’t seem to have hooves, as the shadow moved into the other tree’s, we heard a loud clamping sound, and a shrill squawk, as the shadow fell from the second tree, and into a small bush. The three of us all exchanged confused expressions, but we turned and slowly walked over to the bush, which was giving off a little rustling, as we approached, I looked at the other’s and they all motioned for me to check it out, I rolled my eyes and slowly approached the bush, with the two pegasi flanking me.
With a slow hoof, I spread the bush apart and peeked in, and much to our surprise, it wasn’t a stealthy attacker, or a Pegasus at all, but nothing more than a hawk, which was tied up in a trap, a large rope tied around its wings, preventing it from flying off. We all gave off sighs of relief, as we looked a little closer, only to receive a threatening squawk from the hawk, making us all step back, I turned to the others. “Well, it’s just a helpless animal caught in a trap, poor girl” I said with a smile, Dust smiled back, “that’s t just any animal, that’s an Everfree black-tailed hawk, not exactly your common find, they live deep in the forest, their very territorial” he said, as the hawk continued to struggle with the trap, gnawing at the rope’s with its sharp beak. Vapor gave off an annoyed sigh and returned to the fire, while I took a step closer, but not without the bird giving me an angry glare.
“Shh, it’s okay, I’m going to help you, hold still” I said as my horn lit up, and my bluish aura, slowly enveloped the knot around the rope, the haw stopped picking at it, and looked at me in a quizzical fashion, obviously wondering why I was helping it, but I knew I couldn’t leave a defenseless animal like that, especially not to some hunter who would most likely stuff it and hang it on a wall. As I fumbled with the knot, I quickly undid it and stepped back, giving the hawk space to finish the job, she quickly tore the rest away, and flapped her wings proudly, before looking at me with interest, “your welcome” I said in a kindly tone, the bird squawked at me, and flapped it’s wing, and flew up into a nearby tree, and perched there, continuing to watch me, “a little thank you would be nice” I said with a chuckle as I walked back to the fire and joined the other’s. Now I could finally get a better look at her, she had a black tail, with black wings, accompanied by a silver coat, with what appeared to be white spot all across its face and neck. ________________________________________
Not long had passed since we arrived, and we were all gathered around the fire, talking about our next move, but also finding time, to get to know each other better. “So Frost, what’s your plan after we get out of here?” Dust asked me, I looked at him and then gazed into the fire, “well, probably back home, get back to work, and try to put all of this behind me” I said, Vapor simply gave a disgusted sigh and rolled her eyes, while Dust merely nodded. “What about you?” I asked him, he looked confused for a moment, and leaned forward, rubbing his chin with his hoof, “honestly? Not entirely sure, I wasn’t counting on being an escaped fugitive, I’ll probably…go off to Manehatten, try to find my uncle, and settle with him for a while at least, then get back on my hooves and live my life, simple as that” he said and leaned back, and we continued talking about various things, with Dust even telling us about some of his misadventure’s when he was younger.
But as we talked and laughed, I couldn’t explain why, but my mind solely drifted back to the attacker at the convoy, the way her eyes widened in confusion when she saw the medallion, and I felt my hoof slowly grasp on to it, and even further still, my mind further wondered to the words Midnight Star spoke to me, about the storm coming, I couldn’t explain it, but my gut told me that things were only going to get worse. I was taken from those thoughts by Dust, “hey Frost, you okay? You spaced out for a bit there” he said with a bit of concern on his face, I shook off the strange feeling I felt and smiled at him, but before I could speak, there was a low grumbling, at first we tough it came from around the forest, but then we realized it was only our stomach’s reminding us that we hadn’t eaten in hours, Dust laughed and sat back, “oh yeah, neither of us have eaten in hours, Frost you’re the only one who has a bag, I don’t mean to be nosey, but do you have any food in there?” he asked, I perked up and looked into my bag, and sighed with relief as I pulled out three small hay sandwiches’ my mother must have secretly placed in my bag before I left.
I smiled and silently thanked her, before I passed the small meals out, each of them gratefully taking them and eating them, as we ate our meals, we heard a loud squawk and the flapping of wings, and as we all turned our heads, we saw the same hawk fly down near us, and turn to me, quizzically eyeballing my sandwich. The other two merely laughed as I watched as the hawk slowly inched closer to me, giving off small chirps, “well, looks like you made a new friend” Vapor said with a chuckle, as the hawk slowly inched forward, I looked at my sandwich, and slowly pulled off a small bit, and tossed it towards her. The hawk inspected it for a moment, but quickly picked it up and swallowed it down, only causing Vapor and Dust to laugh harder.
After eating what I had given her, the hawk chirped happily and hoped over to me, almost landing at my side, still eyeballing my food with a hungry glare, as it did, I slowly and gently raised my hoof towards her, as she was still entranced by my food, my hoof made contact with her feathers, and she immediately reeled back, and gave me a warning look, but I quickly broke off another small piece, and offered it to her on my hoof. She walked towards me, and then quickly gobbled the food down, as she ate, I moved my hoof back and tried to pet her again, she glanced up at me again, but much to all our surprise, she slowly inched toward my hoof, and with my breath caught in my mouth, hoping there wouldn’t be any sudden loud noises to freak he out and claw me to piece’s, she rubbed up against my hoof.
I quickly found myself gently petting her, slowly feeding her more piece’s to appease her, the other’s looked at with surprise, even dust had his mouth open at this, Vapor was the first to break the silence, “what? You going to keep it now?” she asked with a smug smile, I glance over at her and smiled myself, quickly turning back to the bird who was chirping lightly as I stroked her feather’s, “maybe, I’ve never had a pet before, I think I’ll name her…Winter. How does that sound, girl?” I asked her, she looked at me and squawked, and took another bit.
Now it was Dust’s turns to speak, “well…I am honestly surprised, I never thought you could get anywhere that close to them, without them tearing your eyes out, and she looks young too, just old enough to be away from her first nest” he said, as I continued to pet her more. I chuckled lightly as I continued to feed the both of us, “yeah…well, I suppose things could be worse” I said with a smile. But, as if fate was watching me with an amused and mischievous smile, everything changed. We head a large stick snap, and our head’s instantly snapped towards the direction, but just as we were about to stand up, the bird squawked and nabbed the rest of my sandwich and fly off into the nearest tree, just as I was about to say something, a bright flash came from t bushes’, and blinded us, we heard the rumbling of hooves and the cocking of guns, we all covered our eyes, but a menacing voice boomed out, “you are trespassing in Night Ranger territory, what is your business here?” a deep male voice boomed, the light vanished and we quickly found ourselves surrounded my ponies of all races, many of which were pointing rifles and pistols at us, while other’s had sword’s drawn and pointed in our direction, we all looked around and gulped nervously.
Dust quickly turned to me, with an annoyed look on his face, “oh you just had to say that, didn’t you?” he said with an angry glare, I just turned and looked at the armed ponies surrounding us, and gave off a nervous chuckle, because I knew the night was about to take a more interesting turn.
The three of us stood helpless as we were surrounded by a growing number of armed ponies, many of which were unicorns, levitating rifles and pistols at us, while other simply had swords and spears. I turned back and looked at my friend’s, and saw the equally terrified expression that was plastered on my place, we all turned forth and saw an older stallion step through the other’s, he had a hard glare, as he stepped toward us. “I’ll repeat myself, this is Night Ranger territory, and what are you doing here?” he demanded in a harsh tone.
I looked at my friends again, and they all shrugged and looked at me, as if declaring me the leader of our group, I sighed and turned to the leader pony. “We were in a military convoy, but were not soldiers, the convoy was destroyed, and we ran into the forest, we didn't even know there were ponies out here” I said in a calm tone, trying to let all the ponies know that we weren't a threat. The leader looked me over with a suspicious gaze, then glancing at the other two, before looking me dead in the eyes. “What are your name’s?” he asked, his voice a bit softer, I sighed at the thought of him not ordering his troops to fire at us. “My name’s Frost Fall, these are my friends, Vapor Cloud and Dust Wind, and before you ask, no, were not imperial soldiers” I said, as my tone grew more confident. I briefly glanced back at my friends, and I saw Dust give me a confident nod. The leader simply stared at me, his expression softened, but he still regarded us with a suspicious glare, he looked back at his troops and spoke up, “search them!” he shouted. The three of us stiffened as a small group of ponies came down toward us, still eagerly pointing their weapons, they moved past me and grabbed my bag, and shook loose the contents. As they did so, they immediately went to patting us down, and I could feel my heart rate increasing significantly.
As they patted down my coat, I gasped lightly as my eyes widened, when the pony felt the bump in my coat, I winced as he reached inside and took out the wrapped medallion, and I could tell we were screwed. The pony frowned and took it over to the leader, “they appear clean, but that one was carrying this, it seems like I might be of importance” he said looking at me, the leader took the wrapped item, glaring at me as he unwrapped it. After removing the last fold, he looked down and his eyes immediately shot open to the widest anypony thought possible, his mouth dropped open in disbelief, as he looked from me to the medallion, and we could tell he was processing his next thought. He looked at me again, and his face took on an angry expression, as he stepped close to me, to the point where our faces were inches’ apart, and I could see the confusion and anger in his eyes, but I did my best to stand tall and strong.
He lifted the medallion up so that I could see it, “where…did you get this?” he asked, in a stifled, angry voice, I looked from him to the medallion but remained silent, but this only made him angrier. “Answer me!” he shouted in my face, making me cringe slightly, but I turned and looked at him, matching the determination in his eyes. “That’s not really your concern is it?” I asked him, which only seemed to make him angrier, he stepped back and levitated out his sword and pointed it at me, I could feel my heart beat faster, but my poster remained as it was, I glanced back and saw the panicked and worried faces of my friend’s, even Dust looked like he was going to faint, which I found mildly amusing, but I knew this would be a bad time to crack a smile.
“I would advise watching what you say to me boy! You have no idea what you’re getting into here, so I’ll ask again, where did you get this?” he asked, with a much more menacing tone, I looked him in the eyes for a few seconds, until I heard Vapor speak up, “just tell him Frost!” she shouted at me, the leader smiled and glanced at her, “I would listen to our friend there, she seems to be the smartest” he said with a brief smile, but it quickly disappeared. Despite the situation, I couldn't help but go over my options, I could tell him and hope he would let us go, or not tell him and have him run his sword right through me, even though he probably wouldn't let us go if I told him, I made up my mind. “Alright, I…I go it from a friend, he gave it to me as a gift, that’s all I know, I swear” I said as I felt my resolve slowly breaking.
At first, it didn't look like he believed me, but he slowly lowered and sheathed his sword and stepped closer, “I sure hope you’re telling the truth, not just for your sake, but your friend’s as well” he said as he turned to the rest, “okay, here’s what’s going to happen, normally we would just turn you in the other direction, but since this is a…unique situation, the three of you will be coming with us, there’s somepony who would like to speak with you” he said as he turned around and shouted to his troops, and they all immediately turned and left, while the one’s around us, shoved us after him. ________________________________________
Almost an hour had passed since we had been forced to walk with the large group of ponies, and although we were walking through a denser part of the forest, there was a large path cut through the tree’s, indicating that they had used this path frequently in the past. As we walked the leader nor any of the troops spoke to us, so my friends and I remained close, but much to my surprise, as we walked along the dense path, Dust slowly made his way up to me, “hey Frost, mind if I ask you something?” he said to me, I glanced at him and smiled, “yeah, sure thing” I said in the most pleasant tone I could muster.
He looked down slightly in embarrassment, but cleared his throat. “back in the clearing, you said I was your friend as well, I know Vapor is your friend, because you grew up in the same town, and don’t take this the wrong way, but you hardly know me, I could have been easily lying to you this whole time, and stabbed you in the back when you slept, so…why trust me so easily?” he asked, I felt surprised by his sudden question, but I could tell he was serious, and he had every right to be.
I looked at him and smiled, “well, mainly because you seemed different from those other criminals, I think that if you were some thug, you wouldn't have even bothered to help us, or at least, you would have robbed us the second you had the chance, whether you still want to or not, were in this together, and we can’t get out of it without you” I said with a comforting smile, he looked away briefly but turned back and smiled, and nodded his head. Just after, Vapor walked in between us, and turned towards me, “so Frost, what was that thing the leader was so interested in?” she asked, and the smile immediately fell from my face.
“well, you remember that stranger pony that sent that weird package, well, I opened it up and there I found that medallion, the owner later came to me, I tried to give it back, but he kept saying that I was meant to have it, and that there was a big storm coming, and somehow I was smack in the middle of it” I finished with a light smile, while Vapor and Dust merely exchanged confused looks, but mostly Dust.
After a bit longer of walking, the troops stopped and the leader turned to us, a smug smile on his face. “welcome to outpost 24” he said, we all walked forward slightly and looked around, nothing more than a simple abandoned mill occupied a large clearing of the forest, to the left of the mill, there was a large wheel, that slowly turned along a small river. The three of us all exchanged worried looks, and followed the leader as he slowly led us to the mill. ________________________________________
As we made our way into the mill, we passed by multiple troops, all looking at us with curious eyes, and they continued t follow us with their gaze, until we entered the main building. The interior of the building looked just as it would have if it was still in operation, which could only mean that this was more likely a temporary base for them.
As we were lead through the building, some of the other troops stopped and went about their business, while the leader and a small number of troops took us up a flight of stairs, and down a short hall. After we did so, he turned and opened a small door, and gestured for us to go in, we all looked at each other with confused looks, but we slowly made our way in. as we did so, we saw an older pony standing with his back to us, we could only assume that this was his office of sorts, and that he was the leader of this operation.
He calmly turned to us with a calm yet serious expression on his face, after looking us over, he turned to the leader of the group that ambushed us. “Lieutenant? Care to explain what these thee are doing in our secret base?” he said, the lieutenant stepped forward and saluted the leader, “pardon my intrusion sir, but we found these three out in the forest nearby, they say they were in a military convoy” he said, the leader eyed him suspiciously, but then quickly glanced at us. “I see, so tell me, why you not turn them away, like we always did, they could be imperial spies” he said as his voice grew more urgent.
The lieutenant winced slightly but stood proud, “I don’t think so sir, this one had something of greater interest on him, you might want to take a look” he said as he glanced toward me, he quickly reached into his coat, and took out the wrapped the medallion and calmly handed it to the leader. The leader eyes it suspiciously, but slowly unraveled it, and whence it was fully open, his eyes widened greatly, just like the lieutenant’s had, his mouth opened in shock as he looked from the medallion up to me, but before he could say anything t lieutenant spoke up first.
“he claims to have received it from a friend, but he won’t tell us who” he said, the leader closed his mouth and cleared his throat, before finally walked up to me, a smile on his face that only made us more suspicious. “Well, this is certainly a surprise, I never thought I would live to see this day, it’s a good thing you’re here my boy, welcome to the Night Ranger’s".
I was about to ask what he meant, but he quickly turned away, and I felt a heavy blow to my head, and then immediately, everything wet black.
The last thing I remember happening was talking to the leader of the small group of rebels, I couldn't remember exactly what he said, but the next thing I felt was a heavy blow to the head, and then everything went black.
As I slowly opened my eyes, I could immediately tell that the blow to my head, had left my eyesight blurry. After blinking a few times, I began to see again, but I could tell I was in a different place, I slowly sat up, but was immediately met with a sharp pain to my skull. Immediately my hoof shot up and rubbed the sore spot as I turned and looked around, but much to my surprise and relief, I saw Dust and Vapor leaning against the wall, they’re gazes were fixed on me. I tried to speak, but my mouth was dry from lack of water, but I tried none the less, “Vapor? Dust? Where are we?” I asked as I tried to stand up, which caused Vapor to immediately walk over to me.
I smiled as she fully helped me, she returned the kind smile as Dust walked over to us. “Good to see your awake, how’s your head?” he asked with a smile, I smiled back as I continued rubbing my head, “yeah, what happened?” I asked looking around. Now it was Vapor’s turn to speak, “after we spoke with the boss, the guards knocked us out and threw us in here, seems to be the basement of the mill” she said as we all looked around.
Dust walked up to the concrete walls, and rubbed his hoof along them, “well, there’s no way out, this place is solid, I don’t think we’d get very far” he said as he examined the room around us. I sighed and slowly sat down, while Vapor walked over to Dust, my hoof slowly reached up to my chest, and my eyes shot open as I realized the medallion was missing. “Wait! Where’s the medallion?” I asked looking around in a panic, as to why I was so concerned about a piece of metal, I don’t know. Both Vapor and Dust turned to me with confused looks, “what? You mean that old golden thing? The leader took it, not entirely sure why” Dust said with a raised hoof.
I quickly sat down and lowered my head, but I didn't need to see to know that Vapor had taken a few steps closer. “Frost, the leader seemed awfully interested in that medallion, what was it anyway?” she asked me, I looked over at her, a worried and concerned look on her face, which was quickly joined by Dust, it was at that moment that I knew I would have to tell them the truth.
I quickly took a deep breath and began to tell, “Vapor, you remember that strange stallion that came into the post office a few days ago, that package he dropped off for me, well…the medallion was in that package” I said as I looked at them, Vapor seemed more concerned than Dust, “why would he send that to you, clearly it’s brought nothing but trouble” she said with a concerned look. I stood up and walked over to the bars of our cell, “I don’t know, but I met up with him a few days ago, he said that he sent it to me, because I was the only one who could keep it safe” I said as I slowly turned to them. Vapor glanced at Dust briefly, but he merely looked at us with confused looks, “well, what else did he say?” she asked turning back to me.
I tried to find the right words to describe it, but nothing came to mind, but I could still feel Midnight’s words echoing in my head, but I knew it would be best to keep it a secret for now. “Nothing…he left after that” I said as I turned away for the third time, but I heard Dust speak up, “come on Frost, I may have not known you for very long, but I can tell your lying, he said something else to you, didn’t he?” he said, I winced at how good Dust was, I guess being a petty thief has its own advantages.
I was about to turn around and tell them, but just as I did, the door to the basement opened up and a trio of guards came down the stairs, they seemed to be a part of the group we were with earlier, we all watched as they walked up to the cell door, unlocked it, and slowly opened it up. “the boss wants to speak with you Frost Fall” he said in a calm yet demanding tone, I looked back at my two friends, they glanced nervously at me and then we all started walking towards the door, but not before the guard spoke up more fiercely. “Just you Frost! Your friends will remain here in the basement, if I were you, I wouldn't keep the boss waiting” he said with a frown.
I looked back at my friends with a concerned expression, they equally shared my concern, but they stepped back and sat down, “go on, we’ll be fine, just find out what that jerk wants” Dust said as they both smiled, but this only gave me a small boost of confidence. I calmly turned to face the guards, and with a confident step, I slowly walked out of the cell and followed the guards up the stairs, while the third locked the cell up again, and joined behind me.
I glanced back down at my friends as I ascended the stairs, and in a quick flash they were gone as my eyesight cleared the wall. ________________________________________
After being lead out of the basement, the guards escorted through the large mill, and up the same path as to when we first arrived. As we came to the office on the second floor, the guard opened the door, and shoved me inside, and immediately slammed it behind me. I cleared my throat and turned to the rest of the room, I tensed up slightly as I saw the same pony who had captured us and taken us here. He seemed content to simply smile maliciously at me, but he turned to the leader who was facing away from me, his eyes fixated on the large map of Equestria behind the desk.
Without even saying a word, he calmly turned and faced me, a simple smile on his face. Despite his seemingly kind gesture, I felt my body tense, the leader simply glanced at the other pony. “leave us for now” he said in a relatively calm voice, the second one nodded and made his way towards the door, but not before flashing me a look of disgust, and then walking out the door. After he left the leader walked over to his desk and sat down, he quickly gestured to the seat in front of me, “please, have a seat, we have much to discuss” he said. I looked at him suspiciously, quickly glancing from him to the chair, “there’s nothing to fear Frost, I simply want to talk, allow me to introduce myself formally, my name is Iron Star, this is my little organization” he said with a calm smile. Despite my distrust, I simply didn't want to come off as rude, so I calmly climbed into the chair and faced him. After I got comfortable, I finally spoke up, “okay, you got me now, care to explain why you are keeping my friends and I prisoner?” I said in a stern tone.
He simply smiled and looked away for a minute, “yes…about that, part of the reason I asked you here, was because I wanted to apologize for my actions earlier, I admit they were a bit…extreme” he said with a slight frown, I simple raised an eyebrow, “you knocked us out and threw us in a cell” I said with a deadpan expression. He chuckled lightly at my response, but quickly cleared his throat, “yes…like I said, they were a bit…uncalled for, but the other reason I called you here, is because I wanted to ask you…about this” he said as he reached under the desk, and pulled out the gold medallion, and placed it on the desk, and slowly slid it forward.
My eyes widened at that, and then quickly glanced at him, “why ask me, you seem to know more about it then I do” I said in a calm yet aggravated tone. He smiled at me, but then looked down at the medallion and picked it up in his hooves, “true…but I want to know what you know” he said as he leaned forward more. I looked from him to the medallion, thinking about what I could say, I had a feeling that this guy could see through any possible lie I might tell.
I remained silent for the moment, as I tried to think of something to say, but his stare made me more and more unnerved, until he finally spoke up. “I want to know…where you came across such a…unusual artifact?” he asked in a calm yet serious tone. I looked at him, I knew I wouldn't be able to lie very well, but I tried my best to remain strong, “fine, it was given to me by a friend, I don’t know his name, he sent it with a letter, he said something about me being able to keep it safe” I said as I looked up at him, he simply studied me for a moment and then turned to look at the medallion, and then back at me, placing it on the desk, and gently slid it forward. I was glad he didn't catch my little lie about his name.
“Hmm…very well, but before I go any further, I need to know, do you know what this is?” he asked referring to the medallion. I looked at it and then back to him, I knew it wouldn't be safe to press my luck on the whole lying bit, so I came clean. “I don’t know…it looks like some old equestrian treasure, but I can’t be sure” I said with a sigh, Iron Star smiled at me and stood up, picking up the medallion in his hooves. “Not just any old equestrian treasure, the rarest…tell me Frost, do you know the legend of the four Alicorn Medallions?” he asked.
My mind immediately started to remember some of the old legends I had read in story books (those that had been approved by the government), and I remembered something about the Royal Medallions, but I couldn't fully remember. “I've heard of it, I might have read it in some old storybooks” I said, he simply smiled as he walked around me and the desk. “Indeed, the story tells of a young craftspony, who came to the princess’s, shortly before the war started and offered to make them each a golden medallion, these medallions were said to have been enchanted with a powerful form of magic, this magic is said to have represented some of the virtue’s that the princess’s represented” he said as he made his way over to the seat, gazing at the medallion as he picked it up in his hooves.
I simply watched and listened as he retold the story, “Cadence’s amulet is said to have represented the love and hope she spread. Luna’s was to represent her kindness and understanding, Celetia’s was her knowledge and wisdom, and princess Twilight’s was her compassion and reason” he said as he grinned, placing the medallion on the desk, I simply looked at him in awe. Finally realizing he was waiting for me to speak, I shook myself and stared at him, “that’s…a nice story and all, but…what does this have to do with me?’ I asked, this only seemed to make his grin wider.
He leaned back again and smiled, “well, part of the legend says…that the young craftspony secretly made, but he only told Luna and Celestia about it, neither of them knew what the fifth represented, but they would have time to find out, as Red Spear came along took over, the maker went in to hiding and the fifth medallion disappeared, that is…until now possibly” he said as his grin faded and he leaned closer to me. I sat there amazed at the story, but my mind was still filled with confusion, “so…you think that the medallion I have, that somepony gave to me, is the fifth medallion?” I asked in a full state of disbelief. He smiled at me and slid it closer to me, “either that, or it’s one of the most convincing fakes I have ever seen, but I highly doubt it, and so does my boss” he said, which quickly caught my attention.
“Boss? I thought you were the head of this organization?” I asked him, he laughed at my ignorance and smiled, “Me? No my friend, I’m in charge of our militant operations, but my orders come from the head of the Night Ranger’s” he said with a calm smile. Despite that, I returned to the situation at hand, “Okay…I can already tell you want something from me, otherwise you would have probably just killed my friends and I or something, and so…what is it you really want?” I asked him, in a tone as serious as I possibly could. He smiled widely and then sat down, “now we come to the interesting part” he said in a quieter tone, as he studied me, before clearing his throat. “Your right Frost, there is something I, or shall I say we want. While you were in the cellar, I was talking with my boss, and he wants to meet you, he says he can answer all your questions, but you and your friends must come with us to our base in the mountains, it’s an old abandoned monastery from the old days, so were safe from royal troops” he said with a calm tone, that hinted with urgency.
I chuckled at this, which seemed to surprise him more than anything, “what’s so funny?” he asked me, I sighed and looked at him, “you make it seem like I've already decided to go with you, what if I don’t want to go, what if I want to go back to my old life, what does your boss say about that?” I said in a cocky tone. Iron Star seemed momentarily shocked at this, but he calmed down and cleared his throat and smiled, not a good sign. “I thought you might bring that up. My boss says it’s completely your decision to make, if you choose not to go, then we will escort you to the nearest road so you can return home, but…ask yourself this. Aren’t you the tiniest bit curious as to why this pony sent this gift to you, do you really think you can just…live your life, without finding the answer” he said. I sat there completely dumbfounded. He really had me cornered, and I hated it, but he was right, there was a part of me that wanted to find out why I had gotten this gift.
I finally looked back up at him, despite that I knew my life would never be the same after this moment, and that I could kiss my simple life goodbye, I needed answers, and the leader of this organization could give them to me, but before I would say yes, I needed to clear something up. “Alright…I’ll go with you…but on one condition” I said raising my hoof up, he smiled widely and leaned forward, “name it?’.
I cleared my throat and began to speak, “I’ll go with you, but I refuse to leave my family and friends behind in Ashen, I’ll go back with you, but not without my sister and my mother, I will NOT leave them behind” I said with a serious tone, he looked shocked for a minute, but then began thinking it over. “Why should I agree to that, they are of less importance to me, we need you, not them” he said in a tone that only made me mad. “They’ my family. If you want me or this medallion, you’ll let me go back for my family, and you have my word that I will come back and honor my end” I said grabbing the medallion and levitating it near me. Iron Star eyes me suspiciously, but then he sighed heavily and then looked back at me and smiled.
“Very well Frost, I can tell you care greatly for your family, as a family stallion myself, I would easily go back for them, I can provide some support but you’ll mostly be on your own, your friends can come with you, I’ll make all the arrangements” he said with a confident smile, and for the first time since getting here, I felt glad that I was actually getting help.
After the entire time talking to him, I finally stood up and stretched my hooves, finally giving myself a chance to be at ease, Iron Star calmly made his way to the door and opened it, the lieutenant quickly walked in, “I think it’s time you two were fully introduced, Lieutenant Arrow, this is Frost Fall, we’ll be working with him for some time now, and I know you two might be on edge at each other, so here’s your chance to move past that, we certainly can’t be having any conflicts in our travels” he said, Lieutenant Arrow looked at me, and then his usual grimace turned to a more friendly smile, which partially threw me off. “it’s nice to finally be formally introduced, I must apologize for my roughness earlier, this job can get a little…tense” he said rubbing the back of his head, before extending his hoof out, I eyed it suspiciously at first, but I shook it nevertheless.
Iron Star turned to him fully, “Arrow, go and get his friends, and bring them to us, we have much to discuss” he said, the lieutenant nodded and trotted out of the room. Just as the door closed behind him, Iron Star turned to face me, a more serious look on his face, “despite my letting you go, there is something I must warn you about” he said as he trotted over to his desk. “I’m sorry to say this, but…you may not find Ashen quite as you remember it” he said in a suspicious tone. I calmly walked over to him, “what does that mean, we've only been gone a few days if that” I said as he sat down.
He looked at me and sighed, “that’s what I’m talking about, I received word that news of the destroyed prisoner convoy had reached the general in Ashen, thinking that we might have had something to do with it, General Brick has declared martial law in the town, setting up curfew’s interrogating those who were close to the prisoners, you may not find a warm welcome waiting for you” he said in a sinister tone.
But before I could reply to that comment, the door opened and I turned to see my friends walk in, “oh Frost there you are, what’s going on, what’s the plan?” Vapor asked in confusion, at the moment I didn't have an answer for her, but I shook myself out of my concern-induced trance and looked at her, fear and concern filling my eyes.
After discussing the plan with Iron star, he walked with me outside with the buildings, as we made our way through the makeshift camp they had set up, another pony walked up and dropped off one of our bags, I looked at the bag and then to Iron Star. “Hope you don’t mind, I had my boys gather some…supplies you might need” he said in a calm tone. I unzipped the bag and rummaged through it, my eyes widened as I levitated out a small military grade pistol, I immediately turned to him.
“What is this?’ I asked him, levitating the gun up to show him. He simply smiled at me and grabbed it, “like I said, you may need it, your return home may not exactly be…welcoming” he said in a straight tone, as he tossed it back into the bag. “I…I've never shot anypony before” I told him with a hint of shyness, mainly because I felt that admitting my inexperience with firearms may have made him laugh, but he simply smiled. “Son…trust me, if you’re going to join us, you’ll need to learn a few new tricks, besides, you’re just getting your family, pray you won’t have to use it.” He said with a slight frown as he turned and walked away, leaving me with a concerned look on my face.
I sighed and hoisted the bag on to my back, and turned to see Vapor and Dust walk up to me, Vapor appeared to have a concerned look on her face, which was very unusual. I calmly turned to face them, as Vapor took a step forward, “Frost, are you sure this is a good idea?” she asked me, but, having known her for so long, I knew that wasn't really what she wanted to say to me. “Yes, I have to go back for them” I said as I turned away, but before I could get very far, Vapor spoke up again.
“Frost, listen…maybe it would be best for us…to just go with them instead” she said in a low voice, which was unlike her to be so timid. I stopped in my tracks and turned back to face her, confusion written on my face, “Vapor…what are you saying?” I asked her, she lowered her head temporarily, but quickly looked back at me. “Listen, our lives in Ashen…they didn't mean much, you chopped wood for a living, and I delivered mail in a town that hardly got any. But with these ponies, we can help make a bigger difference, we can help those in need, we don’t have to go back, just stay with us here” she said in a confident tone, but the look in her eyes told me she was faltering.
I truly couldn't believe what I was hearing, I felt my heart rate increase as I looked at her. A part of me wanted to be angry at her for saying such things about our home, but another part of me, sympathized with her. “Vapor, I’m not going back for that, I’m going back for my family. How can you even say such a thing? How can you just turn your back on all your friends back home? I know you and your father aren't the closest, but I’m not going to turn my back on them. I’m going home to bring my family with me, and if possible, others as well. You can stay here and wait, or you can help those you came to call friends and family” I said as I stood in front of her, staring her in the eyes.
The look in her eyes told me that she knew I was right, she slowly lowered her head in shame. I stood there for a moment longer, simply staring at her, but I knew that if I wanted to get my family, I would have to hurry, and with one swift turn I was heading the other way. After a few minutes of walking, I heard a set of hooves trot up beside me, at first I thought it was Vapor, I turned to see Dust walking beside me. “What are you doing?” I asked him, trying not to sound insulting, luckily for me, he didn't take it that way, “oh me? Just coming along for the trip, better than hanging around here” he said with a friendly smile, at first I was confused by his actions.
“Why? I thought you were off to find your uncle, it’s a long journey to Manehatten, and you have the perfect opportunity” I said with a confused glare, he smiled and looked down for a moment. “true, but to be completely honest, my uncle and I were never really that close, sure he lent me books, but that was all it really was, I doubt he would even remember me. Besides, friends stick together, you had my back, so…now I got yours” he said with a warming smile. I was shocked at first before I smiled back at him, if there was one thing I knew for sure, it was that weird situations can turn into better relationships. ________________________________________
About an hour had passed since we left the Night Ranger camp, and with a small escort of merely six soldiers, we made a small camp for the night, hoping that we would get to Ashen by the next evening.
As we slowly set up the camp, this time with better provisions and camping equipment, the few soldiers we had, proved to be fairly decent company, as they told us some of their stories of how the joined they NR, and how life was like in the ranks.
As the night went on, we quickly ate our dinner, and slowly made our way to bed, as some of the soldiers kept watch overnight. But as the night went on, and most of us were asleep, I lie awake in the comfortable sleeping bag that Iron Star had provided for our trip. As I lie there, I turned my head to the bag I had and reached inside, pulling out the small golden medallion, making sure not to wake Dust, who was fast asleep beside me, I quickly unwrapped it and held it in my magical grip, slowly twirling it and tracing my hoof over the intricate design.
Just as I was doing that, I heard Dust grumble as he slowly lifted his head up, his mane was slightly disheveled during his sleep, as he looked at me with half-lidded eyes. “Frost? What are doing up, you’re going to need your sleep” he said as he pushed himself up a little, I sighed and looked up at the top of the tent. “I know…it’s just…” I said as I tried to find the right words, but Dust had beaten me to it.
“You’re worried about your family aren't you?” he asked me, as to how he could guess that, I would never know, but I nodded my head anyway. With that, he pushed himself up more and turned to me, “listen Frost, I may not know your family, but from what you say of them, they’ll be fine they sounds like strong-willed ponies, and that’s all ponies can be these days” he said in a comforting tone. I knew he was trying to comfort me, and I appreciated it, but Midnight Star’s words kept echoing in my mind.
Just as I was about turn and ask him something else, we heard a particularly loud snap come from the woods behind our tent. We both instantly snapped up and turned in the direction of the sound, we saw two orbs of light turn towards the sound as well, quickly followed by a “Who’s there?” by one of the guards. Dust and I immediately scrambled out of the tent and went up to the guards, who had their lights pointed to a moving bush not far from the dimmed fire.
The guard shouted again, as the rustling continued, both guards quickly withdrew their holstered pistols, and moved in that direction. Just as they got close enough, a pony quickly emerged from the bush, shielding her eyes from the light, and we all instantly recognized her. “Alright! Alright! You got me, I’m coming out” she said as she walked forward, “Vapor?” Dust and I said in unison, the guards looked at us strangely as I stepped over to them, “it’s alright guys, she’s with us” I said, and they immediately holstered their weapons, as some of the other guards emerged from their tents.
Both Dust and I walked up to her as she lowered her hoof, giving me a shy smile as she attempted to avoid my gaze, “what are you doing here?” I asked her. A slight blush came on her face as she met my eyes, and I could see there was a twinge of regret in them. “You were right Frost, I may not have as good of memories of Ashen, but it is still my home, just as much as yours, I came to help you. After all, friends stick together” she said with a smile, I was shocked by her confession, but I smiled none the less, and pulled her in for a hug. I could tell she was shocked by this, but I quickly felt her hooves wrap around my shoulders as well. We both separated quickly as we made our way back into the circle, Vapor quickly removing all the gear she had on her. Iron Star had given her the same gear he gave us, so that she might catch up before we got to the town. “Glad you decided to join us, we missed you, but… Dust missed you more” I said with a sly smile. His face immediately turned red, as Vapor looked at him with a raised eyebrow, and he immediately began stuttering a response.
“I…well he…but he…damn it” he said rubbing the back of his head nervously. I was too busy stifling my laughs, but Vapor smiled as well, “aw! That’s so sweet! Well I missed you two” she said as she gave a playful peck on the cheek, causing him to immediately freeze in place, as she walked on with a happy trot. I laughed loudly as we made it back to the circle and sat down, but he quickly joined us and sat next to Vapor, as the guards set up her tent for her.
As we chatted for a few minutes, one of the older guards came up to us, “alright miss, your tent is ready, I suggest we all get some sleep, it will be dawn in a few hours, and we need to get moving if we want to make it to Ashen on time” he said as he walked away. All three of us looked at each other and nodded before heading back to our tents, the guard was right, we would need our sleep for tomorrow. ________________________________________
The next morning came as we expected, with us waking up, eating our breakfast and starting on our journey again. We knew we would have to stay off the roads until we got there, deciding not to take the front entrance into the town, our small group came around from the town to the south where the lumber yard was. Much to our surprise, the military had done a good job at maintaining a low profile in the town.
As we came over a small hill not far from the lumber yard, one of the guards gave me a set of binoculars, and I quickly began to observe the area. The lumber yard seemed mostly deserted, aside from a few ponies I had worked with before, and soldiers posted all around the area, keeping close watch on the workers. After I was done looking around, I crouched behind the small hill we had come upon, as I faced the others. “Okay, there’s a few soldiers scattered through the yard, if I can sneak my way into the mill, I can get in touch with Mr. Cloud, I can find the others” I said as one of the guards reached into their bags and tossed me a small earpiece. “Okay, we’ll scout out the rest of the area, Dust you go with him, the soldiers here won’t recognize you, so you can buy time for Frost. Be careful you two, the general imposed a strict curfew to the citizens, and anypony caught out is brought to him” the guard said and we both nodded.
With that, the others including Vapor took off in the other direction, but not before flashing me a concerned look, I gave her a reassuring smile, and she took off. Dust and I quickly hopped over the hill and quickly dashed into the yard, taking cover behind a large pile of uncut logs, I quickly looked out and saw two soldiers patrolling the other side of the log pile, as I watched them, I heard a loud incessant flapping, my first thought was Dust. “Dust! Quiet!” I hissed at him, but he tugged my shoulder, “dude, wasn't me” he said, I quickly turned to him and saw him looking at the top of the pile. My eyes followed his gaze, until they saw a young hawk sitting on top of the pile, staring down at me with a bewildered gaze. “oh, hello again…Winter” I said, the bird of prey squawked happily and flapped down beside me, looking at me as if she wanted something.
“Sorry, I don’t have any food on me” I said to the bird, while Dust kept an eye out. The bird looked at me confused and gave off a particularly loud squawk, which made Dust reel back behind cover. “Hey, did you hear something? It came from over there” one of the soldiers said as the light crunching of snow filled the night, dust looked at me with a shocked face, I quickly turned to the hawk, “okay girl, I need you to help me, can you do that, please, just this one time, and I promise I’ll give you as much food as you can eat” I said as a flash light grazed around the corners of the pile. The hawk squawked lightly and took off past me and up into the trees.
Both our breath caught in our chests as the soldiers gasped briefly, “ah just a damn hawk, come on let’s go, the general wants these ponies in their houses” they said as they began to trot away. Both Dust and I gave off heavy sighs of relief, as all the ponies around us. We decided to wait a few minutes before making our way to the mill. “Alright Frost, you know the place, where to?” he asked me, I thought for a moment on the best place to enter. Suddenly, an idea entered my head as I turned to Dust. “I know the best spot, come on” I said as we took off. ________________________________________
After clearing our way to the building, we came up along the back wall, where a small stack of boxes lead up to a small window, just big enough for me to squeeze through. “Okay, I can squeeze through that window and find out what I can, you stay out here…with Winter” I said as the hawk landed on one of the crates and squawked at me. I smiled and began climbing up the boxes and removed the grate with my telekinesis, with a quick glance and a reassuring smile from Dust, I managed to squeeze my way through.
Luckily for me the window was at the exact level as the rafters of the majority of the room, where I saw two other guards walking out of the main office. “…guy’s not here, maybe he was taken in for questioning?’ one of the guards asked as they walked through the room. I calmly made my way across the rafters of the buildings, as the soldiers were completely unaware of the intruder above them. “Yeah, he’s the father of one of the convoy prisoner’s, they were all questioned by the general” the other one said as they made their way for the door, it took me a moment to realize who they were talking about.
“Mr. Cloud!” I said louder than I should have, and the two guards instantly stopped and looked up, making direct eye contact with me. “YOU! Stop there!” one shouted. My mind immediately began to think of various ways to escape, but since I was in a dangerous situation, I acted on my gut instinct. I jumped.
Letting go of the rafter I was holding, I let gravity do the rest as the full force of my body weight smacked them down, luckily for them I wasn't too heavy, but the force was enough to incapacitate the two soldiers, and I was pretty sure I heard bone cracks. I mentally apologized to them as I made my way around the room, as I approached the locker room, I saw the door slowly opening, so I made my way closer, slowly drawing out the pistol that Iron Star had given me, not really intending to use it, but more for a show. Just a the door came to a full open, I was met with a thick piece of wood to the side, as my vision went blurry, I fell to the side and cried out in pain. “OW! Damn it!” I shouted as I looked up to face my assailant, but before my vision returned, I heard a distinctly familiar female voice speak up. “F-Frost! Is that you?” I heard the voice say.
As my vision returned, I looked up to see the very familiar face of my foalhood friend.
River.
I looked up into her stunned filled eyes, as the piece of wood she held up clattered to the floor, I shook my head and rubbed the sore spot, as she rushed to my side and helped me up. “Oh my gosh! Frost I’m so sorry, I thought you were the soldiers” she said as she helped me up, I smiled at her as the pain began to subside. “Nice to see you too, River” I said as I turned to face her, instead of saying anything, she quickly threw her hooves around me and pulled me in for a hug, and as she spoke, I could hear the faintest relief and sadness in her voice.
“I’m so glad to see you Frost” she said as she pulled away, her loving smile turned into a look of concern, as she turned away briefly, a slight blush on her face. “Things have gotten crazy here, the general is convinced that the rebel organization broke you out, he’s gone crazy, and he’s interrogated all the families, your mom and your sister too” she said as she turned to face me again. Just as she did, Dust came into the room, “so I take it the stealth option didn't work” he said with a smug smile, as he patted me on the back, “yeah, not so much, River this Is Dust Wind, he’s our new friend, I’m here with Vapor and a few others, were getting you out of here, come on” before we made our way to the door, u ducked inside of the locker room and accessed my locker, just as I had hoped, my trusty axe was still on its holder. I levitated it off and hooked up the holster, giving it a few good swings around, I sighed with happiness as I slid it into the holster and returned to the others.
As we made our way to the door, I stopped and turned to River, “where are they keeping my family?” I asked her but she simply shook her head, “I’m not entirely sure, those who were related to the escapees were put under house arrest, and they had me locked up here because I was the mayor’s daughter. Please Frost, I know you don’t necessarily like my dad, but you have to check on him, the general’s been harassing him for a while. It would mean the world to me” she said in a scarred tone.
I thought for a moment, I knew I was necessarily only here for my family, and we were already taking a huge risk by saving River, but I knew I couldn't say no to a friend in need. I sighed and turned to Dust, “alright, take her to the other’s I’ll go find the mayor, and be careful you two” I said as Dust turned to River, but before they left, much to my surprise, she leaned up and pecked me on the cheek, I knew it was nothing more than a token of appreciation, but I still couldn't help but heat up a bit, a momentary bliss in a stressful night. But just as quickly as it came, it was gone, and my two friends took off into the night.
I stood there for a moment in the cold, watching them go. After they disappeared, I looked down at the holstered axe and pistol, I took a deep breath and charged off into the town, hoping that with these constant distractions, that bad luck was coming my way.
Having grown up in Ashen, I knew every single short cut that one could take to avoid the streets, which usually meant dashing through the alleys of the buildings, constantly avoiding any patrols. But as I got closer to the mayor’s house, it became harder, as the patrols became more frequent, but luckily for me, many of the soldiers could not find the source of the noises they heard as I ran through the streets, and by the time they would be at the spot of the noise, I would be a block away.
Eventually I found myself across from the mayor’s house, and much to my surprise, guards stood at every entrance of the house. But with a quick dash I quickly came into a bush that was not far from the back door, and as I peeked out, I saw one guard standing by the door, and he didn’t seem like he was going anywhere for a while. Despite not knowing much about stealth tactics, I did know the oldest trick in the book. Breaking off a large branch from the bush as quietly as possible, and levitating up a small rock up, I aimed it to bounce off the side of the house, and with a simple flick, the rock sailed through the air and clacked loudly against the house, and just as I thought, the idiot guard looked in that direction and began walking towards the source of the sound.
I quietly moved out of the bush and moved behind him, raising the branch above me, and just as he turned around, I swung as hard as I could with the levitated branch. Luckily for me, the branch was heavy enough to knock the guard out. I stood there for a moment, standing over the unconscious body of the guard, and I began to realize it, this was the second act of violence I've done to somepony in one night, despite them not being overly brutal, I still felt a shutter down my spine. After that momentary pause, I leaned down and skimmed through his cloak, and I sighed with relief as I picked up a small key ring, that I assumed was for the back door.
I quickly trotted over there, and unlocked the door, and with a steady hoof, I slowly opened the door. Just as the door was almost fully open, I heard a yell, and the next thing I knew, I was on the floor once again, a stinging sensation on the side of my face, indicating that this was the second time this night, I had been hit in the face for being everything but sneaky.
As I looked up I saw none other than the mayor himself standing over me, holding a large frying pan in his hooves. After he realized it wasn't a soldier he hit, his eyes widened in shock, “Frost Fall? What are you doing here? How did you get back into town?” he asked as he helped me up, I continued to rub the now growing sore spot on my head, as I smiled at him. “Please, I know this town like the back of my hoof, anyway, River sent me here, I just broke her out of the mill, I’m here to bring you with us” I said as I looked around the kitchen for the best possible exit. But the mayor continued to stare at me in amazement, “no Frost, you have to leave, if the General finds you here, the whole town will pay for it, and it will only make matters worse if I suddenly disappear, I have to stay for the citizens, you can take River somewhere safe from here-“ he said but was cut off my a knock on the front door.
We both snapped our heads in that direction, but the Mayor quickly turned to me, “Shit! It’s the General, you have to hide…here, in the pantry” he said as he opened the large pantry. Being the mayor of the town, he had the biggest house, his pantry was big enough to fit three ponies my size in there. He quickly shoved me in a closed the door, but not before opening the small slits in the door so I could see out, “okay, don’t make a sound, I’ll try and get him to leave” he said as he left the room, and went to open the door.
From outside the kitchen, I could hear the Mayor talking to the General, “ah General Brick, it’s good to see you again, please come in, I was just finishing up dinner” he said as they walked back into the kitchen, where the Mayor picked up the large frying pan and put it away, and turned to face the General. “It’s a pleasure to see you too Mayor Blue, but I’m not here to question you again, this is something much more serious” he said as some of the guards began to search the house. “Oh? Like what?” he asked trying to act innocent, which luckily for him, he was good at doing. The General chuckled lightly , but his face immediately turned serious, “indeed, my guards have reported that somepony has broken your daughter out of her…temporary cell, the guards said it was another pony who got the jump on them, and now she’s gone. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that?” he asked as he examined the room, even having his gaze cross the pantry door where I was looking through.
From inside the pantry, I could see the Mayor beginning to sweat, as his gaze ever so quickly glanced at me, but he straightened up and looked back at the General. “Well, I hope you don’t think I had anything to do with it, I mean, I was here” he said in a calm tone, I looked out to see the general smile at him. “Of course not, but I am here to remind you…that harboring fugitive is illegal” he said focusing on the Mayor with deadly intent. I could instantly feel my heart beat increasing, as I looked back at the Mayor who was beginning to sweat a lot more, but still the Mayor tried to defend me.
“I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about?” he said in a calm yet unnerved tone. The General merely walked up towards him, a straight expression on his face, just as the Mayor began to sink back, until they were a few inches apart. “Really? Then care to explain the unconscious guard by your back door…and the pony in your pantry” he said in a low voice. Just as he did, a large soldier pony threw open the doors and threw me into the room, I cried out in surprise as I crashed to the floor, and immediately the soldier grabbed me and hoisted me up, but still made it impossible to move.
I looked up to see the General smile and walk towards me, as he upholstered his pistol, and pointed it at me. I could feel my heart painfully knocking against me chest in panic, but the fear of having a gun in my face, somehow dulled the pain. “I remember you, you’re the young stallion that volunteered in your sister’s place, Frost Fall right?” he asked me as he moved the pistol through my mane. I would say that I refused to answer him, but truthfully, I was too scared to.
After a few seconds of silence he stood tall again, and motioned for soldiers to restrain the Mayor as well, just as they did, he frowned and turned to him. “as for you Mayor Blue, as far as I’m concerned, this counts as refusing to cooperate with a high-ranking officer of the royal army, conspiring against the royal army, freeing a condemned prisoner, and especially…harboring a wanted fugitive” he said as he walked towards him. The Mayor fear-filled eyes switched from me to the General, but he turned more towards him as the General raised the pistol to him. “And since I’m in charge of this town now, I hereby sentence you to death for treason against the kingdom…any last words” he said as he placed the pistol right next to his temple.
The Mayor eyes filled with true terror, as he looked back into mine, which had equally filled with terror, he looked away for a minute and then back at me, a stronger look on his face. “Frost…I’m sorry…please…take care of River, tell her I love her” he said as he closed his eyes, I tried to say something back, but the situation left my mouth completely dry. Suddenly, a loud bang filled the room, and the Mayor Head snapped back and the soldiers let his body fall, blood leaking from the fresh bullet wound in his head, and his body went limp, and ceased to move again.
Despite the need to look away from the horrible scene, my head was frozen in place, staring at the dead body of our town’s Mayor, the ringing from the shot still going off in my head, as the General slowly turned towards me now, raising the pistol at me this time. “As for you, normally I’m against executing such a strong young stallion, but you must understand, I can’t levy a lighter sentence just because of your age” he said, as my eyes began to tear up with fear. I tried to struggle against the soldiers, but they were trained to hold me down, and they did a damn fine job at it.
Just as the pistol was a mere few inches from my face, he stopped and turned as another soldier came running into the house. “Sir! We have…reports that…there’s a growing number of rebels outside the town!” he said in a panicked voice. As the general talked to him, I took the situation to my advantage and focused my magic. As I did, my horn began to glow very bright, forcing all the soldiers and the general to shield their eyes, with the soldiers distracted, I reared back and bucked them in the chest, knocking them both to the ground, I immediately hopped on to the table and turned to see the general raising his gun at me.
Time around me seemed to slow as I looked around for a way out, luckily for me, I saw a window right above the sink, and I eared my hooves back and jumped out, but not before I heard two loud bangs as the general’s bullets chased me out. Time returned to normal, as I crashed through the window, and rolled into the snow, I cried out as some of the sharp glass pieces cut into my leg, but not enough to cause any real damage. Before the soldiers could come out and capture me again, I got up and sprinted across the street, and ducked behind another house.
Finally ducking behind the building, I leaned up against it and stopped as the intense situation caused my breathing to become erratic, to the point where it hurt my chest. As I stood there, I heard shouting and I leaned out to see the General emerge from the mayor’s house. “Find him damn it!” he shouted at the soldiers who began to spread out, and I knew I would be caught if I stayed here longer, but then one of the soldiers asked something, “sir? What about his family?” the soldier asked, I didn't need a physic to tell me what he would say next.
“he’ll be going after his family now, get there first and burn the house down, he can’t be the only one here, in fact, burn down all the houses with ponies who were associated with the prisoner’s, bring the young ones to me” he said and the guards took off into the other part of town.
“Mom…Misty, don’t worry I’m coming!” I said as I took off after them. ________________________________________
As I raced my way through the alleys of my hometown, I felt the adrenaline rush through my veins, my hooves began to ache from the speed I was running, but the need to get to my family first drove me more. As I came to the street I lived on, I ducked into the alley and peeked out, so far nopony had arrived yet, few dim lights shown through the house, letting me know they were home. But just as I was about to move out, I felt a hoof on my shoulder, the pony grabbing me turned me around, and much to my surprise, I was staring into the smiling faces of Dust and Vapor.
I felt a momentary wave of relief wash over me, “oh it’s you guys, what did you find, is River safe?” I asked them, Dust was the first to speak up, “yes she is, turns out Iron Star sent more troops, so I left River there, and then we searched for Vapor’s dad, brought him back to camp as well, what about you?” he asked, I sighed and looked to see if the troops had arrived, but the street was still empty. “my family’s in there, the General’s ordered all the families houses to be burned down, he’s gone crazy, we have to get them out of here” I said as I turned to look at the house, but just as I did, I saw a small group of four soldiers walk up to the house, and instead of being polite, they immediately kicked in the door. Even from here I could hear the shouts of confusion from my mother, and just as they did, I saw them dragging Misty out of the house while another pony seemed to be pouring something along the porch.
Gasoline!
The shouting grew louder as my mother chased after the pony holding misty. My body tensed up, as one of the soldiers shoved my mother back into the house. Time again seemed to slow as one of the ponies struck a match and threw it on to the porch, which immediately went up in flames. “NO!!” I shouted as I charged out of the alley, I was vaguely aware of Dust and Vapor calling out to me, but I was blinded and deafened by rage. The soldiers saw me charging at them, and two of them ran off into the next street, one of them carrying a tied up Misty on their backs, while the other two turned to face me.
Time seemed to slow as I charged at them, one of them unsheathed a sword and charged at me, but unbeknownst to him, I was in no mood for that. As we got closer I ducked down, under the swing of the sword, and brought my head up under his stomach, lifting him off the ground, and throwing him a few feet away, slamming hard into the next building, instantly knocking him unconscious. The other soldier immediately charged at me, but was knocked off his hooves by the combined weight of Dust and Vapor, after tackling him to the ground, Dust delivered a hard blow to the head, which also knocked him out, I turned to them and yelled, “Go after Misty! I’m getting my mom!” I shouted, they nodded and took off down the street. I turned back to our house and saw the flames nearly making it to the second floor, knowing I wouldn't be able to go in the front, I made my way around to the side, and saw the small pile of wooden logs we had, and the window right above it.
I immediately began climbing up to the window, as I pulled up I could see inside the house, almost all the entire first floor was engulfed in flames, the smoke made it hard to see, but I could tell there was a form running around inside. Opening the window, I crawled inside the burning house, “MOM!!” I called out over the roaring flames, I continued to call out as I tried to avoid the flames, as they tried to reach out and lick my coat. After seeing the stairway collapsed, I made my way into the kitchen, when I heard a voice call out, “Frost…in…here!” I heard my mom call out.
As I entered the kitchen, I saw my mom pinned to the floor by the table, her hoof crushed under it weight, she was coughing loudly as the smoke chocked both our lungs. I ran over to her and lifted the table up as best I could, but as I was doing so, I heard a loud creaking noise, we both looked up to see the floor above us caving in.
Damn this old house!
As I continued to lift the table, my mom began to shout at me, “Frost…just go, save…yourself!” she shouted in between the intense smoke, “No! I’m not leaving you” I said as I lifted the table up, and she slowly slid out. Letting the table fall, I quickly ran to her, hoisting her on my back, I made my way to the side door, which was less consumed by flames as the front porch.
The cold night air was a huge relief on our throats and lungs, both of us still coughing to get the last of the smoke out, as I carried her to the front of the house. Finally letting the pain take over, my fore hooves gave out and I fell, my mother rolling off my, hacking her head off as she tried to adjust to the breathing.
I immediately ran over to her and hugged her, tears began filling my eyes, but she quickly pushed me away, her eyes were narrow and her breathing was slowing. “Frost…you shouldn't…have come back…for me” she said in a weak voice. I looked at her and smiled slightly, “no…I would never leave you behind, I’m here now…everything’s going to be fine” I said as my eyes watered up more, I knew I was lying to myself, but I refused to see the truth of the situation.
Her eyes began to fill with tears as she looked me in the eyes, “no Frost…it’s too late for me…” she said as she tried to speak, but the inhaling of too much smoke, must have damaged her lungs beyond repair, the tears in my eyes began to spill at her words. “no…don’t talk like that, I’ll find you a doctor, there’s ponies here who can help…please, don’t leave me alone” I said to her, she lifted her hoof to look me in the eyes, “it’s okay Frost, just…promise me…you’ll look after Misty, you all she has now. I love you both…” she said as she mouthed something else, but her voice was gone.
Her hoof fell from my face and to her side, her expression relaxed slightly as the tears spilled from her eyes, her breathing came to a stop, and I knew in my mind that she was gone now. My eyes widened in shock as I traced my hoof along her face, “Mom…no, please” I said as the tears spilled down my face in a torrent of force, she lifeless eyes continued to look at and past me, I slowly lowered my head and cried into her chest. Despite my weeping, I heard two sets of hooves come up behind me, and then a familiar female voice speak up.
“Frost…I’m so sorry, if we had gotten here in time, maybe we…” Vapor said, with a hint of sadness in her voice, I didn't need to look to know she was tearing up slightly, but as she did Dust spoke up as well. “I’m sorry…about your mother Frost, but…those soldiers got away, they…they still have your sister. They were making their way to the Town Square, if we’re going to get there in time, we need to go” he said in a calm and gentle voice.
I slowly raised my head and stood up fully, keeping my head low, I wiped the remaining tears away leaned down to close my mother’s eyes out of respect. I quickly turned and faced them, “where’s Iron Star’s troops?” I asked in a serious tone, they could see the look of pure determination in my eyes, “he’s…the troops are about a mile out, they can be here pretty quickly” Dust answered.
I looked back at my mother’s corpse briefly and then back at my friends, “alright…let’s go. I’m getting my sister back, let him know what the plan is” I said as I began walking past them. “Frost wait! We should plan this out, we can’t just charge in there” Vapor called out, making me stop in my traps. I slowly let out a shaky breath, and turned back to look at her, anger searing in my eyes, as I saw the uneasiness in hers.
“I’m not losing anypony else to that bastard…Let’s go” ________________________________________
After getting in touch with Iron Star, who had decided to bring reinforcements as back-up, luckily for us, we needed back-up badly. I had agreed to cause a distraction and give them time to get into position, as the three of us came close to Town Square, we saw that there was a large amount of soldiers going around, some of them bringing in fillies and colts from across town, and loading them into the same kind of vehicles that had taken the volunteers, except they weren't being polite, they had turned to roughly shoving the poor foals into the vehicles, without any care.
As I looked around, I saw my younger sister walking along the line, waiting to be thrown into the large vehicle. I could also see the General walking around, taunting some of the young ones, I turned away and reached up to the earpiece. “Iron Star? Are you ready?” I asked into the ear piece, there was a bit of static, but his voice answered me back. “Yes we are, we got you covered, just make sure to keep their attention on you” he said, I nodded and turned to the others, who were all watching me with concern, “alright, I’ll go and distract them, you meet with the others” I said, they both nodded, but not before Vapor pulled me into a brief hug and ran off, Dust stayed for a moment and offered me his hoof, I smiled, and shook it, before he took off in the other direction. I took a deep breath and stepped out into the square, I saw many parents of the foals crying and shouting vulgar words at the soldiers, but they knew they wouldn't be able to stop the armed soldiers. As I walked out, some of the soldiers took notice of me and stopped working, I stopped halfway into the square and called out.
“General Brick, you wanted me? Here I am!” I shouted out.
Not entirely sure how I would keep their attention on me for as long as I needed to, but I knew I would have to try, if I wanted to see my sister again. The soldiers all murmured to themselves, as they all parted and the General stepped out of the crowd, a mocking smile on his face. “Well, well, isn't this nice. So you finally worked up the guts to come forward? I suppose you’re here to turn yourself in?” he asked me. At this point many of the bystanders had gathered around to watch the developing situation.
As I looked off to the other side of the square, I saw a large group of ponies emerging from the alleys, and looking at me, some even appearing on the roofs. I smiled and looked back at the General, who clearly had no idea what he was in for. “No General, I’m here for my sister, and all the rest of these foals, whom you have so wrongly taken from their homes and families” I said as I tried to put on as good as a performance as I could get. Luckily for me, the General bought every word of it.
He began to chuckle to himself, “well, you certainly are a brave young stallion Frost, I’ll give you that. But exactly how do you plan on doing that?” he asked, just as I hoped he would. A smug smile cracked across my face and I chuckled lightly, “with some help from some new friends” I said, just as I did, a loud crack echoed across the square, as one of the soldiers head snapped back, blood splattering across the snow. This was quickly followed by more cracks as multiple rifles went off, the General and the other soldiers immediately began to scramble for cover, and I saw this as my chance to go after him.
I reared up my back hooves and took off at top speed, just as some of the other Night Ranger’s charged into the square, the soldier all began to look around in panic as an unexpected battle unfolded before their eyes. As I charged through eh group of soldiers I saw the general fighting off rebel after rebel, but luckily his back was turned at me. ________________________________________
The General cried out in surprise as I tackled him from behind, while he was exceptionally trained in hoof-to-hoof combat, having the element of surprise was a major help to me. I immediately turned him on to his stomach and repeatedly punched him in the face. I got off one or two punches before he caught my third, and reared his back hooves, delivering a hard kick to my stomach. I could feel the wind get knocked out of me as I flew off him.
Many of the other soldiers were too busy fighting off the Night Ranger assault, to care for their leader. After I was knocked off, I groaned as I sat up, not used to taking such a hit, my vision was momentarily blurry. After it cleared, I was met with a hard punch to the face, sending me to the ground again. I looked up to see the enraged face of the General, staring down at me, “you really think you can stop me, I’ve been doing this since before you were even born” he said as he lifted me up by the collar of my cloak, and reared back for another punch, sending me to the floor again.
“I was going to keep you alive and send you to the king himself, but now…I think I’ll just kill you here, but not before I take care of that bitch of a sister you have. My eyes instantly snapped open at that and I yelled out, NO!!!” I yelled as I pushed myself up and balanced on my front hooves and delivered a particularly painful buck to his face. He cried out in agony as he stumbled backwards, I immediately got up and grabbed him by the shirt and punched him in the chin, sending him to the floor.
Just as I was charging at him, he pulled out his pistol, making me stop dead in my tracks. He smiled as he pushed himself up, “that’s right Frost, never faced a pony with a pistol like this before, hope you’ve enjoyed your short life” he said as he levitated the gun up to my face. Fear filled my body as I stared down the barrel of the pistol, but just as I was doing so, I remembered I had my wood cutter’s axe, holstered at my side. I quickly levitated the blunt end and upholstered it, bringing it up between us, the General cried out in surprise as the pistol flew from his grip and landed a few feet away.
In his moment of shock, I quickly brought the blunt end across his face, knocking him to the ground with a pained scream. I immediately dove after the pistol, but I could hear the General scramble to his hooves and jump after me. For the third time that night, time seemed to slow around me.
As I dove for the pistol, I grabbed it with my telekinesis, and rolled on to my back, just in time to see the general leap at me, a look of bewildered rage on his face, I brought the pistol up and fired off two shots.
Bang. Bang.
The entire area went silent, as all the soldiers turned to look at us, my eyes were sharply closed but, since I felt no pain, I slowly began to open my eyes. The barrel of the gun was still smoking, but I looked in front of me and saw the General’s body staring at me in shock, I cried out in shock and stood up, a look of horror written on my face, as I realized what I had just done.
I had just killed a pony.
I looked down at the pistol, and quickly threw it aside. As I did, I looked around to see all the soldiers under his command stare at me with a mixture of shock and fear. One by one the soldiers slowly lowered their weapons, even those who were armed with pistols and rifles slowly dropped them. Perhaps they felt they could not fight without the command of their General, either way, the Night ranger troops quickly kicked them away.
Iron Star emerged from the crowd and walked up to me, he did his best to smile at me, as he glanced at the General’s corpse, and then back to me. I looked down in shock from what I did, knowing truly that no matter what I did, my life had changed. Iron star turned to the other troops, “those of you who were under the command of General Brick, lay down your weapons and you will not be harmed, you have my word!” he called out to the enemy soldiers. Just as they had done before, they all began to drop their weapons, un-holstering them, and throwing them to the ground. The other Night Ranger troops began to gather up the weapons, while Iron Star walked away, Dust and Vapor walked up to me. I had trouble looking them in the eyes, but I slowly willed myself to do it, and saw the comforting gaze in their eyes.
I did my best to smile, but it came out weak. “Frost!” I heard a familiar voice call out, I turned and saw Misty run at me and throw her smaller her hooves around my neck, I immediately hugged her back, as fresh tears poured from my eyes. What followed was something that surprised all of us, soon the surrounding citizens began to cheer, as all the foals were reunited with their parents. I smiled as I put my sister down, and turned to see none other than River, walk towards me. We simply stared at each other for a minute, before she suddenly pulled me into a tight hug, I was shocked at first, but I quickly hugged her back, but much to my surprise, I felt tears hit my cheek, and I could tell they were hers.
I smiled to myself, thinking that we finally had a momentary time of peace.
A pony I one knew, told me that when a pony dies, they go up into the heavens to be with their loved ones, my mother told us that we would one day see our father again, but I never truly understood what she was really saying, because I was very young, and if it weren't for the pictures we owned of him, Misty would have never even known what her father looked like.
One can never imagine the pain of having to tell your younger more innocent sibling, the fact that your mother was never coming back. Ever since out father’s death, my mother told me to be strong, strong for her, and strong for Misty. But even as I told her the truth, I could see the confusion and pain in her eyes, and it only broke my heart more. ________________________________________
That night had come with more death than any of us could have imagined, many ponies had been killed in the general’s madness, which only added to the pain many of the ponies of Ashen felt, since the big mine collapse. The ponies of Ashen are a strong community of ponies, having endured much over the decades, but a pony can only survive so many lashes that was this cruel life.
Not only was I forced to tell my younger sister, that our mother was not around anymore, but I also had to tell River that her father died. As the sadness and fear filled her eyes, I knew we were both on the same page, we had both lost our parents to tragic accidents, or malicious intent. I could tell that part of her was angry…with me, that she wanted to hold me accountable for her father’s death, and I knew I couldn't blame her. She made me promise that I would find him and save him, just as I promised I would come back for my mother.
But I had failed both of them. ________________________________________
After the remaining royal troops had fled the city, were left to clean up the mess they left behind. So many homes had been burned down, lives destroyed, generations of family memories and tradition…all destroyed in one night. Then it came to the task of burying the dead.
One can’t imagine the pain of burying one’s kin, I was young when my mother buried my father, so I had no concept of death, I simply knew I would never see him again, and the following years were just a slow descent into depression for my mother.
But the casualties were not entirely of the town, some of the brave Night Rangers who had led the charge on the soldiers, had fallen in the battle, and now it came time to give them their proper respects. The bodies of those who died, were gathered and taken to the town’s cemetery, especially those of the town, as Iron Star lead the procession, fresh graves were dug for them, despite the hard work, it was only fair that these ponies were given a proper burial. Gravestones were crafted from the unused logs from the lumber mill, and placed above each grave, and after saying their goodbyes, each pony began to leave the grounds, until I was the last one. I sat there in front of my mother’s grave, tear stains littered my cheek, as I ran out of tears hours ago, my head hung low, one hoof holding the golden medallion in it. A full day had almost past, as the sun began to set in the horizons, but the question remained on every ponies mind?
What happens now?
As the night grew closer, I heard a set of hooves walk up behind me and stop a few feet away, but I had a feeling as to who it was. “Dust I told you, I need…some time” I said as I lifted my head up, putting the medallion in my coat, but to my surprise, a different voice answered.
“I didn't come here to watch you weep over the dead” said a familiar relaxing voice, one that made my muscle’s tense up. I slowly turned around to see none other than Midnight Star, standing a few feet away, a calm yet sorrowful look on his face. My mind swarmed with questions, but I knew I could only form one at a time.
Midnight Star? What are you doing here? How did you get past Iron Star’s guards?” I asked, no turning to him halfway, as a small smile graced his lips. “You would be surprised at what I can do” he said as he frowned again, we both remained silent for a moment, before he spoke up again. “listen Frost, I came here to give you my condolence’s, I’m sorry for your loss, I truly am, but I don’t think it’s wise to stay up here and wallow in your grief, you have friends who are there for you” he said in a calm yet sorrowful tone. I chuckled lightly to myself as I turned back to the grave, “what would you know about grief? If only I had been here sooner, I…I could have saved her” I said as I lowered my head.
I could here Midnight take a step closer, but he remained silent for a moment, but he eventually spoke up, “you cannot blame yourself for something you had no power over…for something you were not meant to stop” he said. My ears perked up and I rose my head, and looked back at him, “wait…what do you mean ‘not meant to stop’?” I asked him, he sighed and looked down for a moment, removing his glasses and looking at me. “Remember the first time we met? I told you that there was a storm coming for you, I told you that things would never be the same again…this is what I meant” he said gesturing to the mass amount of graves. I fully turned to face him now, a look of confusion and growing anger on my face, “you…you knew this was going to happen, didn't you?” I asked him as I took a step forward. I could see the slightest of grimace’s form on his face, but he nodded his head. I felt my heart rate increase, as my anger began to boil up, “your mother…it was her time, just like we all face ours eventually” he said, his voice still remaining perfectly calm. I felt my eyes began to narrow as the anger boiled over.
“You bastard!” I shouted as I broke into a complete sprint, and jumped into the air, murder intent in my eyes, but much to my surprise, Midnight disappeared into a flash of black smoke, which faded into the ground, which only meant I was met with a mouthful of snow. I coughed up the snow and looked around, I looked back to see Midnight staring calmly at me, only there was a smug smile on his face. Panic and fear quickly replaced that anger as I scrambled backwards until I bumped up against a stump, I watched as Midnight took a step closer.
“nice trick isn't?” he said with a smile, I continued to try and back up, but fear held me still, only one question was on my mind in that moment. “What…what in Celestia’s name are you?” I asked with wide eyes, he simply chuckled lightly, “there’s nothing to fear Frost, and I’m not going to hurt you. As for what I am…something beyond your understanding, but you will come to understand it in time” he said as he turned away from me, “there are many things in this world that you don’t understand” he said with his back turned.
As I slowly scrambled to my hooves, the other question on my mind finally surfaced, “why? Why didn't you tell me? I could have saved her!” I shouted, but he merely turned to face me, his smile gone from his face. “I wish I could have, I really do, but it was not meant to be, you’ll find out why someday, but for now, I have another message for you, if you think things are bad now, they are only going to get worse” he said with a mysterious tone. I stood up straight, as the fear faded, and was once again replaced by anger, but not the kind of anger that would make me charge again, this was a more subtle anger.
I reached into my coat and brought out the medallion, I glared up at him, and saw the confused look on his face, “get worse huh? Well then…you can take this damn thing back, I don’t want it anymore, it’s caused me nothing but trouble…and grief” I said as I threw the medallion at him, but he made no move to catch it as it landed in the snow. He looked from me to the medallion. The smile appeared on his face again as he levitated the medallion off the ground and wiped it clean, and slowly walked over to me. I felt my muscle’s tense up again as he stood a foot in front of me.
“you don’t’ get it, do you? You’re a part of something bigger now, something that will decide the fate of Equestria for generations to come. I know you've come to see this medallion as a curse, but you’ll soon find it to be a sign of something greater. I know you have many questions, but they will be answered, and you’ll get them from the leader of the Night Ranger’s, he will have the answers you seek. It is time we part ways for now Frost, but we shall meet again” he said as he the medallion in my hooves, and turned away. I calmly looked down at the medallion and sighed before putting it back in my coat.
I looked up to say something, but much to my surprise again, he was gone, no sign he was even here, not even hoof prints in the snow. I looked around in all directions, but saw no sign of him, my only greeting was the chilly night air, as the moon begun it’s ascension into the sky. I shuddered slightly and made my way back to the square. ________________________________________
After the attack from the royal soldiers, many of those who had lost their homes to the fires, had been placed in tents brought by Iron Star, and the other Ranger’s. I walked up to one of the many fire pits, and saw all my friends gathered around them, I cleared my throat and they turned to look at me.
I did my best to give them a warming smile, and I was thankful that they gave me warming smiles as well, as Dust cleared a spot next to him. I sighed as I sat down on the mat, and warmed my front hooves with the fire, but I could tell they were both staring at me, “so…how you holding up?” Dust asked with a calming tone, I knew he was simply trying to be a good friend. “I don’t know…it’s going to take some time, but…I have to be strong, for Misty…and you guys” I said turning to them with a smile, as they turned back to the fire. But there was one pony among my circle of friends, whom I didn't see by the fire.
“Hey, where’s River?” I asked them, but this time it was Vapor’s turn to talk, “oh her…she’s out at her house, trying to salvage some of the rubble. Much to my surprise that night, the general had ordered the mayor’s house to be burned as well, but since it was one of the more well built houses in town, it took less damage before we put the fire out.
I looked away for a minute and then stood up, clearly she had been there for a while, and even though I might be the last pony she would want to see, I still needed to talk to her. “I’m going to go find her” I said as I walked off into that part of town, I could hear my friends move to stop me, but they stopped as I walked on. ________________________________________
Most of the houses on this side of town, had been untouched by the fire, all except for the mayor’s house which was covered with charred wood and pieces of wood that littered the lawn. Part of the roof had caved in on the second floor, I sighed and pulled my coat over as I walked up to the door, seeing it slightly ajar, I reached out and pushed the door open.
The front room was littered with more wood, burn marks across the once neatly polished wood floor, pictures had fallen from the wall, as well as shattering across the floor. I listened as I heard light steps across the floor above me, I calmly walked to the stairs, and called up. “River? You here?” I asked up as the steps stopped, I knew it was a stupid question to ask, but it was all I was capable of forming.
In a minute she appeared at the top of the stairs, her mane was not as neat and brushed as it usually was, and her eyes filled with sorrow and tiredness, much like the other residents of town, dry tear marks littered her cheeks. “oh…it’s you Frost” she said as she walked down the stairs, a small bag of things floating behind her, I said nothing as she walked past me and into the living room, but I knew she was expecting me to say something, so I went along with it.
“Listen River…I know you've probably heard this a thousand times already, but…I’m so sorry. I know how you feel, we both lost both our parents” I said, but she just continued to have her back to me, not saying a word, so I merely continued. “I know I’m probably the last pony you want to talk to right now, but I just want you to know, that I’m here for you, and you have other friends who are willing to stand by you” I said as she slightly turned her head to look at me, but still…she remained silent.
I sighed heavily and nodded, and made my way to the door, but not before I looked back at her one last time, “you know…before he died, you father wanted me to tell you, that he loves you…I just thought you would want to know that” I said before I opened the door and walked out into the night.
As I walked across the lawn, I heard her call to me, “Frost…wait” she said as I turned to see her trot up to me, she had a concerned look on her face, but she walked up to me and looked into my eyes, her normal blue eyes, now red from crying. “I’m sorry too, I never should have acted the way I did to you, I know you tried your best, and that you were powerless to stop the General, but…I’m just so angry…and sad, that our whole life here is gone, our homes and loved ones, there never coming back” she said as tears began to well up again. But then I did something that I didn't expect to.
I hugged her.
My hooves wrapped around her shoulders, I could hear her gasp slightly, but much to my surprise she wrapped her hooves around me as well, the wetness of tears falling on to my shoulder, as she wept slightly, while I simply closed my eyes. “I’m sorry for the way I acted to you before you left, it wasn't right. I was just so scared of losing one of my best friends…I couldn't handle it. Now…I lost my father, I…don’t know what to do with myself now” she wailed into my shoulder, soaking my coat in her tears.
A few minutes past before she quieted down and finally pushed away, before I smiled and lifted her eyes up to mine, “it’s okay, I know what you’re going through, I know what it feels like to think you've let somepony down, I promised my mother I would come back for her…but I failed her. But she made me promise to be strong…for Misty, and that’s what I’m going to do. We can help make a difference now, with the help of the Night Ranger’s, we can make sure nopony else has to feel this kind of pain” I said as we looked each other in the eyes, and I realized now was my chance to act.
“Come with us River…with the Night Ranger’s. They can help us, with them we can help make a difference, we can stop things like this for happening, we can help ponies live better lives, please…I promised your father I would be there for you…please, don’t make me lose somepony else close to my heart” I said with a frown on my face, she stared at me a for a moment, and then looked around. I could tell she was deep in thought, pondering what I asked her, and how could I blame her? I was asking her to leave her old life behind, to tread a more dangerous path, but at least she would have friends.
After a few minutes of silence passed before she looked up at me again, a small smile gracing her lips, she nodded her head slightly, “okay, but I have to take care of some things here first, I’ll meet you back at camp…and Frost?” she said as she leaned closer in, and much to my surprise, she kissed me on the cheek. I immediately felt my cheeks set on fire with blush, but she simply smiled at me and turned around, but not before looking back at me again, “…thank you, for everything” she said as she headed back into the house. ________________________________________
The next came with a bigger surprise. As every pony was waking up and making their way to breakfast, much too every ponies surprise, Iron Star made his way to the front of the crowd and stood on top of a small box, so that he could see all the ponies, he cleared his voice and spoke up.
“Attention Every pony! I have something to say, please gather around me!” he said in a commanding yet calm voice, which indicated his true leadership skills. All the ponies stopped what they were doing and flocked over to him, I merely walked over with my friends followed in suit. As every pony gazed up at him, he cleared his throat once more, and began to speak.
“I know many of you have lost your loved ones to this madness, but I believe it is time that we think of moving on. Many of you may not believe it, but those troops will return here, and the King will reign down his own terror on Ashen. Your best hope of survival…is to leave” he said, as many gasps and small conversations broke out over the crowd, but he simply raised his hoof, and they all slowly fell silent.
“Many of you may be wondering, where it is you will go in this time of desperation. But I want you all to know, that there will always be a spot for you among the Night Ranger’s. but the choice is completely yours, the path you take now will be your own, you can choose to join with us, and make sure that no more pain like this can befall the ponies of Equestria, or you can move on with your lives in peace and safety” he said in a calm and confident tone.
I knew he was only expecting me and my friends to join him after this false quest, but he could have never possibly imagined an entire town of now refugees could possibly join the ranks of the rebellion. At first nopony came up to speak, but slowly a young stallion whom I went to school with, slowly made his way out of the crowd, many of the ponies eyed him suspiciously, but he stopped in the center and looked up at Iron star, a look of determination on his face.
“I’ll go with you”
Many of the ponies in the crowd gasped, but he held firm, soon many other ponies both mares and stallions stepped forward, some of them entire families, others were slowly coming out. I looked up to see Iron Star’s smile widening as all the new volunteers, and I could have sworn I saw a tear in his eye.
But he cleared his throat again, and spoke up, his smile quickly fading. “But…it is only fair to warn you…that this is a very dangerous path you are taking, and that many of you may not live to see the end of our conflict, this is your chance to leave and live a normal life for your families, remember…the choice is fully yours to make. Those of you who still wish to fight, shall come with me, I have signaled an airship to pick us up here. Now is your chance to gather your belongings and to get ready” he said as he stepped off, many of the ponies remained firm, with not a single pony leaving their spot, it was obvious that these ponies wanted to take the fight to the king himself, and they wouldn't be deterred by fear any longer.
I felt myself smile as I thought of this as the dawn of a new age in Equestria, the day that would mean the end of fear under the Red Spear Regime, a sign that not all ponies were willing to just sit on the sidelines. ________________________________________
A few hours had passed as many of the ponies who volunteered, which had turned out to be the majority of the town, with only a few who packed up their things and left earlier. After saying goodbye to their loved ones, they all gathered around and given their names and any other information that Iron Star required.
After he had finished with his tiring task, I calmly walked up to him, a small smile on my face, he turned to me and shook his head. “You have that look on your face” he said with a smile of his own, I simply shrugged my shoulders, surprisingly this was the first time I was truly smiling on the inside as well. “Well…it’s just that…who knew such an outcome like this would happen. I mean, look at all these new recruits you have. Bet you never saw that coming?” I said with a humorous tone. But before he answered a heavy droning filled the air as a large black shape began to fill the sky, as a it crested over the lumber yard.
He looked up and smiled at it, “indeed…I’m a strong believer in the idea, that no matter how bad things may get, something good can always come out of it” he said as the large airship slowly descended towards the town.
The loud engines of the airship roared to life as the ship slowly took off from the town of Ashen. Those who had not decided to go with us, had left the town before us, leaving just the Ranger volunteers. Soon the town was cleared of personal possessions, as we all gathered inside the airship, which was now slowly moving away for our once peaceful home.
My friends and I had gathered on the bridge, while many of the others, had been taken down to the holds, which instead of being used for prisoners, was used to house them for the trip. Since the ship wasn't particularly big, some of the crew of the ship had been forced to share with the recruits.
As the ship slowly moved up into the clouds, I saw River walk over to the widow and look out as the town we had come to love and cherish, disappeared behind the clouds. I calmly walked up to her, and placed my hoof on her shoulder, she looked up at me, she wasn't crying, but I could still see the pain in the back of her eyes, she sighed and looked away, placing her hoof over mine.
After that I walked away and over to Iron Star, who was standing in the captain’s spot, looking over the various crew members as they operated the ship, making sure everything was functioning properly. I was mostly amazed by the fact that the Night Ranger’s even had their own airships, so I walked up and asked him. “So…where did you guys get these, I mean, these look like some of the royal airships that I've read about” I said, Iron Star chuckled and turned to me. “Well…our leader knew we would be at a disadvantage against the royal army, so over the decades, we have acquired some of their ships as well as the schematics” he said with a sly smile. I smiled back, but then their leader drifted back into my mind.
“So…who is this leader of yours, North Star? You've been very vague about him” I said, his eyes widened slightly, but he smiled nonetheless, “our leader is a very strong and wise pony, he’s been with us since the beginning of the Night Ranger’s, we all look up to him, and trust me, he’ll have the answers you seek” he said in a confident tone. I shrugged at his words, but something didn't come off as logical in his statement about their leader. Iron Star said he’s been there since the beginning, and according to him, the Night Rangers have been around since shortly after Red Spear took over.
That would have to make him…immortal or something, but I knew that was impossible. The only ones who were immortal, were the four princess’s, and they were all dead or missing.
But finally my gaze turned to the front window, which was large enough to see for almost a full 180 degree angle around the room. The clouds calmly swirled around us, as the engines propelled us along, we were too high up to notice where we were above the country.
“So…where are we headed, you said something about a monastery?” I asked him, he smiled again and turned to me. “Yes I did, the monastery was completely abandoned when the first Night Ranger’s arrived, but we quickly made it, and the surrounding valley into a thriving community. For many of us, it’s our home, and luckily our leader has kept us safe, so far the king has yet to find our home, but even if he did, we would die to defend it, just you almost did for yours” he said with a smile, I grinned back but it quickly faded. ________________________________________
A few hours passed as the airship grew ever closer to the northern mountains, only a little over a hundred miles from the ruins of the Crystal Empire. As I sat with my friends talking with them, Iron Star approached us, and we all stood up, a smug grin on his face. “Mares and Gentlecolts, may I present to you, the Night Ranger monastery” he said as he gestured to the front window. We all turned to see the clouds clear, revealing large valley, carved into the mountains, the early morning light shined over the mountains, casting come parts of the valley in shadow. The mountains were not particularly large in this part of the range, but they offered enough protection to keep them safe.
To the right, made of stone and majorly built into the side of the mountain itself, and old monastery stood tall over the valley, as many pegasi fly around the mountains. Iron Star walked up to the radio and pressed the button, “come in valley tower, come in, this is the Night Sky, asking permission to land, over” he said into the microphone, there was a brief amount of static, before another younger male voice responded. “Copy that Night Sky, you are cleared for landing…welcome home” the voice replied, Iron Star smiled and switched the channels, to ship-wide broadcast.
“Attention crew and passengers, we will be making our landing shortly, please gather all of your belongings, and make your way to the back entrance” he said into the mic, before letting go of the button and walked over to us, motioning for us to follow. ________________________________________
As we all gathered at the ship’s entrance, there was a loud hiss, as the ramp began to lower, when it was low enough, a bright light filled the deck, forcing all of us to cover our eyes. As we slowly made our way off the airship, our eyes began to adjust to the light, as we got to the bottom, we felt concrete on our hooves, shortly after, our vision returned, as our eyes focused on the amazing sight around us.
Iron Star was right when they said they had built a small community around the valley. Small homes and shops were all around the valley, as ponies went about their daily lives, ponies of all ages and races lived her. I turned to look at Iron Star, who had a smug smile on his face, he walked up my friends and I, “come on, you’ll have a chance to look around later, our leader wants to meet you” he said as we made our way off the airfield, and around the small town that had sprung up.
As we walked, my friends and I looked around in awe and amazement, “I can’t believe there are so many here, living such normal lives” River said as we walked along, Iron Star chuckled at her comment, “indeed, this monastery serves as a sanctuary for those who have been uprooted by the king, but all these ponies contribute to the cause in some way, some of them may be questionable, but their service helps greatly” he said as we came into the large courtyard, the monastery protruding from the mountain-side.
We saw all sorts of ponies walking around the courtyard, either doing training exercises or simply enjoying times with those close to them, but our destination lied inside the building. As we approached a large wooden door, the knobs became enveloped by some magical aura, and slowly pulled inward, as we crossed the threshold, we saw two guards dressed in what looked like traditional lunar guard armor from the old days, which only added to my already growing curiosity.
As they walked up to us, Iron Star stepped forward, “we are here to see the commander, we have the medallion-wielder with us, I believe she is expecting us” he said, the two guards smiled and gave and ever so slight bow, in my direction. “it is an honor to finally meet you medallion-wielder, the commander is expecting you, please come with us” they said as they turned and made their way down one of the many halls, Iron Star motioned for us to follow him, and we moved down the hall. ________________________________________
After a series of stairs and elevators, we arrived at what we assumed was the top floor of the monastery, which also appeared to be at the top of the mountain, which we could tell, wasn't accustomed to modern technology, but we came to a short hallway, decorated my old tapestries, that showed the two royal sisters on each side. Candles lit the hallway, despite not having electricity, the candles provided more than enough light for us to see.
As we walked up, we saw two more guards, wearing the same old armor as the two that greeted us, they simply nodded and pushed the door open, we stopped as Iron Star turned to us with a more serious face, “a bit of advice, be honest with her, you would be amazed at what she knows” he said to us, but we all looked at him with a confused glance. “She? I thought North Star was a stallion?” I said, but he merely stared at, and then motioned for us to enter.
My friends and I simply exchanged confused looks, but we slowly made our way into the room, Iron Star slowly followed after us. At first, we couldn't see the inside, but as we walked in, the door slowly closed behind us, as the room came into better vision. The room we had entered slowly came into light, revealing a large circular room, decorated all across with bookshelves climbing to the ceiling, which was much taller than either of us could expect. Old Equestria tapestries hung from some of the walls, some indicating the old princess’s, Luna and Celestia, while others indicated the castle of Canterlot, and the Crystal Empire, back in its glory days. As we looked up to the ceiling, we saw a large circular window at the top, shining down some of the morning light into the room.
Finally, our gaze drifted to the large pony at the other end of the room, hunched over a large desk, shrouded in a large cloak. As we stood there in confusion, the pony stood up fully and turned to face us, their face was covered by the hood, preventing us from seeing it, we watched as Iron Star stepped in front of us and gave a slight bow, before turning to us with a grin on his face. “May I present our esteemed commander…North Star” he said, as the pony reached up and removed the hood.
I could tell all our breath’s seized up as we stared into the face of a pony, none of us could have imagined to be alive, her coat was a deep midnight blue, just as they sky was at night, her mane resembled that of the starry night sky, and flowed without any help from wind. Without a word, she slowly spread out a pair of beautiful majestic wings, which nicely complemented the horn on her head. She stood taller than anypony in the room, but not as tall as her older sister, but she appeared taller than the old depictions of her, but a few decades was not much in the life of an…Alicorn.
I stuttered as her name rose up in my throat, but eventually her name passed through my lips.
My friends and I simply stared in shock and amazement, as the one and only, Princess Luna herself, stood before us, a calm yet graceful look on her face. “b-but I don’t understand…your North Star?” I asked in shock, as my friends look just as confused as I did, the Princess smiled and walked down to me, she towered over me by a few inches, but that only added to her grace and beauty. “I can see you are confused, but I assure you, I am here to answer your questions” she said in an elegant and graceful voice, one that could soothe anypony in distress.
I simply stared at her, many questions swirling in my mind, it was hard to pick the right one, but I finally settled with the best I could think of. “How? How is this possible? All those stories…they said you died along with Princess Cadence and Shining Armor in the defense of the Crystal Empire” I said to her, she offered me a calming smile, “the stories you have been told all your life…are the stories that Red Spear wants you to hear, but I can assure you, many of which are false” she said as she turned away and began circling my friends and I.
“For decades now, Red Spear has managed to find a way to keep our existence a secret, and since we have not been able to stage an effective stance against his rule, he has been able to silence our existence, severely limiting our way of bringing in new recruits, but…thanks to your actions in Ashen, Red Spear has lost one of his General’s, and given us a fresh new batch of true patriots” she said as she finished walking around us and stopping in front of me, but not before frowning slightly at me.
“iron Star also informed me…that you lost your mother to that fight, I know it may not mean much coming from me, but I know what it feels like to lose those close to me, I lost my sister to this war, just like many ponies here” she said with a warming smile. Not to say that my friends didn't give me enough support, but the way she smiled…filled me with confidence.
I smiled and nodded, “thank you, your highness” I said in a formal tone, she simply scoffed and stepped back, “please…I do not deserve such a title, I am no longer a true princess. While it’s true, royal blood flows through my veins, my word carry’s no weight with the populace” she said, I stared at her in shock, she was truly noble to understand the predicament she was in, I simply nodded and looked around the room. “What is this place?” I asked, looking back at her.
She smiled at me and sighed, “This was an old abandoned monastery where a group of monks would study the night sky, and this room was the leader’s private observatory. After I felt the Crystal Empire with the first of what would become the Nigh Rangers, we found this place after days of hiking, we thought this would make a temporary base of operations, but this quickly grew into our home, and our community thrived, free of fear from the king” she said with a proud smile.
Finally came the question that I had been wanting to ask for the longest time, now, but much to my surprise, I couldn't find the right words. I felt a hoof on my shoulder, I looked up to see River smiling at me, her comforting gaze, helped my confidence to rise up. I took a deep breath and reached inside my coat, sighing heavily as I took out the golden medallion, Luna’s eyes widened instantly at the sight of it, I lifted it up in front of me, “Iron Star said you can help me find out why this was sent to me. Can you?” I asked her, with a look of determination and desperation on my face. I had lost so much already, my mother, my life, my home, and it all came down to this question.
Luna took a step forward, her gaze fixed on the medallion, as if it was entrancing her. “So it is true, I knew I could trust you Iron Star” she said as she reached for it, but my to her surprise, I stepped back a little bit, both Luna and Iron Star looked at me with shocked expressions. “Hold on…the legend says that each of the princess’s was given on of these, where’s yours?” I asked her, she simply stood there for a minute, but she smiled and chuckled lightly.
“I can see the suspicion in your eyes, but you need not be afraid, you and your friends are safe in this place, I do not wear mine at all times usually, but I have it here” she said as she walked back to the desk she was standing in front of as we walked in. she calmly levitated something out and walked back to me, an exact same copy of my medallion dangling in front of me, the sight simply dazzled me, she smiled and spoke up. “This was the medallion I was given, these artifacts are very powerful and very mysterious, but they possess a powerful type of magic, many ponies believe that the Elements of Harmony are the most powerful objects to exist, but that is not entirely true, the pony who made these, enchanted these medallions with a powerful magic, that can only be unlocked after the wearer realizes the virtue that this medallion represents” she said as she placed hers over her neck. We all watched in awe as the engraving on the medallion changed to that of her cutie mark, she smiled at our amazement.
“This is what happens when you realize the virtue that your medallion represents, I realized mine many years ago, before the war happened. Tell me Frost, have you actually worn the medallion yet?” she asked, then the realization it me, I had never actually put on the medallion on, not once since I received it, I looked up at her and shook my head. She smiled and gestured for me to try, I looked at it and then to my friends, they seemed to share my concern, but they all did their best to give me the determination I needed, with the support of my friends, I looked at the medallion and took a deep breath.
Ii slowly placed the medallion over my neck, and dropped it to hang there. Just as I did, a faint glow emitted from the medallion, as a strange sensation flowed through me. Apparently, I wasn't the only one who saw the glow, because Iron Star and my friends were all looking around in amazement, It felt like a strange force was flowing through my veins. After what felt like longer time, the glowing died down as the force settled in my mind, immediately causing me to rub it, at once all my friends surrounded me, “you okay Frost?” Vapor asked in a concerned voice.
I shook my head and turned to them, smiling, “yeah, I feel fine…strangely enough” I said as Luna took a step towards me, a wide smile on her face, “congratulations Frost Fall, this day marks a new chapter in equestrian history, this changes everything” she said in an amazed tone, it didn't take a genius to hear the pure excitement in her voice, I could tell she was waiting a long time for this moment, and she made no attempt to hide it. I looked over at Iron Star and saw the relieved look on his face, I gave a sigh of relief myself as I looked up at the former Princess.
“What…what happens now?” I asked, Luna took a step towards me, “now…you begin your training, Iron Star will show you to your living quarters here in the monastery” she said with a smile, as she nodded to him. He nodded back and motioned for us to follow, as we made our way out, I glanced back to see Luna walk into the other room, but not before flashing me a look of gratitude.
After our unique meeting with one of the former rulers of Equestria, Iron Star escorted us to our rooms below. Since we were all to train in the Monastery, just like all the new recruits were to do. After making our way down a few floors, we were shown to our rooms, which were surprisingly cozy and comforting. Each of the rooms, was decorated with a large bed, enough to hold two full grown ponies, each of them had their own bathroom, wardrobe and large window that looked out over the valley.
After we were left alone, I immediately went about my room, examining my new surroundings. I went about the room, packing what clothes I had into the wardrobe, I went over and leaned on the bed. Much to my surprise, the bed was the most comfortable that I had ever slept on, the bed I had shared with my sister back in Ashen, was comfortable for what it was, but that was because I had never really experienced anything better.
As for the younger of the population of Ashen, they had been given the choice, to join the younger Night Ranger’s where they would be trained from an early age to be any sort of help to the cause, whether it was on the front lines or simply being a radio operator, or they could choose to take part in helping the community to grow, by helping all of those who were not of the Ranger’s.
Whether or not I agreed with it, Misty choose to join the Night Ranger’s and fight for the cause, I assumed she was simply trying to get on my good side, but I couldn't help but be cautious, I was all she had now. The day went by with a simple rundown of the various facilities of the Monastery. Which included a grand dining hall, which was filled with large tables, where all the new initiates would eat and chat with their friends. There was also a large training room, filled with all sorts of training exercises for all three races, as well as an indoor garden where many ponies could go and relax, and finally a large library filled with books from all across the world, where the initiates could go and study, for pleasure or for study.
My friends and I were amazed at the thriving community that nopony could have ever thought of, how despite that many of these ponies had been uprooted by the King’s army, but they had managed to move on from their old lives and find a place to thrive among the Night Ranger’s, from the way Iron Star explained it, much of the way of life these ponies lived, was how they lived in the old days, long before Red Spear.
After this long tour, we were escorted back to our rooms, which had been spread out through the whole floor we were on, so that we could still visit each other’s rooms. After feeling the exhaustion finally hit me, I made my way to the bed, I sighed as I removed the medallion from around my neck and stared at it for a while. My mind drifted back to what happened with Luna’s medallion, how the image changed to that of her cutie mark, but mine did not, but after a yawn interrupted my thoughts, I placed the medallion in the drawer of the nightstand. I quickly pulled the covers over me and stared at the ceiling.
My mind drifted back to everything that had happened with the past few days. My mother was gone, my home was destroyed, and I was forced into a war I really wanted nothing to do with, but I knew that they needed my help, and I would be damned before I let anypony else feel the pain I felt. With that thought in my mind, I slowly drifted off into sleep. ________________________________________
The next day came with a particularly interesting surprise, as I woke up, feeling I got a better sleep than I ever did before, thanks to an extremely comfortable bed, and washed up for the day. The plumbing in the Monastery proved to be functioning properly, which surprised since the structure was so old, and still managed to have a functioning water system.
After I finished my shower and other preparations for the day, I made my way down to the large mess hall, where I met up with my friends for breakfast. As I walked along, levitating my tray of freshly prepared hay pancakes, I saw my friends waiting for me at the table, they smiled and waved to me as I sat down next to them, River and Vapor on one side, Dust and I on the others. We simply sat there chatting about what we thought of the place so far, even though we had barely been there a day. Our conversation slowly drifted to more about what we thought our training was going to be, but we had no idea what we were truly in for.
As we talked we saw Lieutenant Arrow walk up to us, a look of malicious amusement on his face, we all stopped and watched as he stood at the edge of the table. “ah glad I could find you, I’m just here to inform you that Iron Star wishes to see you in the Armory, if I were you, I wouldn't keep him waiting” he said as his gaze slowly drifted over to me. We all exchanged concerned looks, “why in the Armory?” River asked him, he turned to her and smiled, “because…you’ll be picking out your weapons today” he said as he turned and walked away, but not before giving me a certain glare, that nearly sent a chill down my spine.
We all turned to look at each other, we sighed and slowly got up and made our way to the Armory. ________________________________________
After successfully making our way through the maze of halls that was the Monastery, we arrived at the armory, where all the ponies’ weapons were kept. As we walked in we saw Iron Star standing by the residential blacksmith, who was standing in front of the large furnace where he made freshly made weapons each day for the new initiates, the furnace seemed relatively low on fire, mainly because not many new initiates were coming in, only those who had grown up here in the community.
Much to our surprise, Luna was standing there as well, smiling as we entered the room, as we did Iron Star turned to us, “ah there you four are, glad you can finally make it, I hope you rested well, because you’ll be achingly sore by the time you’re done” he said with a smile that only made us more uncomfortable.
As we came fully into the room, the blacksmith removed their face plate, revealing a young unicorn mare, with a light pink coat, almost to the point of it being tan, and a light blue mane, but what was really surprising was that she appeared slightly taller than us, not by much, but if you put me or Dust beside her, she would come off as a few inches taller than us, since Stallions are particularly larger than mares.
She smiled warmly at us, her mane was tied back behind her head, as for it not to catch fire, as we approached her, Luna stepped forward, “may I introduce Aurora Melody, our finest and quite frankly only blacksmith, but she puts her heart into her work, making some of the finest weapons and armor that we use in our cause” she said with a proud smile.
The young mare walked up to us, smiling as she extended her hoof out in greeting. Smiled as I shook her hoof, “it’s a pleasure to finally meet you Frost Fall, I've heard much about you, I really do hope you can help us, we’ll need it” she said with warming smile, we all nodded and shook her hoof one by one.
As I studied her a bit closely, she didn't come off as a blacksmith, but of a fighter herself. “Aurora, don’t take this the wrong way, but you don’t seem like blacksmith material, what made you want to start doing this?” I asked her, she smiled and glanced at Luna who simply nodded at her, “well, I've always loved to craft things, ever since I was a young filly, my parents were killed by the king’s army, so now I do what I can to make sure we win this war” she said with a confident smile.
After that Iron Star took a step forward, “alright then, since you four are going to be Night Ranger’s, each of you will be allowed to customize your weapon, whatever it is, Aurora can build it, she’s a master of the craft, so take a look around, see what you are comfortable with, and then we will move on to firearms” he said, and we all split up around the room, examining the various weapons on the racks. They had everything from swords, axes, and even pole arms, but none of them seemed to spark my interest, but as I examined them, I remembered what Iron Star said about picking what you’re comfortable with, and then the thought hit me.
I calmly turned around and walked up to the three, “sorry to interrupt, but you said to pick something you’re comfortable with, well…I always used my trusty woodcutters axe, you think that could be modified into a real weapon?” I asked, Iron Star and Aurora looked surprised at first, but he turned to her and smiled, she simply brought her hoof up to her chin. “Hmm, I never really have turned an ordinary working tool into a weapon, I’ll have to see it, you have it with you?” she asked me, my eyes lit up as I nodded. ________________________________________
After making the exhausting trip back up to my room, I returned to the Armory, the axe levitating in my grip, I watched as her magical aura enveloped it and she brought it over to her workbench, and began to study it. We watched for a moment, but she turned to me levitating the axe in front of her, “well…it would be possible, but I’ll have to give it a new blade, better grip, and a longer stock, that okay with you?” she asked with a smile. I smiled back and nodded, she nodded and made her way over to the furnace.
She slipped the helmet over her head, and threw more coals into the fire, and pressing a small pedal on the floor, the fires breathed up and down as the furnace roared to life. ________________________________________
It had taken a few hours, and while I waited for mine to be done, my friends had already chosen their weapons. Dust had taken a mobile pole arm, one that was designed to be fast like a Pegasus was, Vapor took a large crossbow, accompanied with a dagger for close combat, and River had taken the duel scimitars that she could levitate and fight with, each of their weapons was specifically designed to be used by all races, Iron Star took them into the training room to see how they liked their weapons. But mine had yet to be done.
I watched as Aurora slaved over the hot fire, she broke off the dull axe head, i watched in ae as she took out a set of dark metallic bars to smelt, and that she would mold into a sharp axe. I watched a she went hard to work on making a more durable and light handle for it, so that it would be easy to use with levitation. Soon it came as she poured the searing hot liquid metal into the axe molding, and then attached it to the handle, which had been elongated and turned from simple wood, to a hard iron grip, that nopony could understand.
Another hour had passed before she pulled out the blazing hot metal piece of equipment and dumped it in the water, creating a loud hissing sound, as steam filled the room. I watched as she removed the now sleek black metal weapon of death. She walked over to her workbench and encased the handle in a more flexible material, but would still allow it to withstand the heaviest blows and not shatter.
She turned to me with the proudest of smiles as she levitated up my new weapon, which looked nothing like it had before. “may I present to you, your new axe, made from the hardest crystal of the northern mountains, of course your friends weapons will be made of this to, should they choose to keep them” she said as she walked over to a small piece of wood that was used for examples, as she readied it into a fighting position, she gave the wood a quick swipe.
The blade went through the wood, but nothing happened at first, but I watched in amazement as the wood slowly slid of in a diagonal angle, a clean cut on the wood. I watched in awe as Aurora turned to me with a grin, “this blade is made from a metal found in the mountains north of the Crystal Empire, it has magic properties that make it both the one of the strongest metals known, and also the lightest, so you can do things like…this!” she said as she reared back and threw the axe across the room, I watched with wide eyes as the axe sunk a direct bulls eye in the target she had placed in the room. I looked back at her in awe and saw the look of amusement on her face.
I looked at her with a smile, “the metal is called Heart Stone, and the ponies of the Crystal Empire believe that the metal was formed from some of the Crystal Heart. Sadly, the king makes ponies dig for this stuff in New Canterlot, but with your help, we can stop that” she said with a firm but calming smile.
We both heard a chuckling from the door, we both looked to see Luna standing in the doorway. “I see you have enjoyed your weapon, but I’m afraid Aurora tends to show off with her skills” she said as she magically pulled the axe from the target and walked over to me, levitating it to me. I smiled and took it from her, and holstered it in the new harness Aurora also made for me.
After that she frowned slightly, “well, now that you and your friends have chosen your weapons, it’s time you train with them. Aurora here, shall train you to use your weapon properly, and before you question her, Aurora has proven that she is one of our most skilled fighters, and she can teach you everything she knows” she said, I looked back at Aurora who smiled and winked at me, but Luna quickly cleared her throat, and I turned back to her.
“also…since you wield the fifth medallion, you must learn how to properly use it’s magic, normally I wouldn't intervene with the training of the initiates, but since you are different from them, mind you this doesn't mean you are better than they are, and that you get better treatment, this only means…” she said as she gazed down at me.
A few weeks before my life changed forever, if a pony had come up to me and said that in a few months’ time, I would be a part of a massive rebellion movement, bent on fighting against the tyranny of Equestria’s king, I would have assumed they were crazy and walked away. But, here I stand now, a young stallion who had lost so much, and gained little in return, on the verge of completing my training, to become a fully inducted Night Ranger.
Funny how life can change so easily. ________________________________________
The training my friends and I had gone through, was rigorous beyond imagining. We were told that most ponies had spent their entire lives training with their teachers to fully commit to the cause. But here is stood, on the brink of what some many ponies craved their entire lives. I would be lying if I didn't feel concerned that some of the other initiates had been harboring jealousy towards and friends and I, but luckily for us, they never acted on it.
The physical training with Aurora Melody and Iron Star had been a great strain on our bodies, but the results had been worth it. Not that any of us were in bad shape, but having spent a few good years working in the lumber business, had done its job on keeping me fit, but the hard work had helped us build up our body’s even more, but not to the point where we were literally walking piles of bulging muscles, but enough for us to thrive as a Ranger.
The Magical training that River and I went through, was a strain of the mind and body, as many ponies know, if overworked in magic, it can cause strain on their body, and actually kill them if not tended to. But as we trained with Luna, our prowess in magic had gained drastically, as she taught many great lessons on the true power of magic.
The way she taught us, was the old way of magic, the way she learned. She would tell us that magic is the life blood of Equestria, and that even though we may not see it, all races of ponies used magic. Pegasi with their ability to manipulate clouds to their will, earth ponies with their incredible strength and endurance to till the land, and of course, unicorns, who were the only race that was able to directly access magic, and mold it to their use. ________________________________________
As I stood in middle of the main sparing arena, centered in the middle of the main training hall, I looked around to observe my surroundings, nopony else aside from my friends were around the room. That and my three opponents, all standing at a different angle. I looked around and shifted in my new set of armor that Aurora had made for me, made from the same material as my axe. Aurora stood to my left, Iron Star in front of me, and Luna to my right, my axe attached to my side.
My friends look on with intrigued looks, they had all already passed their final tests, and were on their way to full Ranger hood, leaving just me. Both Iron Star and Aurora readied their weapons, while Luna’s horn glowed brightly, I could feel the sweat trickle down my face, waiting for their next moves.
Then, in one quick instant, Aurora and Iron Star charged at me, their swords at the ready, I narrowed my eyes, and levitated out my axe. As Iron Star leaped into the air, sword pointed directly at me, I rolled to the side and watched as his sword struck the ground and got stuck temporarily, bringing up my hoof, I punched him in the jaw, not hard enough to cause any real damage, but enough to knock him away. But before could do anything, Aurora jumped from behind, but instead of rolling out of the way, I turned and raised my axe up, there was a sharp clang as her sword came down on my handle. The force of her collision, knocked me down slightly, but I stood up and attempted to overpower her, but her superior skill was more than I could handle, as she broke away. I looked back to Iron Star charging at me again, but this time he had a large pole arm, I turned to face him as the spear end was pointed right at me.
I smiled as my horn began to glow, enough to the point where he could not see, as the brightness dies down, the pointed end was a few inches from my chest plate. I smiled as I quickly moved to the side a few inches, just so the point missed me, I then spun and kicked the weapon from his hooves, I then grabbed it and extended it in front of his hooves causing him to trip forward and collide with Aurora, which knocked them back to the ground.
Now it was just me and Luna.
As I turned to face her, a smug smile was plastered on her lips, my eyes narrowed as her horn glowed brightly, as she leaned down and shot a powerful blast at me. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, my horn quickly glowed up and then I was gone in a flash. I smiled as I appeared slightly to the right of where she shot, she frowned and shot again, but I was long gone before she hit me. This continued until I was a few feet from her. Then I smiled as I disappeared one last time, this time I appeared right in front of her, I yelled out as I threw my axe up, bringing the blade up to her throat. She looked down at me with a shocked expression, both of us breathing heavily.
Just as quickly as it happened, she smiled at me and I backed down, holstering my axe again as I gave her a slight bow, which she gave in return. “Well done Frost, you have made excellent progress, you all have, and you passed the exam” she said. I smiled and turned to see Aurora and Iron Star walk up to me as well, both giving slight bows, which I gratefully returned. I slowly backed away and ran over to my friends, they all smiled and then broke into cheer, all of them giving me hugs and hoof pumps, except for River, who not only hugged me, but also kissed me on the cheek, and it was a casual, congratulatory kiss, nothing romantic behind it. But both our cheeks still turned red.
Just as we finished our cheering, the door to the training room flew open, and another pony came running into the room, he was out of breath and panting. We watched as he ran straight up to Luna, “Commander Luna…we received…a…urgent…message” he said through heavy pants. Luna smiled and comforted him, “calm down, take a deep breath, and then tell me” she said, the pony nodded and waited, slowly his breathing returned to normal.
By the time he caught his breath, we all gathered around him, waiting to hear what he so desperately wanted to tell us. After his breathing returned to normal, he looked up at Luna, “we received…an urgent message from one of our patrolling ships. They reported being shot down over the Everfree Forest” he said. We all exchanged confused and concerned glances, but we all looked up at Luna, who seemed to be processing, everything she heard.
Soon she looked at all of us and sighed. “Very well, come along every pony let us go to the War room. I’m sorry Frost, but your celebration will have to wait” she said with a frown as the three of them walked out of the room. I looked back at my friends, as they all shared my expression, but we quickly followed after. ________________________________________
The War room was modified from its original purpose as the meeting room where the old inhabitants would meet and discuss their daily activities. The room now consisted of a large table in the middle of the room, with a large map of Equestria sprawled across it. There were multiple sets of computers across the room, some that controlled the security around the Monastery, some that regulated the flight patterns of the airships that were coming and going, and the others were simple radio set up’s that would allow, them to contact the various outposts scattered across the kingdom.
We had all gathered around the large table in the center, while the pony who had come to get us, played through the distress signal they received.
“This is the captain of the NRS Red Sky, we've been shot down over the Everfree, we request immediate evacuation, I repeat, we request immediate evacuation, we have several wounded, and they need medical assistance…” the voice said before it faded out and began to replay.
We all turned to see Iron Star mark a spot on the map, “this is where the signal is coming from, based on the information we have, the ship must have crashed landed here or nearby. We need to go there and bring them home” he said looking at all of us. Our gaze’s fixed on Luna who was studying the map with complete concentration, after a moment she sighed and looked up.
“I agree with Iron Star, that team was sent to infiltrate a Royal army outpost and collect new Intel on the army’s movements, it is imperative that we get them home, we need to assemble a team as fast as possible” she said as she turned away, but just before anypony could react, Lieutenant Arrow walked up and spoke. “With respect commander, I suggest we send Frost and his team, this would be the perfect practice for them to go on. If they succeed, then we will know if they truly are Night Ranger material” he said flashing me a sinister glare.
Luna turned and looked at Iron Star, who simply shrugged and nodded, Luna quickly turned to us and sighed. “He does have a point, you all passed your final tests, and this can be your first real mission. Do you think your team can handle it?” she asked, looking down at me. I looked back at my friends, who all simply gave me nods of encouragement, I felt my own confidence rise as I turned back to her, “we would consider it an honor, how soon do we leave? I asked her. She smiled at me and walked past and over to Aurora.
“Excellent, you’ll be leaving as soon as we get a ship ready, since this is your first mission, I am appointing Aurora as the mission captain. You are to take a ship out there, find the injured crew, and bring them back home. But I must warn you, their location is dangerously close to a Royal army outpost, you may find some resistance” she said with a warning look. I looked at my friends again, and saw their looks of confidence, I turned back to her and smiled, and gave a very confident nod of my own, which she returned with a grateful smile.
But despite that, I could tell that there was somepony in the room, who was not pleased by our acceptance. ________________________________________
The low hum of the airship engines filled the sky, as our ship flew over the large and dangerous Everfree Forest, which had taken the lives of many innocent ponies, long before the war ever started. As we moved along, I made my way over to the side window and looked out at the forest below, my hoof twirling the medallion that hung around my neck, but I quickly heard a set of hooves walk up behind me, I turned to see River standing next to me, offering me a comforting smile. I sighed and looked away for a minute, but she placed a hoof on my shoulder. “It’s going to be fine, we’ll make it through this. Together.” She said as I turned to her and smiled. But just as I did, we saw Aurora walk up to us.
She was dressed in a set of armor that she claimed was passed down by her father, her mane tied back as it was the first day we met. We all turned and circled around her, all of us dressed in the armor she had made for us. “Alright my friends, this should be a relatively simply job, but there is a chance we may meet some resistance. We will have some back-up so while Frost, River and I head inside the crashed ship, Vapor and Dust will be stationed outside to watch. Stick to the plan and this should be pretty quick and easy” she said as the captain of the ship walked over to us.
“Captain Melody. We have the ship in sight” he said as we all walked forward and looked out. Instead of seeing a large amount of trees and smashed together like the rest of the forest, we saw a large amount of trees missing, torn out of the ground and throw to the side, a large mark that eventually lead to a large piece of metal that we assumed was the airship. “Excellent, looks like there is a clearing a few hundred yards away, let’s stop there and put the ship on cloak” she said as we slowly drifted away from the crashed ship and stopped above a small clearing, and we all felt the ship slowly descend. ________________________________________
The forest seemed different that the stretch we traveled across on the royal convoy to New Canterlot, but that could have been the less dense part. As we made our way through, we began to see large chunks of metal around us, and then we made it out into the now unnatural clearing, with the large crash mark in the ground.
As we followed it, we came across the side of the wrecked ship, still creaking and groaning eerily. Luckily for us, we found a large hole that had been ripped into the side of the hull, bug enough for us to climb in and out. Before we made our way inside, Aurora turned to Vapor and Dust and nodded, they nodded back and turned around to keep watch, while some of the troops that had accompanied us, while she motioned for us to follow her in. ________________________________________
The interior of the ship was filled with metal beams that held it together, unfortunately for us, we only managed to make it to the other shell, which made it hard to get inside the interior. But with a stroke of luck, we found another hole that lead into the cargo hold of the ship, and so we ventured further into the ship, making sure to avoid any sharp piece of metal.
In the cargo hold, many loose wires hung from the ceiling, as they occasionally sparked off electricity, Aurora took out her tracker and looked around. “Hmm, according to the tracker, the signal came from inside here” she said as we continued on. After the ship crashed, all sorts of things in the cargo hold had been thrown around, boxes that were once stacked on each other, were now thrown across the room.
But as we made our way closer to the room, we heard s sharp yell as multiple troops surrounded us, all pointing swords or rifles at us. But before anypony got a shot off, we realized they were dressed in the same armor we were, and that they had the Night Ranger Emblem on their armor, which was a small metal badge with Luna’s cutie mark on it that one attached to their chest plate. “Whoa there, calm down boys! It’s me, Captain Aurora Melody, and we’re here to rescue you” she said in a calm tone as she lowered her sword. The minute she said that they all lowered their weapons and one of them stepped forward. “Oh thank Celestia you’re here, we thought you might be royal soldiers. Stand down boys, this is our ride home” he said as all the soldiers’ relaxed and sighed with relief.
The captain and Aurora shook hooves, but then he glanced at me and frowned slightly, “who’s this? Your new team?” he asked, Aurora smiled and stepped beside us. “Yes, this is Frost and River. Frost here holds the fifth medallion” she said with a charming smile, at that the captain’s eyes immediately widened, and he shook my hoof, “my apologies sir, I didn't recognize you, we haven’t been home for a few days now” he said with a sheepish smile. I smiled and shook his hoof as well, but as he shook River’s I noticed that all the ponies around us didn't seem injured like in his signal.
“In your message you said you had several injured, where are they?” I asked. His ears pinned back on his head, and he looked back at the others who shared his expression. “Without the proper medicine, we weren't able to treat their wounds in time, those with more severe injuries died, only those with some minor bone fractures are alive still, and you’re looking at them, we’re all that’s left” he said in a sad tone. I looked around and saw that what he was saying was true, many of the ponies around us, had bulges in their armor around their legs, and bandages around the heads.
Aurora looked at him and placed a hoof on his shoulder, “well were here now, and were getting you home, let’s go!” she said as we all turned around and made our way outside. ________________________________________
As we exited the way we came out, we saw that Vapor and Dust were still standing in their positions, and nothing seemed to be out of place. “Okay, we got what we came for, so let’s head back to the ship before we-“ she said but stopped as she froze in place. We all turned to see why she stopped but her eyes widened as she examined the forest around us. I was about to ask her why she stopped, but she shushed me and looked around, eyes narrowing as she skimmed the tree line. In an instant her magic gripped the hilt of her sword, and she unsheathed it.
“Alright…show yourselves!” she shouted out into the trees, and the rest of us immediately readied our weapons. A few moments of silence passed before a group of royal soldiers dressed in armor came out of the trees and walked towards us. They stopped a few feet away, as the pony in front, whom we assumed was the leader, stepped forward and removed his helmet.
He smiled at Aurora as removed his helmet, “well, I’m impressed not many ponies can detect us so easily, we've been watching this wreck for hours now, just waiting for the crew to come out, but it seems, you did that for us” he said as he unsheathed his sword. Aurora stiffened slightly but stood firm, narrowing her eyes at him, “you would be surprised at what I’m capable of” she said with a slight smirk, but this was only met with a chuckle from the leader.
“I know who you are, Captain Aurora Melody of the Night Ranger’s, but we both know your more than just a captain, don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about” he said with a sinister smile. I slowly turned to see Aurora growl, as she looked around at us, before turning to face him. But then the leader turned to me, “and you must be their new puppet, Frost Fall is it? The famous medallion-wielder, this is the best they can muster” he said with a malicious grin, but not before he turned to address all of us. “Sorry you came all the way out here for nothing, but we’ll be taking those plans they stole” he said pointing at the captain of the ship.
By this point Aurora was seething, she pointed her sword right at him. “You’ll have to get through us first” she said, and the leader merely smiled, “I was hoping you would say that. Kill them!” he shouted as they all charged forward. Aurora cried out and charged at the leader, and then the battle broke out. ________________________________________
Although we were matched in numbers, the battle did not take sides, as we both gained and lost ground. With my axe drawn I fought off a relentless Pegasus who was wildly swinging their words at me, the loud clang of metal rung as our blades collided, but as he pressed down on me from above, I cried out as I broke away and swung the blunt end of my axe and smacked him across the face, sending him to the ground. I turned to see another unicorn stallion charge at me, a spear levitated in his magic. Just like in training I jumped to the side and knocked the spear from his grip, and then reared on my front hooves and bucked him in the side, sending him a few feet away.
After that I looked around and watched the battle wage around me, I could see Vapor and Dust flying around shooting off arrow after arrow, occasionally scoring at hit. River was busy dueling another unicorn stallion, but she seemed to be taking the upper hoof, as I looked around, I could see Aurora fighting the leader in heated battle, despite her great skill, he seemed to be equally skilled.
As the battle went on, we gained the upper hoof, and began to push them back, even the leader backed off and retreated into the forest. But as that happened we heard a familiar sharp cry of pain ring out, we all turned to see an arrow cut through Vapor’s wing, causing her to fall off her path.
“Vapor!!!” Dust cried out as he fought off another Pegasus pony in air combat. As she fell, time seemed to slow as I looked around for a way to help her, but much to my surprise, I saw Aurora unlatch the armor around her body and jump into the air. There was a swift shadow above us as Vapor landed on its back, and crash into the ground, causing a puff of dust to fly around us.
We all coughed and narrowed our eyes trying to see past the cloud, but as it cleared we saw Aurora standing proudly, with Vapor resting safely on her back, but that’s not what caught our attention. Stretching majestically from her sides was a pair of long wings, which stood up fully, as Vapor rested between them. We watched in awe at the sight, and then the realization hit me like a ton of bricks.
She was an Alicorn!
But I didn't have long to admire them, as I heard River cry out to me, time still seemed to react slowly as I turned to see her diving in my direction. It took me a few moments to see two ponies pointing rifle’s at me, but as the guns went off, River crashed into me and knocked me to the ground. My eyes opened in shock, as one of the bullets hit her in the chest, and the other in the side. I could see her cry out in agony, but no noise came out.
In one long moment she crashed to the ground and rolled on to her side, and ceased to move. My eyes turned to the two ponies as they reloaded, I could feel my anger boil to a point as my eyes narrowed. My horn glowed as I charged forward, unsheathing my axe. As I got closer, they pointed the rifles at me again, but I quickly brought up my axe and knocked them into the air. I leaned on my front hooves and bucked one of them with enough force to shatter their skulls, and it felt like I did just that, as he flew a few feet away, and slammed into the trunk of a nearby tree.
After that I screamed out as I lifted my axe up above the other pony, murder intent in my eyes, and brought it down on his shoulder. I felt a wave of satisfaction wash over me as the blade sunk into his flesh, and blood came out on to my blade. The pony screamed in agony, and fell to the ground, and didn't move again. Then the realization hit me.
I had just taken another pony’s life. And the strangest part was, I was okay with it, mainly because they had hurt my closest friend. Time returned to normal as I stood over the now dead pony. The battle around us faded as the ponies retreated into the forest. I looked down at the body of the pony I just killed and my eyes widened in shock. I let go of the grip on my axe and stepped back, stumbling as my mind registered what I had just done. I looked back over to see River remaining motionless, so I dislodged my axe from the body’s shoulder blade and ran up to her, dropping the axe as I turned her on to her back.
I immediately put my hoof to her neck and sighed with relief, as I heard multiple sets of hooves walk up to me. I turned to see Aurora frowning at me slightly, Vapor and Dust came behind her, Vapor’s wing had been bandaged lightly, but it would still require surgery to stitch the wound. I felt tears form in my eyes as I looked back at River, “she’s still breathing, we have to get back to the ship” I said looking back at Aurora. She looked at me with a sorrowful expression and nodded.
“Alright every pony! Let’s back to the ship, go!” she yelled as they all took off. I hoisted River on to my back and carried her back to the ship myself, as my mind drifted back to the horrible crime I had just committed.
When I reflect on the things I've done in my life so far, I like to imagine that I am a good, friendly, and caring pony, willing to help those out in need of it. But in the past five months of my life, that all changed, and my life took a steep downhill spiral into madness.
I had lost those close to me, seen my home destroyed, and committed horrendous acts that I thought I would never be able to forgive myself for. True, I had already killed General Brick with his own gun, but I like to think of that as self-defense, if I were not in that position, I’m sure I would not have done as I did.But my acts in the Everfree Forest, shocked me to my very core, true I had committed acts of violence as a colt, but they never got passed hitting a fellow schoolmate for taking my toy during playtime or something along those lines. But I had never committed such a hateful act, such as murder in cold-blood, which was something I always thought was beyond me.
The entire ride home from the wreck, I had remained silent as I stood at the window, watching the forest pass us by. On multiple occasions my friends had tried to comfort me, but my mind was too far gone to pay attention of them. ________________________________________
After we had returned to the Monastery, we were greeted by Luna and Iron Star, who had congratulated us on our success, but they had not known what had really happened. After we had told them, the injured had been quickly escorted to the medical wing, where they would heal their injuries, despite almost all of us coming out of the battle relatively unharmed, aside from some bruises, cuts, and burns, not every pony had been unharmed.
Those of the crew who had been injured, had been taken to the infirmary where the doctors and uses used a combination of modern medical practices and magic to heal them. Vapor had been brought it so that her gash could be cleaned and stitched, which would prevent her from flying for a while. But River was immediately rushed into surgery to remove the bullets and stitch the wounds. ________________________________________
As I lay there in my room, simply staring at the ceiling, my hoof toying with the medallion as I twirled it around. I suddenly heard a pecking sound coming from my window, I managed to sit up push myself out of the bed, and walk over there. As I removed the curtains I saw a familiar feathered friend sitting on the sill staring at me through the glass.
My eyes widened open as I recognized the feathery creature as the hawk that had come to start following me around. I opened the window and smiled lightly, “hey there, have you been following me this entire time, these past few months?” I asked her, she simply chirped at me and flew into the room, landing on the foot of my bed and chirped at me again. Despite the cool air coming in, I walked over to her and raised out my hoof, and much to my surprise, she nuzzled up to it, chirping softly.
I took my hoof away, “how did you find me here…winter?” I asked, calling her by the name I had given her when I first saw her. She chirped again, and even though I couldn't understand her, she made it known that she had been following me for quite some time after Ashen.
As I stroked her soft feathers some more, she chirped happily and rubbed my hoof, “you really like me don’t you? Well…I think I can talk to Luna and have she let me keep you, how does that sound?” I asked her. She simply shook her black and grey feathers at me, and squawked happily, only making me smile wider. ________________________________________
Not long after that surprise visit, I left my room to go visit River in the clinic. I had been in the lounge area for hours on end asking about her, before Luna finally convinced me to get some sleep, which I had done before meeting Winter again. The young hawk stayed in my bedroom while I went down to the clinic. During my absence all my friends had been there to see her, but she had yet to wake up from the surgery, which only worried the doctors more.
As I walked into the clinic, I saw the doctor talking with one of the nurses, and as I walked in, he turned to me and smiled slightly. “Ah Frost, nice of you to come back, I take it you’re here to see River?” he asked with a smile, I nodded and walked with him. “Yes, how is she?” I asked him as we walked along the hall.
“Well, her vital signs have returned to normal, but she still hasn’t waked up yet. The drug we used during the surgery was only meant to keep her knocked out for a few hours, but she is still asleep. Maybe a visit from you will help, from what I hear, she is quite fond of you” he said with a sly smile, which only made me blush slightly.
After making my way down the hall, we came up to one of the rooms, he calmly opened the door and let me in, before closing it behind me. The room was fairly simplistic, filled with all the things a normal hospital room would have, there was the steady beeping of the monitors, as well as the sound of steady breathing. My gaze came up to her, she was lying on her back, dressed in a patient’s gown, various tubes connected to her fore hooves, her chest slowly heaving up and down.
I sighed sadly as I walked up to her bed, I looked down at her hoof, one was draped alongside her, the other crossed over her chest, instantly my hoof reached and grabbed hers. I sat there for a moment as my eyes began to tear up, my mind flashing back to that moment, when she dived in the way and took two bullets for me. If only I had been more aware, she wouldn't be in this situation.
As I watched her sleep, I heard the door open again and a set of hooves cross the room, my first thought was that it was the doctor, but instead I heard a familiar voice. “Hmm…glad to see you finally came down, I thought I would find you here” Aurora said as she stepped beside me, placing a hoof on my shoulder, which made me tense up slightly. “Frost I’m sorry, this is my fault, don’t beat yourself up over something you had no power over” she said in a comforting tone. My mind immediately flashed back to my second encounter with Midnight star, who had said something similar.
“You cannot blame yourself for something you had no power over…for something you were not meant to stop” his words echoed in my mind.
Finally, after a few moments of silence, I found the right words to speak. “I promised her father I would be there for her, if only I had been more aware, I could have stopped this. If she were to die…I would never forgive myself” I said as a single tear draped down my cheek. Aurora sighed sadly and then reached out with her hoof, placing two badges on the bed, “I was talking with Iron Star and Luna, and we all believe that you and your friends are ready. I know you may not be in the mood to talk right now, but when you’re ready, Luna wishes to speak to you in her study. But for now…I’ll leave you two alone” she said as she made her way to the door, but before she could grasp the knob, I spoke up again.
“When we first met a few months ago…why didn't you tell us the truth then?” I asked her, looking back at her over my shoulder, I didn't need to see to know she stopped dead in her tracks, she froze for a minute but sighed sadly and looked down. “You should know that I’m not ashamed of who I am or my past. I’m ashamed that I haven’t lived up to the expectations that were set before me, like you, I've lost much of my family to this war” she said with her tone dripping with sorrow and regret.
I slowly stood up and turned to her, she looked back at me, her eyes glistening with decades of regret. “You saved Vapor from falling, I was suspicious at first, considering that your taller than a normal mare would be at your age. You’re no normal pony, are you? You a…an Alicorn” I said, she stared me in the eyes for a moment. Before she sighed and turned to face me, “your right, I should have told you and the others months ago, but I wasn't sure how you would react, not many ponies here know my secret” she said as she unhitched her coat and let it slid off her shoulders, revealing her full pink-coated body to me.
She took a deep breath, and expanded the appendages at her side, reaching a majestic length, they closely resembled that of the late Princess Cadence. As I watched in awe, she stared at me with a small, nervous smile, but I wasn't done. “Not just any Alicorn…you’re the daughter of Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor” I said in a confident tone. She frowned slightly and looked at her wings.
“It’s true…I am the living heir to the Crystal Empire’s throne. I fled with Princess Luna after my parents stayed behind to fight, until they were murdered in cold blood by the King himself. The reason I have kept it a secret from most…is because I feel ashamed that I haven’t lived up to my true purpose was meant to. Royal blood flows through my veins, but I have no throne or crown. I’m much like Luna, we have both been forced to leave our throne’s to survive, but until the King is stopped neither of us can return to our throne” she said tucking her wings back down and lowering her head.
I stared at her for a minute, and although I might never understand loss like she has, I smiled and walked up to her, lifting her face up to my level. “I know what it feels like to think you've let somepony down, but if there’s one thing I know, it’s that no matter how bad things can get, something good can come out of them” I said with a comforting smile. It felt weird that I was giving advice to a mare who surpassed my age by decades, but she smiled warmly at me and nodded.
With that, I walked back over to River’s bed, and held her hoof again. Aurora put on her coat again and walked over to me, smiling as I watched her sleep. “You care gratefully for her, don’t you?” she asked me, I chuckled lightly at her comment, “well, when your friends with somepony for so long, you can’t help but care for them, she’s my closest friend after all” I said with a warm smile, as I held her hoof in mine.
Aurora chuckled lightly back, “maybe it’s something more than that…” she said with a smug tone, I looked up to her with a confused glance. “What do you mean?” I asked her, she scoffed and looked at me and then her. “You are not very subtle. I may have only known you for a few months now, but I can tell when a pony is in love, and I've seen the way you look at her, and the way she looks at you too” she said with a calming tone. I would have said something smart at first, but then I realized she was telling the truth.
Was I in love with River Blue?
For the longest time I had thought of her as a friend, but Aurora made a good point. “Plus, a pony only goes to lengths like that, if they care greatly for them. River nearly gave her life to save yours, and you went to such great lengths to protect her, trust me I know these things” she said as she walked towards the door and opened it and began walking out, but not before saying one last thing.
“Plus…being the daughter of the Princess of Love…does have its advantages” she said before closing the door behind her. With her words fresh in my mind, I looked back at River, her slowly rising form, her soft gentle breathing, and for the first time, I finally realized just how beautiful she truly was. I smiled to myself and grabbed her badge and placed it on the nightstand.
Just as I did so, I heard a small moan come from the bed, and I immediately turned around to see River’s eyes flutter open gently. I went back to her side and grabbed her hoof, “River?” I asked slowly, I watched as her eyes adjusted to the light, she slowly sat up in her bed and looked around, rubbing her head in pain. Soon, her gaze fell on me and she smiled widely. “Frost…” she said in a semi-weak voice, but I saw tears begin to form in her eyes.
As she fully adjusted herself on the bed, I lunged forward and wrapped her in a hug, as tears threatened to pour down my face, I smiled as I could feel tears hit my shoulder. “Thank Celestia you’re okay” I said as I pulled away from her, she smiled back and relaxed on her bed, the pillow providing proper support.
“Yeah…what happened?” she said rubbing her head, I smiled and sat down on the edge of the bed, still holding her hoof. “well….after you were shot, we managed to get out of there with the crew, we came back here and they rushed you into surgery, they managed to remove the bullets, but they said you would be weak for a few days.” I said with a smile, she frowned slightly and rubbed the scar on her chest and side.
“Weird…the last thing I remember was telling you to get out of the way…and then…” she said trailing off, but I squeezed her hoof slightly and she looked up at me and blushed slightly. “Listen River…the entire time you were asleep, I…I was going crazy at the thought of losing you…if I lost you, I don’t know what I would do, I would probably lose my mind” I said with a light chuckle, she chuckled in return and cleared her throat.
“Yeah…I guess I was feeling the same thing. When I saw those ponies about to shoot you, I guess I just acted on instinct, I was so afraid I was going to lose you…” she said as her blushed deepened. I moved a little closer, and sighed heavily and turned away, “”listen River…I don’t know if I could go through that kind of shock again…not with your or any of our friends. I care too much about you” I said with a slight frown on my face. I could see River gasps slightly and look at my hoof and squeeze it tightly, before looking back up at me again.
“You…you care about me that much…?” she asked with tears beginning to for in her eyes. I took a deep breath and nodded firmly. “River…I can’t imagine my life without you, and since neither of us know how long we can live out this war, there’s something I need to tell you” I said as I leaned in close to her, both our cheeks burning a bright red, but she instinctively leaned forward as well.
“River…I love you” I said as I leaned forward and pressed my lips to hers, I could tell she was shocked at first, but she eventually wrapped a hoof around my neck and deepened the kiss. This wasn't any friendly or congratulatory kiss, this was an honest to Celestia real kiss. I could feel tears trickle down my cheek with happiness. After a few minutes of that, we separated and looked into each other’s eyes, both finding the same thing.
Love and Passion.
“I love you too Frost, and I promise to always be with you” she said as we learned our foreheads together, rubbing our horns together, as was the traditional sign of unicorns in love. “And I promise to always be with you as well, and always look after you” I said as we both fell silent, and just fell into the moment. ________________________________________
After I had left River to be tended to by the doctors, I made my way up to Luna’s quarters on the top floor, where we first met her. I had no idea what she wanted, but it had to be something to do with our next mission or something along those lines.
As I stood in front of the large door that lead to the old observatory, the guards that were usually there had gone, I took a deep breath and pushed open the door. Much to my surprise I opened quite easily, which could only mean one thing, she was expecting me.
As I slowly entered the room, I saw that the main room was empty, but the door to the side was open. On the desk there was an open journal and a pen which had just recently been put down. As I crept along the room, I made my way into the other offshoot, which was mostly likely Luna’s bedroom.
As I walked in, I saw her massive bed, which was currently unoccupied by anypony, but my gaze slowly shifted to the other side of the room, where I saw Luna standing on a balcony, her eyes closed and she horn glowing brightly. “Luna…” I asked walking partially into the room, but then I stopped to see that she was actually raising the moon, the one thing that still remained of her old duties.
As amazing as it was to watch, I knew it would not be best to interrupt her, so I slowly began to walk back to the door, but her voice stopped me. “It’s alright Frost, I know it’s you. You weren't disturbing me, if that’s what you were worried about” she said as she turned to smile at me, I stopped in my tracks and chuckled nervously. “I’m sorry, I didn't know you were in the middle of something important, it’s just that…Aurora said you wanted to see me” I said with a nervous smile, but her comforting gaze and chuckle was gentle and graceful.
“Indeed, please…come and see” she said as she turned around, I gulped nervously but walked out into the balcony and looked up. My eyes widened in wonder as I stared into the freshly risen starry night sky, which twinkled bright than usual. I sighed in wonder as I stepped next to her, she simply looked at me with a charming smile. “It’s beautiful…” I said as I stared in wonder and amazement, she chuckled lightly, “thank you, I used to think nopony enjoyed my night, but I learned from my mistakes as we all must do. But since my sister’s passing, I have been tasked of controlling both the sun and the moon, just like she did during my banishment” she said looking away with a sad look. I frowned slightly and placed a hoof on her shoulder in comfort.
“Is it hard to do..?” I asked her, she took a deep breath and looked up, a strong expression on her face. “It was at first, but over the years, I have gotten used to it, but it still brings back memories” she said in a somber tone, I looked away for a second. “I’m sorry…I didn't mean to make you think of bad memories” I said as I shrunk back a little. She chuckled and looked back at me, with a confident smile, “thee is no need to apologize, I have shed my tears for my sister and others, but it does not bring them back. That is why I formed the Night Ranger’s. so that we can fight to bring back that once peaceful land. I owe that to her, she died to protect that dream, but the king has corrupted that vision and continues to ruin my beloved kingdom” she said as she turned to me.
As fun as it was to talk with her about the night and the old days, there was still the matter that she called me here for. “With respect Luna, why did you call me here?” I asked her in a sincere tone, she smiled at me and placed a hoof on my shoulder, “I wanted to thank you…those ponies owe you and your friends their lives, thanks to you we managed to get them back safely” she said with a warming tone, but I sighed and looked down.
“Is something troubling you Frost?” she asked me, lifting my face up to hers. I sighed and looked up at her. “I’m not so sure it went so well. Because of me, River was nearly killed, and it would have been my fault” I said as I looked down. She smiled again and spoke up, “if I recall correctly, River risked her life to save you, and I’m sure your friends Dust and Vapor would have done the same. You may not realize it, but your friends will stand by you through any battle, and just you would for them, they would risk their lives for you” she said as she stepped next to me.
A few moments of silence passed before she spoke again. “I knew a mare once who would constantly worry for the safety of her friends, putting them before herself, and would risk her life for them. Twilight Sparkle was much like you, always caring for her friends and going to great lengths to save them and keep them from harm, and they returned it in kind. What I’m trying to say…is that your friends will always be by your side and they will always be there for you, through thick and thin” she said as I looked up at her with tears forming. She smiled calmly at me, and looked up at the sky above us.
She slowly unfurled one of her wings and wrapped it around me. “You showed great courage that day, and your commitment to your friends is undeniable, in my opinion, you may be one step closer to finding the truth behind your medallion. And I’m, sure your friends will be there on your path” she said as she smiled and walked into the room.
I stood there for a moment longer, my hoof grabbing hold of the medallion and twirling it around, I breathed deeply and looked up into the sky one last time. I thought of what I had been through recently, and what would come next. And Luna’s was right, my friends would be there for me, and I would be there for them.
With a broad smile on my face, I slipped the medallion in my coat and walked inside.
As the night twinkled with hope. Hope for a better day.