Equestria has been at peace for over a thousand years. Now, from beyond the edge of the known world, a new threat comes, and it is not just one, but many.
For over a thousand years, the land of Equestria has been at peace. While many crises have come and gone, Equestria has never faced war and death, even when the Changelings attacked.
But when danger comes from beyond the edge of the known world, the Ponies of Equestria face a new threat. Monsters who destroy cities, kill many and leave nothing but the lamentations of the mares and foals
For over a thousand years, the land of Equestria knew peace. Ever since the defeat of Nightmare Moon, the ponies of Equestria have lived in peace. An era known as the Pax Equestria was a time when ponies did not fear any danger coming to destroy the harmony of the land. All ponies prospered, bits flowed freely, food filled the bellies of many ponies. Everypony lived in peace and harmony.
Outside of Equestria’s borders, many races still fought with each other. The Griffins, a Warlike race part feline, part bird of prey. They were predatory in nature, divided into clans. the Griffins fight among themselves and any enemy that threatens them.
The Diamond Dogs, living underground, they do not care for what happens above them, only to mine for gems and valuable metals like gold, silver and iron. Some Diamond Dog clans live in Equestria, digging under the hoofs of the ponies.
The Minotaurs, Powerful warriors and hard headed. They believe in asserting themselves. Strong and powerful, they are masters of the battle-ax and deadly in a fight.
The Zebras, Mysterious and strange to ponies, they live in tribes and are well known to be the best herbalists in the known world. While the tribes do sometimes fight among themselves, they tend to settle their disputes peacefully and are generally friendly.
The Centaurs and Gargoyles, The first time these two races were encountered was when Tirek and Scorpan came into Equestria to steal the magic from Ponies. Scorpan later turned on his ‘brother’ when he made friends with Starswirl The Bearded. Tirek was later captured and sent to Tartarus, that was until he escaped and was defeated again. little is known about these two races save for that they worship the moon and that the name ‘Triek’ is common as it is the name of ‘Tirek the Great’ a King Priest who fought against a pony tribe in the First Age.
The Dragons, giant flying reptiles that breath fire. The Dragon Clans are divided, but the Clan chieftains meet once a year at Dragon Mount to discuss everything from hunting raids in Equestria to politics and warfare between clans.
The horses and camels of Saddle Arabia, once divided into tribes, they were united under the rule of the House of Al Sadl. they worship one god known to them as Allah. They are great warriors in their homeland and once had an empire that extended into southern Equestria.
The Bison, a race of proud bovine who wander the plains of the Mild West. they are peaceful unless provoked. They live simply, moving from place to place.
Then there are the Changelings, a race of shapeshifters who feed on the emotions of ponies, mainly love. Chrysalis, Queen of the Mariposa Swarm, seeks to conquer Equestria it self and be the most powerful of the Swarm Queens.
Inside Equestria, there are races like the Donkeys, the Breezes, The Goats and other races who live in peace with the Ponies. This made for a very interesting mix in the culture of Equestria.
Despite the Pax Equestria, a few crises did happen, such as Nightmare Moon’s Return, Discord’s return, The Invasion of Canterlot by The Changelings, the reappearance of The Crystal Empire and Tirek’s escape. Bust these were all handled with ease and the peace continued.
But then there were the rumors......
The Zebras told of two tribes in the south of their lands, these tribes raid into the lands of the Zebra from time to time, but the Zebras have been able to drive them back. From the East, pony sailors told about the island of Neghpon and it’s odd inhabits, these stories have been called mythical.
But the tales from pony scholars studying the Centaurs, Gargoyles and Bison state one thing these three races have said: ‘Beware those from Beyond the Horizon.” To many in Equestria and neighboring lands, they were nothing but tales to scare ponies.
Also being ignored were tales told by explores such as Daring Do. tales of strange races, civilizations unlike any known in the known world. Even tales from those who went beyond the known world told of dangers and races that would be regarded by all in Equestria as moonbeams and myths. Tall tales to many who thought that there was nothing beyond the peace and harmony of Equestria and the known world. Many were laughed off as crackpots. So it was that the ponies continued to go about their business, farming, trading, buying and selling.
It is in the nature of many ponies to ignore what is beyond the horizon. content with their lives that they would ignore anything from beyond the known world. Yet the signs were there. the Bison were the first to start acting up. Ponies in Appleloosa told many that the bison tribe that lived near the town were preparing for a war. Many thought it was against another Bison herd, since warfare between herd did occur from time to time.
Then came reports of outposts being attacked. All that was found were dead bodies and evidence of the outposts being sacked! In the south. Isolated jungle farms and towns were attacked, no survivors. Close to the Crystal Empire, Travelers told of sightings of strange groups, riding on odd beasts heading south towards Equestria’s northern frontier.
Near the Coastline. sighting of strange ships with the heads of dragons on their bows were being reported. along with reports of attacks by pirates of unknown origin. The Zebra tribes were sending Warriors south, saying that the two tribes they fought before were starting to raid into their lands again.
Even Discord felt something wrong, noting a odd feeling of chaos all around the known world. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna also felt that something was going on. A storm was coming that would challenge everything we knew. It would come from beyond the known world and it would give Equestria a rude awakening that would become a nightmare.
That nightmare was the Barbarian Invasion.
-Twilight Sparkle, Princess of the Rainbow Friendship Kingdom, Year 57 of the Fourth Age.
Outpost 20, Northwestern Frontier of Equestria. Year 2014 of the Third Age.
Outpost 20 was one of the many forts on the borderlands of Equestria. Planted in the middle of Borea, a land of steppe and Taiga Forests. not much was known about it as many who went beyond the boarder of Equestria never came back. Beyond the fort lay the steppes, barren and uninhabited, at lest that was what many ponies thought.
On the stockade of the fort, two Equestrian soldiers, a Earth Pony and a Pegasus, were on watch that night. It seemed like a normal night at Outpost 20: nothing going on at all. So it was no surprise that the two were talking instead of looking out for trouble.
"Nice night." the Earth Pony said. he was red in color with a green mane and tail. His cutie mark was of a gate with two spears crossed in front of it. His fellow guard was yellow in color with a light blue mane and tail. His cutie mark was a pair of binoculars over a chess rook. The Pegasus looked at the Earth pony. "I guess you are right, Guarded Gate." he said.
Guarded Gate turned to the Pegasus. "Still another boring night again, Watch Tower." he sighed. Watch Tower nodded, looking out to the steppes. a heavy mist was close to the ground, covering the area around the fort with a cover of white. Crickets sung while frogs called out. "Nothing but frogs and bugs" Watch Tower said with a amused grin, he then turned back to his comrade. "But still, we have to be on watch, Commander Last Stand is nervous about what happened to the other outposts."
Guarded Gate nodded in agreement. News had reached them about mysterious attacks on forts and settlements. The word was that all the attacked outposts were sacked, everything of value taken along with fruit, vegetables and a few animals. All ponies in the attacked forts and settlements were found dead, killed by bladed objects. Worse yet as that they did not have time to send a message out to warn anyone else.
"Whoever or whatever is attacking the outposts is not leaving anyone alive to tell anyone who or what attacked." Guarded Gate said, glaring out onto the steppe. "I bet it is the Changelings launching these attacks."
Watch Tower just shook his head. "Nope, it did not appear that the Changelings were around. Besides, they don't like these northern parts from what I heard." Guarded Gated nodded, the Changelings always left green slime in their attacks, letting anypony know who it was that attacked. They also took ponies alive.
The only signs were arrows of unknown origin tipped with iron. Also hoof and foot prints showed they were riding on animals of some type. the foot prints were of a large animal, more like an elephant. the hoof prints seemed to be from a deer-like animal large enough to be ridden on.
"I heard Celestia her self has put all boarder forts on alert." Guarded Gate said, looking very nervous. "it almost sounds like if we are preparing for a war or something."
Suddenly, Watch Tower held up his had slightly, looking around. "Do you hear that?" he asked. Guarded Gate shook his head, "No, I hear nothing." he replied. Watch Tower looked back at him. "That is the problem. It is too quiet." he said, with a look of wariness. "Something is out there." Guarded Gates was about to reply when suddenly a whoosh sound came from outside the fort past Watch Tower. He turned his head and then saw Guarded Gate, with an arrow through his throat!
Blood spurted out from where the arrow stuck as Guarded Gate fell down, dead. Just then Watch Tower heard another sound, of something hitting the wall, he turned and saw a nightmare; Ladders were being placed on the wall of the fort! It was an attack! Outside, the mist started glowing golden orange with the light of torches! This WAS an attack!
"We're under attack! He yelled, flying down heading for the barracks to get more Royal Soldiers up to fight the attackers. the attackers ere already on the stockade and the guards that were on it were fighting already. the sounds of weapons clashing with the sound of howling, deep howling.
Soldiers flooded the yard, grabbing weapons to start fighting off the attack. Watch Tower turned to the gates, seeing the guards fighting the attacking forces to keep the gate closed. It was then, near one of the torches that he saw one of the things attacking the fort
It was canine by the look of it, grey fur wearing armor and animal furs. on it's head was a feathered war helmet with a skull on the top. A Pony Skull. the Attacker welded a long sword made of iron. the thing howled as it cut the head off one soldier then continued on it's way into the battle.
All around Watch Tower, the attacking Canines, wolves by the look of them, were fighting his fellow ponies, killing many. This was a all out sneak attack and the wolves had the advantage of surprise. But what Watch Tower wondered was why the wolves were not attacking the gate now, in fact they were trying to get way from it.
That was when it hit!
the Gate suddenly was smashed opened. Watch Tower ducked as a piece of gate flew past. he looked up and saw the thing that took down the gate. White tusks gleamed in the firelight as a large. hairy elephant like thing charged in, roaring as it came in. this monster was fallowed by more wolves, riding on large deer-like animals.
Watch Tower saw one of the riders charge him, with a spear ready to strike! The Pegasus few up out of the way and then did a drop kick on the wolf.
Just then, something hit him in the wing and he fell from the air. another arrow hit him in the chest, going through his armor like it was silk. as he lay dying, Watch Tower knew now who it was that attacked the boarder. He preyed to Faust that this was not the end of Equestria and preyed that his little sister would be safe from these monsters from beyond.
He died as the invaders overwhelmed the defenders and took the fort. Burning buildings and taking anything of use to them. By dawn, Outpost 20 was destroyed as the horde started to head out into Equestria it self, towards the town of Berry Town.
Canterlot, that citadel of light, stood tall over that land of Equestria. Center of Pony Civilization, it was said that no army would dare bring war to it. The Changeling Invasion proved that wrong. Yet We never learn from our mistakes about threats from beyond our borders and we continued to make them. What happened that day would be the event that would make us meet one of our many enemies that we would face.
-Twilight Sparkle.
"These attacks are getting out of hoof!" Lord Ready Defense, Minister of Defense said.
He, along with the many Nobles of the Day Court, were in the Great Hall of Canterlot. The Great Hall was where important decisions were made and right now, discussion was on the events out west. Many ponies wanted an answer to the mystery of the attacks. Ready Defense knew that everypony was in a panic around the borderlands and it seemed there was no end to the attacks or the deaths. 12,000 ponies, both civilian and soldiers, were dead.
Ready Defense was dark blue in color with a white mane. He looked around at the other nobles, many who were looking down at him watching and listening as he continued talking. "The Attack on Canterlot by Queen Chrysalis was a wake up call! Our military is non-existent! We have no real army, our air force has been shrunk down to only a few Pegasi and airships and our water navy is too small even to stop pirate attacks! Now we are facing attacks from beyond our own frontiers! All I can say is 'who is to blame?' The One to blame is no other then Princess Celestia!" he said, pointing at the Princess her self, who was sitting on her throne, looking down at Ready Defense with a look of total surprise.
"That's treason!" one noble, no other then Prince Blueblood himself yelled. Soon many nobels were yelling back and forth before order was called for by the Sergeant-at-Arms. Then Ready Defense continued on. "It is because of our dear Princess Celestia cutting military spending to unreasonable lows, we have become defenseless! All the while most of the budget is spent on CAKE!"
Celestia just sat there and took it all in stride, she had heard this all before. Ever since the first defeat of Nightmare Moon, she had wanted her little ponies to live in peace and also show Equestria's Neighbors that the ponies were not a warlike race. Yet a few ponies were still calling for a full Military, not the small Royal Guard that protected Canterlot and other areas of the nation, but a standing army. An army prepared for War! Celestia never liked war, she had seen what it could do.
"Mr. Defense," She said finally, causing all heads to turn to her. She remained come and cool. "While your concerns are wise, we do not need to expand our military. We can handle this with out any military force. Already I am planning on sending Twilight and her friends to help find out who has done this. rest assured that we have things..."
She never finished what she was saying when a scroll suddenly appeared, teleported by Unicorn magic. The scroll was not sealed and not rolled up fully.
It was also covered in blood.
Celestia unrolled the scroll and read what it said.
Berry Town Under attack! Need Help! Fort destroyed! PLEASE SEND HELP!!
Celestia was now in a state of shock, not just by the plea for aid, but the fast was that she guessed that the writer was killed just as he sent the scroll. Celestia soon ordered all the Nobles to leave. As they left, Celestia headed for her study as fast as she could. This was now a crisis and it needed to be handled NOW.
It was time to call for Twilight's help once again.
Spike felt it coming. the very sign of indigestion that was the sign of a letter from Princess Celestia coming via magic. He gagged as she coughed up the scroll. From the way it was sealed, it was from Celestia. It was also marked URGENT! which meant it was important. Spike groaned, the last time Twilight had a urgent letter was when Tirek was running amok. 'I hope this is not another crisis.' he thought to himself.
He walked up the staircase up to Twilight's room, which was on the top floors of the castle. Walking up to the door, he opened it and went in.
"Twilight, you have a let....EAHHHHH!!!!" Spike had to cover his eyes as Twilight Sparkle was standing at her mirror wearing nothing but a her white bra and panties, something the poor dragon wished he could unsee.
"AHHH!!! Spike!" Twilight yelled, very much surprised with her Number one Assistant walking in on her in a state of undress. "I thought I told you to knock first!?!"
"Sorry!" he said, not trying to look at the pony who was basically his mother who was half naked. "A Letter came from Celestia, it says it is urgent!" He held up the scroll, still trying not to look.
Twilight took the scroll with her magic and closed the door. Twilight was now wondering what was wrong as she looked at the Scroll. It was marked urgent and it had Celestia's Seal on it. Opening it, she soon started reading it.
Twilight, I request that you gather all your friends and go to the train station. a Speical Royal Guard train will be sent to pick you up and take you and your friends to Berry Town. You will be given more infomation on the Train.
Signed: Princess Celestia.
Twilight read it with surprise, but knew what she had to do. "SPIKE!" She Yelled, "Get the Suitcase!" She then started getting dressed to go and gather her friends. something was up and if Celestia was wanting them to go to Berry Town on a Military Train, then it had to be bad......
The military train was armored from engine to caboose with iron plates. four passenger cars were for Royal Soldiers and in this case, six mares who were the heroes of Equestria. Applejack and Rainbow Dash came first before the train came, Fluttershy arrived next, after making sure her animals were watered and fed. Rarity and Pinkie came next, which Rarity wearing what Rainbow thought was very ridiculous. Rarity had come wearing a fancy yellow dress and a pith hat studded with gems, while carrying a Parasol. "What the hay?" Rainbow said, trying hard not to laugh, "What in Equestria are you wearing?"
"My Travel wear." Rarity said, "I made it my self after that whole affair when we met Daring Do."
Rainbow started at Rarity with her hands on her hips. "You look more like a Canterlot fufu lady would wear!" She said. Rainbow Dash was wearing a fur lined bomber jacket, a sports bra and a pair of tight spats. Applejack was wearing her shirt, leather west and a pair of jean shorts along with her hat while Fluttershy was in a sundress.
As for Pinkie Pie, she was in a t-shirt, a a flannel skirt and a pair of ankle high boots, a gift from Applejack for Pinkie's birthday. What really made it odd was the fact Pinkie was wearing something very odd on her head.
"An't that one of them Sombrero hats?" Applejack asked. "Yep" Pinkie said, smiling. "This morning I was thinking 'should I wear a hat?' after I saw Rarity wearing the explorer hate and I decided to wear a hat, but I had no pith hats so I put on my sombrero!" the others just stared at her. "Pinkie, you are so random." Rainbow said.
"I hope Twilight will tell us what is going on if that is ok with her." Fluttershy stated. Fluttershy was a bit nervous. She did not know what was going on. In fact none of them knew why they were asked to be here.
Finally, Twilight Sparkle arrived, dressed in a silk shirt, a flannel vest and a petted purple skirt. She was carrying a small suitcase. "Sorry I'm late gals." she said, "had to pack a few things." She held up her suitcase, which was full of books of course.
Spike was staying in Ponyville, mainly to keep a eye on Fluttershy's animals and to keep a eye on three young fillies and a Spirit of Chaos. The last time The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Discord were left alone together, the Town Hall was burnt down and that was three months ago!
"So, Twi, what is going on?" Rainbow asked.
"I wish I knew." Twilight replied, "All I got was that I get you guys and we get in this train to Berry Town." Just as she said that, the door to one of the cars opened and a soldier of the Solar Guard stuck her head out. "Ladies, Princess Sparkle," She said, "If you please come in." and With that the six friends went into the passenger car as the Train started up and headed off to Borea.
In the car was a large table with chairs around it. on one end of the Table was a large stallion wearing silver and gold armor of the Solar Guard. he was white with a red mane, dark brown eyes and a square jaw. he had the look of a pony who had seen many battles.
"Welcome, Princess, Ladies," he said. "I am General Panzer Track of the Royal Guard." Twilight looked at him. "I have heard of you!" she said, "You were the one that saved Trottingham from that dragon a few years back!" She had heard of the event when she lived in Canterlot. Panzer Track lead a team of dragon-slayers to fight a black dragon, one that was attacking Trottingham. the dragon was using black sorcery along with it's dragon fire to kill many ponies in the town. It was said that he killed the dragon by tossing his spear into it's heart, saving his men and the ponies of Trottingham from the killer monster.
"Yes I was," he said, then he continued, "I assumed you got Celestia's message?" Twilight nodded, "She said that you would have more information about why we are heading for Berry Town." she said.
Panzer nodded then sat down on the chair, fallowed by Twilight and her friends. "What I am going to tell you all is Top Secret, not to be discussed beyond this train." He then looked around then continued. "For several months now, after Tirek's Defeat, forts and settlements along the Northwestern Borderlands have been attacked by unknown assailants." the six mares gasped and started talking before Panzer held up his hand for silence, then continued. "Many of the forts were destroyed, along with the towns. from all the signs, it appeared that they were raided and sacked. Food and tools were taken along with some valuables like vases, silver plates, gems and other things. The attacks never took any Bits. the only thing they left...were dead ponies."
Fluttershy's eyes were watering up, while Pinkie Pie's Mane deflated. Rarity held her hands to her mouth. "D-dead?" Twilight said, shocked, "as in....killed?" Panzer nodded.
"That attackers did not only target soldiers, but civilians as well, stallions, mares and foals, all killed." Panzer lowered his head. Twilight looked around and saw Applejack having a look of horror, mouthing, "why?" Rainbow Dash had a look of anger on her face. "HOW DARE THEY MURDER INNOCENTS!!!" Dash yelled.
The General continued, "We only found out after traders and supply trains discovered the forts and towns destroyed. So far we have not found any bodies of the attackers. The soldiers and civilians that were killed had blood covered weapons and there was evidence that they did kill some of the attackers, but their bodies were dragged off when they left. What we did also find out was that not all the civilians were killed. Evidence showed that some were taken by the attackers."
"Then the attackers must be Slavers!" Twilight said, only for Panzer to shake his head. "We thought that too, until one of our patrols discovered a slaver camp that was also attacked, same M.O."
He said pulled out a large map of Northwest Equestria. "What we know is that the attacks came from The Region of Borea. What we know of it is that it is thought to be uninhabited. The attackers used iron tipped arrows, the only things the attackers left and from the marks on many of the dead, they used bladed weapons and lances. they rode in on animals of unknown origin and they also wear boots. We have ruled out Centaurs, Minotaurs and Griffins. We even had to rule out Changelings!"
"Is that why we are going to Berry Town?" Twilight asked, wondering if they were going there to protect it from attack.
"Just today, Celestia her self got a blood covered scroll, teleported by magic. It begged for help and that Berry Town was under attack. Outpost 20 may have been also attacked and destroyed."
He then looked at each one of the mares. "While I have my reservations about bring you civilians along." He had a glare shot at him by RD before he continued, "You have saved our nation many times over and Celestia her self hopes that you will do it again." He then sighed, "I hope that you can help us find out who or what is attacking us."
Twilight then looked up. "Because you think they will go deeper into Equestria?" she asked. Panzer nodded gravely. "I fear that this will not end in the Northwest." he said.
That Night, none of the six friends could sleep. Applejack stayed up to comfort Fluttershy. The Poor Pegasus was distraught over the fact that ponies were killed. Rainbow Dash looked like she want to kill who ever was attacking their land. Pinkie Pie was still depressed as was Rarity. Twilight Sparkle was not only shocked and sad.......She was afraid.
Who ever was attacking in the Northwest could attack The heart of Equestria it self. Not even Canterlot or Ponyville were safe. They had to stop the attacks now, before more ponies were killed or taken away.
The Train continued on it's way to Berry Town though the night, while the Elements of Harmony were sleeping, or trying to sleep. After the days events, of hearing about what was happening at Berry Town. Finally they started getting their sleep, except for two of them.
Rarity had the unfortunate of sleeping below Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, both of whom were loud snorers.Rarity had to put on a pair of ear muffs that she had with her.
Fluttershy and Applejack shared a room with Twilight, who was wide awake. She could not understand it all. Why were they being attacked? and who would even dare try? It had been a few months since the defeat of Tirek and Equestria was now once again peaceful, no major crisis, but a few small problems did pop up from time to time.
This on the other hand was not a minor problem, what was happening in the northwest was unlike anything anypony had known since before Celestia and Luna became rulers of Equestria, even before the three tribes even came to Equestria.
Twilight decided to read about the area they were going to; The Land of Borea. What she read of it was hat it was thought to be totally uninhabited. It was a place harsh and demanding, crops that grew in Equestria proper refused to grow in Borean soil. Temperatures ranged from 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the day to -20 degrees Fahrenheit at Night, even in Summer. Yet it was one plant that lead to Equestria expanding into Borea. The Borean Juniper grew berries year around that were very sweet and were popular in the rest of Equestria. Berry Town was built as one of the main farming towns that grew Borean Juniper.
Borea was a mix of Steppe and Taiga Forests, home to strange animals. Deer-like animals that were in fact related to antelopes, predatory flightless birds that hunted sheep like animals that were the size of a small dog, shaggy cow like animals that looked like a mix of Griffin Beef Cattle and Bison, and large pachyderms with long tusks and covered in hair.
Twilight started wondering why the attackers were coming from Borea? Why were they attacking? Questions flowed though Twilight's head, questions that needed answers. Twilight knew that in the morning they would start looking for answers. She hoped that those answers would lead to a end to this crisis.
Twilight heard somepony beside her. Turning her head, she saw Applejack, her hands holding on to the side of Twilight's bunk. "Ya' awake, Twi?" Applejack asked
"Ah'm kind of nervous of what we'll find at Berry Town." Applejack said.Twilight could imagine why Applejack would be nervous. It was likely that they would find bodies, lots of them. Applejack was one do hated seeing death, mainly because her own Parents died in a wild storm from Everfree eight years before Twilight came to Ponyville.
Applejack looked down. "It is just that.....why?" she asked, "Why are they killing innocent ponies? We never did anythin' to them, an' they just go around killing Ponies, even old ones an' foals." Twilight could see the anger in AJ's eyes. She knew that Applejack was thinking about all those ponies killed or taken. If whoever was attacking in the Northwest was not stopped, It could be Applejack's Family. Twilight saw in her head a image of Sweat Apple Acres burning and Granny Smith's dead body along with Big Mac's and Apple Bloom's bodies, killed by some unknown foe.
"I do not know why they are doing this," Twilight said quietly, "But we need to stop them."
Applejack nodded, still thinking about what they would find once they reached Berry Town.
*********************
Dawn
All six ponies were sleeping when suddenly the train shook violently. Everyone was awoken by the sound of screeching wheels and jolted out of their beds.
"WE'VE HIT AN ICEBERG!!!!" Pinkie yelled as she ran out of her room and down the corridor. "MARES, FOALS AND PARTY PONIES FIRST!!!" She opened the outside door and jumped off.....right onto the ground, flat on her face.
The Train had stopped.
"What in the world is going on?" Rarity asked, coming out of the same room looking disheveled from being awaken by the jolting stop. Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash fallowed, wondering what just happened. Twilight decided to go the the engine to see what was wrong. The others went to get Pinkie.
Twilight was soon joined by Panzer Track. "Why in Tartarus did we Stop!?" He demanded as he and Twilight entered the Engine. The engineer was pointing outside, with a look of horror. Twilight looked out and gasped.
Piled onto the track were heads.............Pony heads
It looked like something out of a horror book, 80 pony heads, stacked into a pyramid shape on the track, which looked to have been torn up. The heads had their eyes taken out, leaving bloody holes filled with dirt. Panzer looked like he was going to be sick from it.
A load scream came from outside, causing Twilight to run out of the engine to the side of the train.
Her friends had come out of the passenger car to help Pinkie Pie up. Just as Rainbow and Applejack got Pinkie off the ground, (she was muttering something about not having sexual relations with Bill Clinton.) Fluttershy had turned and saw something on the ground.
That thing was a severed pony head, still wearing a helmet.
Her scream was enough to bring all the soldiers out of the train, ready for combat. Twilight ran over to the yellow Pegasus, wrapping he wings and arms around her. The others rushed to Fluttershy and Twilight. Panzer also joined the group and saw the head, picking it up and looking at it with shock. "By Celestia's mane!" he exclaimed, "This is Commander Last Stand's head!"
"That means that stack of heads in front of us was the garrison of Outpost 20!" Twilight said, shocked and horrified.
Pinkie, with her mane totally deflated then pointed pasted them. "I guess they wanted us to know where we are." she said sadly. Everypony turned to where Pinkie was pointing.
Smoke was rising from the ruins of Berry Town, a mile away. Twilight looked at the smoke and then stated "I guess we walk."
****************************** Berry Town
Burnt out buildings were all that remained of the once prosperous farming town. Twilight, her friends and the group of soldiers had walked all the way to the town and saw nothing but burnt buildings, crushed carts and no sign of anypony alive. Yet there were a few bodies scattered all over the town.
"Looked like they tried to put up a fight." one soldier said, looking around in case the attackers were hiding, waiting for them.
Twilight and her friends also kept an eye out. Twilight saw one of the few bodies that were laying around. The stallion had his throat ripped out by something while another had been pinned to the side of a house with arrows, his guts spilling out of his belly like flour spilling out of a torn bag.
Fluttershy found a pet store that looked ransacked. Puppies and kittens were still alive, feeding on spilled food, but what Fluttershy saw was that a few pins looked like they were broken into. On the pins were signs which showed what animal was in them. All the pins were for rabbits.
"HEY!" Pinkie yelled, making everyone turn. Pinkie and Rarity were at a bakery when Pinkie cried out, pointing inside. "What Bucking idiot would trash perfectly good sweats!?!" She ranted. Indeed, inside the bakery, cakes, pies and other sweat treats were scared and smashed and tossed all over the place. But it also showed that all flour, bread and other things had been taken.
In a Jewelry store, there was more evidence of sacking. all gold and silver had been taken, along with gems. Only the fake jewelry was left behind, scattered all over the place, same with other stores. The Library on the other hand was not spared, it had been burnt to to ground, which angered Twilight. in the ruins, the burnt bodies of ten ponies were found.
"Why in Celestia's name did they do this?" Twilight asked her self, tears streaming down her cheeks at the death and destruction that had been caused.
A soldier walked over to Panzer Track, who was also standing and looking at the ruins. "Sir!" he said, "We've counted only 20 bodies!" Panzer looked at him. "Only 20?" he asked.
Berry Town had 1,200 ponies in it before it's destruction.
"Continue looking!" he said, "There could be survivors that escaped being captured!" the soldier nodded and went on his way.
Twilight soon looked up at Dash, who was flying a bit over the Town. "Do you see anything?" She asked the cyan Pegasus. Rainbow Dash shook her head. "Nothing that I could see!" she replied. Suddenly she yelled in pain! An arrow had struck her right leg, sticking out like a parasprite in a beehive. "DASH!" Twilight yelled, using a spell to take hold of dash and bring her down gently. More arrows flew from a rocky spire near the town. Soldiers ran for cover as the Unicorns in the group started firing magical bolts at the area. Twilight dragged Rainbow to the Bakery, where the others had jumped into as arrows started hitting the outside wall. Fluttershy was screaming bloody murder, scared witless by the attack. "Help me get the arrow out!" Twilight yelled at Applejack. The farmer crawled to the two as Rarity, who was next to Twilight and Dash, ripped a long strip of cloth from her own dress.
Panzer was yelling orders to his men. "KEEP FIRING!" he yelled, "TAKE THOSE ARCHERS OUT!!!" the Unicorns fired magic from their horns while Earth Ponies fired crossbows. Twilight was busy with getting the arrow out of Rainbow Dash. The arrow was embedded in her lower calf, lucky it had missed hitting the bone. Twilight grabbed the arrow and pushed through the rest of the way as Applejack held Rainbow, who was screaming in pain, tears flowing through clenched eyes. Twilight then broke the Arrow in half. pulling out the shaft as Rarity began to bandage the leg with the strip of cloth.
"HOLD FIRE!" Panzer yelled. the soldiers stopped their attack, smoke floated in the air heavy. Twilight poked her head out, seeing what was going on.
All was quiet......
Too quiet.
Then they saw it. On a small ridge near the town, standing in the smoke was something riding a deer-like beast. Twilight could see that it was wearing armor that was lined with fur. It also looked like it was a canine of some type. The rider was starring down on the ponies, just as the smoke started clearing.
There were more of them....a lot more.
the howls told Twilight that these things were wolves, but she never seen these wolves before. Then the Leader, the one seen by the Ponies in the smoke, howled and raised a curved sword into the air and started riding down fast, fallowed by the others.
Panzer cursed him self. He had only 60 Soldiers and six mares.........
Against hundreds of thousands of wolves.
When I saw him on the Ridge, I knew then that they were not from Equestria, that they had come from the Borean Steppes and now they had come. the raids against the towns were just the start. At Berry Town, we faced the Invasion.
What I can remember was the news of attacks on the Western Frontier, I was shocked to say the lest that our nation was under attack by unknown invaders, who we would later find out were known as the Lycans, a race of wolves. Yet they were to be just the start of a Siege from all parts of the unknown world. One group was in fact one that invaded before.
After the Fall of Discord, Equestria was attacked by a Bronze Age race of Reindeer from the east. They were strong warriors, their priests were powerful in magic and they knew how to fight. But yet they faced an nation that had used Iron in their weapons and they were beaten back by the Equestrian Army, which was started after Me and Celestia banished Discord. It was a Victory for the new army, but I had the feeling they would someday return.
What we did not know was that the Reindeer that attacked us were raiders, attacking us for gold. Yet they did capture some of our metal smiths and brought them back to their own lands, were they would learn to smelt Iron ore and enter the Iron Age. They were soon ready for a return to Equestria, this time to settle in the green lands of our kingdom.
- Princess Luna.
Light Keeper's Lighthouse, 230 miles from Manehattan.
Light Keeper was a old pony, keeper of his lighthouse off the coast of Equestria. He was brown under the blue coat he wore. his mane was white in color from age, even through he had some of his old sea green hair on his mane still. his lighthouse was on a rocky island, a mile from the small village of Sea-burg and 230 miles from the mega city of Manehattan.
A heavy fog had rolled in from the east, not unusual as pegasi did not control the weather over the ocean. Light Keeper always loved it when the fog came in. The smell of sea water always seemed to have a healthy effect on him, keeping him as healthy as a young colt. Which was good as his job of cheeking on the lamps that emitted the light. He had been a Lighthouse keeper since his father pasted on to the Summer Fields. It had been owned by his family since the time of Nightmare Moon's Banishment.
Light Keeper was in the lantern room, looking outside into the foggy air. He had turned the fog horn on to warn ships of the dangerous reefs that were common around this part of the Eastern Coast. As he was looking out, he suddenly spotted something though the fog, which looked like the silhouette of a ship. "What in the name of Celestia?" Light Keeper asked himself, "Is there s ship out there? In this weather?" He knew that it was madness to be sailing out in the fog.
He had to take another look. taking a telescope out of his coat pocket, he looked though it to see if he was seeing things. then he saw it.
It did not look like any ship he had seen. It was long, about 50 feet long. made of wood. The side that was facing Light Keeper had a row of shields along it. the bow was carved, looking more like a dragon head. One large sail was on the mast, but it was not being used, instead it looked like it was being rowed. Light Keeper saw a set of ten oars on the port side of the ship. He could not see the rowers but Light Keeper saw somepony or something standing near the bow.
Light Keeper could also hear the sound of a lot more oars in the water..........a lot more.
********************** He stood n the bow, looking at the lighthouse tower. He was a large being, 6 foot tall. strong muscles on his torso and arms showed that he was a powerful reindeer warrior, one of many. His battle-scars were marks of glory and bravery among his kind. He was a chieftain-king, a great leader and terrible to his enemies. His fur cape on his back was dyed red with the blood of his enemies.
Thorjk was the ruler of Syv Sverd, one of the many tribal kingdoms of Vest-jord. It was an continent across the Hippocampus Ocean. He was known as Thorjk the Terrible, Thorjk the Blood-lustful, Thorjk the Conqueror. He was looking at the shore when he heard hoof steps behind him. turning his antlered head. he saw one of his warriors, his second-in-command, Rejivek. Rejivek was an elk, the deer version of the Earth Ponies of Equestria.He had only one eye, his other eye was covered with an eye patch, as he lost it after it was stuck by a sword in battle.
"Sir," he said in a deep voice, "Should we attack the lighthouse?"
Thorjk shook his head. "No," he replied, "I will not attack some small house, I prefer bigger targets"
"But what if the keeper warns the Equestrians?" Rejivek said,
Thorjk turned and showed a smile that was very wicked looking. "I would like them to know what is coming." he said, "I want them to see their fate when we march against them."
Thorjk looked over to the starboard and saw the rest of his fleet. over 40 Longboots, filled with Reindeer, Elk and Peryton Warriors, all ready to fight, ready to die, ready to go to Valhalla, ready to kill the ponies.
Ready to take Revenge on Equestria.
*************************
While Thorjk was leading his band of warriors, other Reindeer warriors were preparing for their own invasions of Equestria. many were going for conquest, to claim our lands as their own and to raise their fawns on our soil and build their own kingdoms. But yet another threat was to come from the North.
The Crystal Empire was a nation of legends, a place of stories. Their tales of their History have been told though out Equestria. they have many tales of quests, battles, great ponies and evil villains that would make Sombra and Tirek look like nice guys. But one legend was told that was a warning to many.
ten thousand years before the founding of Equestria, The Crystal Empire was under attack by beasts. these monsters were a race of ape-like beings who lived in the Ice Mountains, who rode on Musk-oxen and fight with stone weapons. these would be conquerors of the Crystal Empire were defeated by King Ruby Moon II.
But they were not destroyed.
-Princess Luna
Icy Wastes
Outside of the Crystal Empire, it was a wintery hell. The Icy Wastes was not a place for anything to live in. Other then the Crystal Empire, which was protected by magic, it was barren.
But no pony told the strange being that rode on the musk-ox. the creature was dressed in a dark colored cloak made of yak hair. it wore a hood over it's head, covering it's face. It was armed with a spear with a stone spear point. It looked around and saw what it was looking for.
a Pink colored wall of magic. The barrier that protected the Crystal Empire from the Frozen Arctic.
Riding to the edge of the barrier. the creature got off its mount and walked to it. It took off it's hood and showed it's face.
It had white fur all over it, but had an ape-like face. it glared at the barrier. then it took something out. it was a large blue crystal. It placed it on the snow-covered ground and then it started chanting. It was an old chant, used by the monks who served the gods of his race. As he chanted, the crystal glowed, them it suddenly shot out a beam of blue magic.
A hole opened in the Barrier, showing the Greenery of what the ponies called the Crystal Empire. To the Creature, it had another name, one it had before the ponies came and took this holy land from them.
It was called 'Shambala'.
Long ago, the ponies invaded the north and drove many of his kind out of this holy place, turning it into a mockery to the gods. Now the gods demanded that Shambala be re-taken, to drive out the pony invaders and then punish them and their lands.
the Creature crossed through the hole and entered into the warm land. He looked around, then he gave a great and powerful roar, one that would be heard all though out the land. Two other creatures crossed the hole, both of them the same as the first. They were to be the first, scouts for the coming invasion.
First, they would re-take the holy land of Shambala for the gods, then they would go south to the homelands of the ponies, to those that drove them north, those that dared use magic against the snow spirits sent by the gods to punish the ponies.
The Battle was to be well known as the first 'official' contact with the Lycan hordes. The canine beings who rode on deer-like animals, who roamed the steppes herding their livestock from place to place. Many today think that is why they invaded Equestria, for pastureland for their animals.
They are divided into many tribes, the ones that we faced at Berry Town were known as the Hyrcanians, as they came from the land of Hyrcania, deep inside the Borean Steppes.
Many history books claim that the Battle of Berry Town as a glorious battle, the most famous last stand in History. The Forces of Harmony against the forces of Chaos that had invaded our land. But I know better, I was there and I know what the battle was....
A Massacre.
Twilight Sparkle
All they could do was watch.
Watch as the strange attackers, bipedal canines wearing fur and armor, armed with weapons of many kinds and riding on deer-like animals, charge at them. racing down at them like a horde of locusts, baying war-cries in their alien language. Twilight looked from behind the wall of the bakery she and her friends were inside, watching as the enemy attacked. Panzer Track was busy trying to form a line of defense against the on-rushing enemy. "Hold the line!" he yelled to his men.
Twilight heard a whimper beside her. Turning her head, she saw Fluttershy in a fetal position, scared to death. Pinkie was doing her best to comfort her, while Applejack and Rarity were holding Rainbow Dash up to see the battle. Panzer's men were lined up in battle formation on the main street facing the wolves. Spears and shields were readied, as the soldiers prepared to be hit by the impact of the charge.
The enemy was closing in, firing more arrows into the formation of ponies. many of the deadly missiles went through gaps between the shields, but many more were sticking out on the shields, some even going through them and into the pony it was trying to protect. Ponies were starting to fall, one at a time.
Twilight continued watching the battle when she noticed something. The enemy riders started throwing something, strange orbs with lighted wicks. Twilight was confused about what they were......for a few seconds.
The orbs smashed into the pony soldiers and the shields. suddenly as they hit, flame sprang up, covering the ponies, armor and all. that was when Twilight figured out what the blue orbs were.
"Naphtha Bombs!" she yelled, turning to the others with a look of panic on her face. She had read what Naphtha could do, It was flammable and could stick on to anything it was put on.
That included the guard-ponies that were now in flames, screaming in pain and terror as they were being burnt to death. Twilight turned away from the sight, not wanting to see anymore of it. Yet she was still hearing it, the horrible sounds of battle, the screams of the dying. Turning away did not help as she saw Rainbow Dash with her bleeding leg, blood seeping through the make-shift bandage.
"Bucking hurts...." Rainbow said, a bit week from blood-loss.
Applejack looked up at Twilight, worry in her eyes. "We need to get Her out'a 'ere!" Applejack said, knowing full well that without medical help, Rainbow would be dead from blood loss.
Twilight knew that they had to get out of here, get back to the train and get back to civilization and help Rainbow and warn Equestria about the attack. She realized that these things were not going to stop at Berry Town; They would attack all of Equestria. Vanhoofer was only 190 miles away and she feared that was their next target. "Get Rainbow Dash to the Train," She finally said, "I'll try and help the Guards hold these guys off so you can reach the train"
"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND!" Rarity stated in shock, "You'll get killed!"
"Rarity's right!" Applejack Said, "We all, need to get outa'ere!" Applejack was no coward, but she also knew that leaving without Twilight was not going to happen. "We all Go together!"
"Perhaps the Big, Bad Wolves are gone?" Pinkie said, looking out the window, only for an arrow to hit her mane and causing it to deflate. "Darn!" she said, looking up at her hair, "I hate when that happens!" She soon put a piece of tape on her hair and connected an air pump to it, pumping the air back into her mane.
It was better not to ask about how she was doing it, because to try and understand Pinkie would cause any pony to go insane.
"Guys," Rainbow said, with everyone looking at her, "I think Twilight is right."
"Now, dear," Rarity said, trying to keep her calm, "that is the blood-loss talking, We all need to stay to-" she was cut off suddenly with the sound of an arrow and the sound of hair being cut very fast. An arrow had cut right threat Rarity's mane, taking off a piece of it.....
And that got Rarity pissed......
"I'LL KILL YOU ALL YOU MOTHER FUCKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Her voice sounded demonic, her eyes blazed with unholy flames from the very deaths of Tartarus it self! She was not in total Berserker mode and no-pony could stop her or even wanted to. She grabbed some pieces of wood and bags and bricks and started chucking them vary fast and hard. She managed to take out a few of the riders, giving the Guards time to start falling back as the other attackers started to get away from the range of the angry mare.
"You mutts ruined my mane!" She yelled. shaking her fist at them, "I'll See to that that your tails are cut off and stuff them in your mouths and weave a tapestry out of your Insides!!!!!!!!!!" Then she started throwing things again.
Even with Rarity's help, it did not seem to dent the horde's attack as the riders charged again. But it was what was coming over the hill that made everypony stop.
Twilight had noticed that the attackers were starting to spread out a bit. But she felt that this was not the end of the attack. In fact, as she looked around, she saw through the spaces between the buildings that many of the riders were going around the town, getting behind the lines of the Royal Guard. as she turned her head back to the guards, she saw something on the hill. It looked like the top of some tower, a moving tower. two other tower tops appeared. At first Twilight thought that they were bring Siege towers in, which would be odd as the town had no walls. But she soon saw that the Towers were in fact on the backs of something.
The Creatures looked like elephants, but much larger and more hairy then any elephant she had seen or read about. Then it hit her! These things were Borean Mammoths! The Wolves were using them as giant war mounts! the towers on their backs were carrying up to eighteen of the canine warriors, armed to the teeth. the mammoth's tusks were covered in spikes while their legs had metal plates on them to protect against any attempt to cut their tendons. Twilight also knew that they had thick hair and skin, which made them very hard to slay, even with magic as magic bolts would bounce off them.
"We need to Retreat back to the train, NOW!" Panzer yelled, deciding that they had to get away.
It was then that something Flew into the sky. For a second, Twilight thought it was some bird. But she soon saw it in the sky. the thing looked like a Dragon, but only having two feet and to forearms. It was then that Panzer soon yelled out what it was.
"Wyvern!" he yelled in terror.
Twilight knew he had a good reason, Wyverns were deadly monsters, cousins to dragons, even through dragons refused to recognize them as such as they were feral and known to attack dragon nesting sites to eat their eggs. Wyverns had only two legs and two wings. at their end of their tails was a deadly stinger-like barb that was covered in venom. they also could breath out ice, lightning and toxic gas at will, interchanging which breath blast they wanted to use when they liked.
The Wyvern that was flying in the sky also had a rider on it's back. This was a shock to Twilight. These Wolves could tame and ride Wyverns! Twilight soon decided it was now or never and used her magic to pick up Rainbow. "RUN FOR IT!" she yelled as she and the others were soon running out of the building, only to see another horrifying sight: the enemy had gone behind them!
Ten of the riders were charging at them, their mounts lowering their sharpened antlers to impale the six mares. Twilight had other ideas as she powered up her horn and fired a large blast of magic at the incoming attackers. blasting them off their mounts.
"Lets use their mounts to ride to the train!" Twilight stated, seeing that it would be faster then going on foot. Twilight tried to grab the reins of one of the Cervidae beasts, only for it to rear up and try to stomp one her.
Fluttershy soon walked up to it,. "There, there." she said, putting her hand on it's head and patting it on the head, "it's ok, we won't hurt you." The animal continue to try and shield away, but it was starting to calm down. It was clear the animal did not know Equestrian, but it did understand body language, so it was soon at ease.
"I think you need to hurry." Rainbow said weakly, pointing to behind them.The War Mammoths were charging in, tusks low to the ground as one of them rammed into a nearby building, smashing it to pieces. Luckily Fluttershy had gotten three of the deer-like beasts to calm down. Soon the six mares were on them, two on each animal. Twilight was with Pinkie, Fluttershy was on one that carried the wounded Dash while Rarity and Applejack rode the third.
Yet it seemed that it was for nought, as the town was now being overrun by the wolves. the mounted warriors were everywhere and with the mammoths now attacking, the Six mares and the Royal Guard were now in a fight for their lives.
Twilight and Pinkie were a few feet behind the others when Pinkie shouted "INCOMING!" Twilight turned and saw what had caused Pinkie to warn them. a large Mammoth was crashing through the buildings and was now after them. the tower on it's back was full of wolves with one of them holding on to some type of ropes, these ropes were attached to the ears of the monster by hooks. It was how the wolf was controlling the beast. From the tower, the canine warriors started aiming their bows at the mounted mares.
Twilight acted fast, casting a mobile shield spell around them as arrows flew. striking the shield and bouncing off. Twilight thanked She-of-Many-Races for learning that spell from her brother.
The six Mares rode as fast as they could towards the train, hoping to break through the enemy ranks. They also had the Mammoth behind them, with the enemy on its back. They were in alot of trouble and Twilight knew that they may have no way out.
Twilight looked to her front and saw another rider, a spear in hand, rushing towards them. Twilight sent a bolt of magic at the rider and struck him or her down, the spear knocked out of the rider's hand.
Applejack saw this and indicated to Rarity to use her magic to grab it and give it to her. Rarity did just that and one it was in her hands, Applejack pulled on her mount's reins and turned it around, facing the oncoming Mammoth. Before Rarity could protest, Applejack took the spear and then thew it like a Javelin, sending it flying right for the target; the controller.
The spear struck true, the wolf controlling the Mammoth was struck and he fell, holding on to the reins as the hairy elephant's head tilted a bit and it veered off, ramming into a bunch of buildings before falling down on it's side.
As the thing crashed down, Applejack saw another deer-mount coming up. But this one had another pony on it, General Panzer, with him a few guardponies also on the mounts. Applejack nodded to them and turned and raced with them back to the others.
It was luck that the group did not run into any riders and the way to the Train was clear. Sadly, no other ponies made it. the group raced for the spot the Train was at, the engineers already starting it up, one of them watching the sky as the Wyverns were still in the sky over the town, looking for more victims, firing lightning bolts from their mouths.
Twilight knew they had to leave now. Using her magic, she started lifting the train a bit, then turned the whole thing around, with the engine now pointing back the way the train came from.
the group stopped and got off the mounts. "We Need to head to Vanhoofer, NOW!" General Panzer yelled. "We must get a message to Celestia herself!"
As the group got on board, with Applejack and Fluttershy carrying Rainbow Dash, Twilight turned to back to look at the now ruined town and saw More War Mammoths and Deer-Mounts coming from the steppes, then she was two of the Wyverns suddenly turn and starting to head for them.
"GET THIS TRAIN MOVING NOW!" She yelled.
The Train Started off and we would soon end up in a chase that would be known as the 'Vanhoofer Derby'. It would be where we would lose one of our own, one that would give herself up to save us.
