> Frozen Equestria
>  by Flashburn37
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prelude
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prelude:
In a port town outside of Manehatten lived a young unicorn named Flashburn. He was young but had no one to care for him so he got a job using his special talent, unusually potent pyromancy, to fuel a large cruise ship, there we leave him….
In a secluded glen in the Everfree forest lived a young Alicorn named Rouge. She used to live in a small cottage but sickness and an avalanche took all she knew away a few years ago. She was set on never needing another to help her in anyway and shied from others. She was able to support herself using her special talent, a skill with animals nigh as well as Fluttershy’s and surprising accuracy with a bow, alone but undaunted we leave her…
In an academy for the princess’s army we find a seasoned veteran named (input name) Auto. He alone of his platoon survived an unwelcome encroachment of an Ettin tribe. He serves her majesty with his special talent, an uncanny and impassable shield wall and crushing club skill that is unparalleled by any other in the kingdom of Equestria. We leave him about to enter the princess’s throne room for another dispatch of orders…   
In the cold northern wastelands a dark threat is rising unknown to but a few as dark ponies who worshiped Nightmare Moon and believe Luna to be under a spell that changed her entire being. They are furious at the mockery of their great Lady of the Night and it must be destroyed. They gather in force under their leader Evendra, an alicorn bent on destroying all that stand in her way.
Celestia is unable to use the elements of harmony and Twilight and her friends have ventured deep south with Zecora in an attempt to find the staff of Starswirl the Bearded and cannot be reached and her northern intelligence officer Anti-Freeze informs her of a rumor of a rumor that is a rising threat. She must make a decision, await Twilight’s return, face an unknown foe alone with Luna, or attempt to find others who wield great power that can assist her, but what is the correct choice? If she marshals her and Luna’s forces they may prove insufficient and if she awaits Twilight only to have her not return in time… she decides not to dwell on the possibilities. If she searches for new talent and has little luck she will be just as doomed as if she waited. 
Twilight and her friends are trapped in an ancient pony ruin and a magic canceling trap leaves them unable to communicate with the outside world. They’re only hope lies with Rarity who was trapped on the other side of the collapse. If she can escape and contact a nearby town they will be saved, but should she falter or be unable to exit than all their hopes are rainbow dashed and they will have to wait for someone to find them.
As the threat grows closer Celestia must make a decision. And that is where we shall begin, with our veteran Pegasus patiently awaiting his Monarch’s command…

> Chapter 1: Firestarter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Chapter 1: Fire Starter

Captain Auto entered the throne room to see Celestia pacing. “What is your command your Majesty?”
“Word of a threat has reached my ears, and to defeat it we may need the strength of all my armies. But even that may not be enough! While Luna and I rally the troops you must search for some of great talent and pure heart so we can have a chance at defeating this foe.”
“I shall leave at once your majesty I believe I’ll try around Manehatten or the Everfree Forest.”
“Where ever you think is the best chance, but please you must hurry!”
“Yes your Majesty” He bowed and left.
As he prepared to leave he saw a poster that read “The Great and Powerful Trixie is in Manehatten for two weeks hurry to catch the magic!” “Hmm a unicorn… she may be just what we need.” Computed Auto. He grabbed his mace and shield and headed out.  “Sergeant!”
“Yes Sir?”
“I need you to send a group of officers up to the throne room the Princess will probably need help.”
“Yes Sir what of you Sir?”
“I am leaving on a… recruiting mission.” 
“See you when you get back.”
“And I you, keep up the good work and a promotion may be in your future.”
“Thank you Sir.”
“Now I simply must be on my way. Good bye!”
“By Sir!”
It had been a long time since Auto had left Canterlot but with a will and bravery that could only be manufactured he journeyed on to Manehatten. The trip was uneventful other than a small storm he was surprised as according to his charts they hadn’t any scheduled but nothing overly dangerous. When he arrived he got a room in a hotel owned by the Orange family and purchased a ticket to the show. He would need to pick it up later that day. He searched far and wide and interviewed many ponies but no leads on any significant powers except this Trixie and a few others. Only four seemed legitimate candidates an earth pony who was supposedly the strongest in all of Equestria, Trixie, a steam boat unicorn and a Pegasus who was called “the best fencer this side of the Everfree Forest. He had a few days before the show and a week before the other unicorn's ship came in so he figured he should recharge and look for the strong pony. According to Flim he lived in the construction district and was named He-Pon. After a quick plug-in at the hotel he left for the construction district. Why Manehatten needed to get bigger he hadn’t the slightest clue, but apparently it would only stop when it rivaled Canterlot for sheer size. 
The construction district is just outside the official city limits near the forest. It was dirty, mean, and dangerous if you weren’t always on the lookout for potential thieves and avoid angry workers just itching for a fight. Auto figured the best place to check would be the local bar so he headed to “The Fermented Apple.” It was a dingy place two stories tall and slowly rotting at its foundations. He entered through a door that had the logo on the front, it was an apple that was wearing the strangest hat. The tap room was poorly lit by a few candles and there were about four ponies at the bar and another two at a table. He could tell immediately this was a bad situation for him. If he stayed long there would be a fight and he would prefer not to make a scene. He walked up to the bar and got the barkeeps attention. “Excuse me sir, do you know a He-Pon by any chance?”
“What did he do?”
“What do you mean?”
“Judging by your metallic voice you’re a police officer of some kind and if I have any brains at all I’d ask you to leave. Now who told you to look here?”
“They didn’t say here specifically just the construction district, and it was Flim.”
“Flim! Where is he I haven’t seen him since we were chased out of Ponyville!”
“How do you know him?”
“I’m his brother Flam! We got separated when we fled from a pack of timber wolves in the Everfree Forest. Now where is he?”
“Here in Manehatten he is working in a shipyard as a heavy lifter moving boxes of produce from one ship to the other.”
“I will help you in any way I can! Pwnicus will be here in about ten minutes when his shift is over. Now if you stay here much longer one of those brutes is going to try and test your mettle, uh, sorry, I meant no offence of course! Uh, go into the backroom no one will harass you in there.”
“Thank you Flam.”
“No problem.”
The backroom was as dirty as rest of the bar and filled with casks of cider. He knew it was necessary but he still hated the thought of sitting in this mess. Ten minutes later he was so glad to be out of the room he practically bowled Flam over trying to get out. 
“Excuse me, so where is he?” Auto asked.
“Over there with the other three construction ponies, be careful.”
“Thank you Flam, Flim’s address was 9000 Dock street apartment 2”  
“So I said to her… This is a private conversation so beat it.” A lanky pony spat.
“Sorry Sirs, I cannot do that which of you is He-Pon?”
“Me, now what of it?” He was huge and built like Iron Will. Did he live in a gym? He was light brown and had a rough look to him, the kind of pony who might punch out your lights rather than talk to you. His cutie mark was a pony lifting a huge weight over its head.
“I am here to test you and if you pass you may join me.”
“Ya hear that? I maaaay join him! Join you with what?”
“Defending Equestria from a horrible invasion of un-imaginable scale.”
“What if I refuse?”
“Then you refuse and I look for others braver than you.”
“Nopony is braver than me! What is this test?
“You must defeat me in single combat, your choice of weapons or no weapons and if you succeed I hope you don’t kill me as I won’t kill you if I do. Also if I win and judge you good enough you may still join me.”
“Fine, here and no weapons!” He immediately rose and swung at Auto who with inpony reflexes only achieved through experience and technology dodge and countered scoring an uppercut to He-Pon’s chin.
“I want to start this fight fair and square, outside now.”
“If you say so.” He said, rubbing his chin.
Captain Auto and He-Pon walked outside the bar. Auto shook off the brown cloak he was using to hide his Canterlot armor and cape. He-Pon immediately charged him swinging his massive hooves furiously but to the Captain it was no faster than the many sword blows he had ducked and for every swing of He-Pon’s Auto had more than one counter. He dodged a massive right hook and replied with a jab. The fight was over soon for He-Pon had only fought drunks before never a veteran solider.
“You may be strong but you are stupid and have no skill for fighting. I could use you after a few years training but I don’t have that much time good day and farewell. You will find compensation if you go to the Manehatten garrison and explain the situation, then you will be able to afford some off time from your job. Now I must away.”
The battered and bruised He-Pon called out, “Wait if you go near the Everfree Forest check the grove two miles from the North road head due east from the crossing you can’t miss it. I once worked for a lumber company and there is somepony living there who you may want to see!”
“Thank you.” Now Auto had to find this so called “best Fencer” he had heard about. He knew the next ponies name was Shadowfax and lived in the market district only an hour away. Might as well check it as soon as possible. The market district was in much better shape than the construction district. Everypony here was in the latest Canterlot style of dress and hairdo. He felt a little more than just out of place. He approached what looked like a likely spot. It was a fencing school called “Sharpest Steel” it was in good condition and from the outside he could see at least twelve ponies dueling, some with more success than others. He entered and walked up to the receptionist who was writing something. 
“Excuse me sir just a minute! I have to tally these accounts. There we are now what can I help you with Mr.?”
“Captain Auto Tomaton of the Royal Canterlot army I am here on Royal business is there a Ms. Shadowfax here?”
“Why yes of course she one of the instructors she busy right now but I’m sure she’ll see you as soon as possible. Though I am curious, why do you need to see her?”
“I guess you could call it recruiting.”
“I wouldn’t get my hopes up if I were you; she doesn’t like the army much.”
“Could you go get her please I don’t mean to be rude but I must pick up a ticket and they go on sale in under an hour. I already might not get there in time.”
“Oh of course.” She left and went toward a group of children learning the safety of fencing and upkeep of a blade. “’S’cuse me Shadow but someone needs to see you about some recruiting thing.”
“I told them I quit for a reason!” The mare snapped back.
“Ok I’ll tell ‘im but he is insistent.” He knew where this was going and just walked up to Shadowfax. She pure white even her mane she had a scar that went from her left ear across to just below her eye. Her eyes were blue and intense with a hidden fear shoved right below the surface. She was a Pegasus.
“Excuse me Miss but I must speak to you in private it is of the utmost importance.”
“You have five minutes follow me.” She lead him upstairs to a storage room old broken swords on the walls a stack of dummies on a pile on the floor and a helm split down the middle on a mount in the back it was of the Canterlot army style and was stained all near the hole. A shattered shield lay in pieces beside it and a letter, unopened, lay next to a picture too old and faded to tell what it was of. “Tell me your version of why I should rejoin go on they are always different and sometimes entertaining.”
“What are you talking about rejoin what?”
“Oh your going for ignorant that’s new, fine I’ll play along. You want me to rejoin the Canterlot army and think that your spin on it will succeed where all the others have failed but it won’t! I won’t go back there! Not now not ever!”
“I am not here for the army. A threat has been discovered of unimaginable size and danger. Even Celestia and Luna may not be able to defeat it! I was sent to find talent to aid us and somepony mentioned you as the greatest fencer in Equestria and we could use that! Now will you join me?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“I gave my young life to the military! I got to the rank of Captain and lead a squad! But I wasn’t good enough!”
“What do you mean?”
“My brother joined up to be like his big sister and he was placed in my command. Then one day…” She pauses a moment and collects herself. “One day a Hydra broke through the forest and was on its way to ravage the city. All the other squads were too far away to intercept so I told them my squad would hold it off until help arrived. We fended it off well but then it started to slow and I thought we had weakened it so I ordered my squad to finish it off. It was a trick and I fell for it. It tore through my little ponies and only I and two others escaped its reach. My brother wasn’t one of them. He died because of my judgment call. I was wrong and he died. It’s my fault. If it weren’t for me he wouldn’t even have been in the army!” 
“I understand… more than most as I was in the same position a few years ago. I will accept it if you choose not to help me.”
“Thank you” She said on the brink of tears.
“No more recruiters will ever bother you; I will make sure of it.” And he left. He picked up the ticket he needed and went back to the hotel. Now he only need wait.
***
The day of the show arrived and so did Trixie. The Captain got into his seat in the front row and sat down ready to observe. 
“Welcome Mares and Colts! To the Greatest feat of Magic that will ever be seen! You will be dazzled by none other than The Great and Powerful Trixie! The most powerful Unicorn in all of Equestria!” Smoke began to fill the stage obscuring all sight. “She has defeated an Ursa Major! She out does even the famous Twilight! Her magic is so powerful it even matches, no bests, Celestia’s! Here she is! Trixie!” Out came Trixie, she was a deep blue Unicorn in an outrageous costume she came out singing. 
“So there you are my friends! Oh so bored, so frazzled!
I know that you came here just to see me and be dazzled!
None of your could comprehend the magic of which I bring!
But be warned of the great powers to and fro I fling!
There is much danger, for you and you and you Sir!
If I fail to contain the powers that I hold!
You will all leave here much more cold!”
It was the worst musical number he had ever heard. Hopefully her magic was at least half as good as she said it is. Suddenly great flashing lights appeared overhead.
“Now be dazzled as I create the greatest feat of magic ever seen by pony eyes!” Suddenly flashing lights and sounds came from all over. Random feelings of heat and cold confused his sensors and he laid there stunned. But he noticed something odd. Her horn wasn’t glowing at all! She wasn’t doing this! He looked around and saw random audience members intensely focused and their horns alight! It was a sham! He left as soon as he was able, glad to have never spoken with her. He returned to the hotel and decided to wait for the ship with the pyromancer to arrive.
***
It was a nice sunny day when the ship finally came into port; Flashburn had grown tired of the same features and few opportunities for fun that the ship provided. Now he could spend his pay at the nearest sweets shop or book store. Whatever he saw first really. He then he looked at his tattered burnt hat and cloak, maybe a tailor would be better... he thought. He admired his nice green boots. They were his pride and joy, so shiny and green. A nice neon green like his cloak but somehow better. Then he realized, he hadn’t been in Manehatten since he first left and got the job on the boat. Well, he had no friends to have left behind so his home coming would have to be a lonely one; at least they always liked him at the cake shop! He remembers working there for that week before he was fired. Too many burnt cakes they said… He wondered if his room at the inn was still empty.
“Flashburn! Here’s your pay, see ya in a week!” The Captain called out as he tossed a sack over to Flash. Who quickly counted the cash.
“Your about fifty five bits short.”
“Damages got deducted from your pay... again.”
“Oh yeah, well I’ll see you later than.”
“I can’t tell if I look forward to that day Flash.” Flash laughed and left. As he walked off the gangplank he was approached by a Pegasus in a brown cloak obviously covering armor. Probably another bandit trying to get the great pyro into his band. Flash had dealt with this before. If you ran fast enough they would stop chasing eventually. He walked toward him then swerved to the left putting traffic between them and booked it as fast as he could. None could catch the flame! He turned a corner and… ran… smack into a Pegasus… in a brown cloak obviously covering armor. “Oomph… so sorry uh, well hello there! Sorry the bandit life just isn’t for me so… I’ll just be going!” Flash turned and just before he turned the corner a metallic voice behind him said:
“Halt. I am not a bandit, but I do need to interview you.”
“Was there another fire? I’ve been gone all of this year so it wasn’t me!”
“It is something different for that. A threat has been detected and the Princesses may not be able to handle it so they sent me to find talent. You have been said to have talent. Do you wish to take the test?”
“What the hay might as well. What’s the test?” Flash thought, invigorated at the chance of a change!
“Single combat me versus you, you decide weapons or no.” He sighed. “And yes magic counts as a weapon.”
Flash laughed “Ok weapons yes just don’t kill me! When do we start?”
“Now if you like.”
“Now works.”
They began circling each other. The Pegasus let his cloak drop and drew a shield and mace. He wore a set of Canterlot’s Captain’s armor. Then all hay broke loose! Flash shot a blast of fire that the Pegasus blocked. He used the temporary blindness to jump over pile of trash. This “Captain” looked around for him and as soon as his back was turned Flash launched a volley of burning cans and other refuse at his back knocking him over and lighting his cape aflame. He then shot a beam of fire at the more then distracted Captain. “Do you surrender Cap?”
“Aye now put me out!”
The idea had never dawned on him, put out fires? Why? Oh yeah they hurt! “Sorry I don’t know how!”
“Cover me with somethin’ like a cloak fast! My circuits are melting!” So Flash threw his cloak over the captain and patted it out. “You’ve earned the right to join up, do you want to?”
“Sure I’m Flashburn by the way.”
“I’m Captain Auto Tomaton and welcome to the fight.” The brohoofed and that was that.
"By the way, isn't that whole thing a state secret? Why are you spouting it off to every passerby?"
"How else can I recruit?"
"Point taken..."

> Chapter 2: Travel
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 2: Travel
With one recruit Auto began to have his hope restored! Maybe if he got lucky he could get another to join up! He was done in Manehatten and needed to expand his search. In order to live in a dangerous place such as the Everfree Forest one needed to be of good skill! That place would have fewer harder to find candidates but less false ones as well. He simply had to get acquainted with this unicorn and bring him along. Maybe he knew of other special ponies that could help! They just had to restock first…
“We will set out for the Everfree in the morning but we need provisions do you know of any good stores?” asked Captain Auto Tomaton. 
“Wait we’re leaving that soon? I need to tell the Cap’ I won’t be there to power the ship! Oh and yes I do there is a lovely shop called “Travel supplies and lawn mowers” they should have all you need, and if they don't you could get a lawnmower!”  Flash exclaimed. “Where should we meet up after I talk to my boss?”
“Meet me at the Sugar Cube inn and if I’m not back purchase some travel clothes you look ridicules in that neon green cloak and boots.”
“What do you have against my boots?” Flashburn indignantly huffed.
“You just look a bit out there.”
“Fine I will go get new clothes. You need anything at the tailor’s?”
“No thank you.” 
“Ok I’ll see you later then.”
***
It had been awhile since Flashburn had met anyone who thought that his talent was useful for anything other than caravan raiding or fueling a ship. Maybe he shouldn’t have committed himself to this cause. Well what’s done is done. Now to the tailors! Nowhere is there a better tailor than in Manehatten than at Sweetie’s!
Sweetie’s was a higher end establishment being funded by the Rarity Corporation but she somehow managed to help even the poorest of ponies on top of a large workload of the rich. And on top of that she still managed to have an impressive singing carrier! Someponies just get it all don’t they? It looked very similar to the original boutique in ponyville but with a few differences. For instance there were two guest houses attached for whom though Flashburn knew not. Besides he didn’t care and she never spoke of it. It had been a long time since he had seen Sweetie he wondered if she was able to fill that order for Hoity Toity? The door was open so he let himself in. The place was…a…terrible mess. “Did a fabric store explode in here?”
“Oh I’ll be right with you!” He heard from the back room. Suddenly curious he looked at the doors to the guest houses. One was well worn he could tell but the other… Why it was in good condition but it looked seldom used. At least a few years if not more! Then he saw it… the best cloak ever! Even brighter green than his! And the tag said it was fire resistant! A match made in heaven if ever before there was! As he marveled at the fabric Sweetie walked in.
“Flash? Flashburn is that you! It has been months! How’ve you been? How’s the new job? Oh and how’s Sparkboom doing? And what are you up to now?”
“Ok one at a time I’ve been swell, the job was good but a bit dull, and when it comes to Boomie, well we no longer… uh… I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Well that’s unfortunate, So what are you up to now?”
“I’ve been recruited for a quest! I quest to do… something!”
“You don’t even know do you?” Sweetie shook her head and laughed under her breath.
“Not really no. But I do know that I need a new cloak and hat and I couldn’t help but notice that beauty over there!” He pointed to the green cape.
“Actually I made that for you specifically, after we last saw each other call it a gift, something tells me you’ll need the fire resistant fabric very soon and if you run into Sparky…”
“Boomie.” He interrupted.
“If you ever run into her again tell her to visit I found some blast resistant fabric made with magic and I thought she’d want it. And for your hat do want the usual or are you gonna listen to styling sense?”
“What do you think?”
“As always I have one already made, you go through them so quickly I feel not to would be rather irresponsible of me.”
“Well I gotta go how much I owe you for the hat?”
“Five bits after your discount and thank you for your patronage.”
“See you later then!”
“Bye!”
As he was leaving he suddenly remembered his question, “Oh and when I left both rooms were in use but I never met the occupants who are they?”
“Applebloom and Scoo… well she doesn’t visit anymore. We had a falling out over some fight, haven’t seen her since.”
“That’s a shame.”
“You have no idea.”
He left even more confused than when he came in. Sweetie always seemed so happy before and the mere mention of this pony seemed to bring such sorrow into her eyes. Right then and there he vowed to find this Scoot and fix this rift between such obviously close friends. That was for another time though, now he had a world to save. To the Inn! Wait… What Inn was it again?
***
“Alas for my mission! Several weeks into it and I have one recruit! If I even have one, he is over four hours gone and seems slightly... well... insane! Celestia will forgive and understand, but if I fail… At least I have one.” Mused Auto.
“I’m sure he’ll be right along Captain.” Said the innkeeper  Poundcake.
“I hope your right.” Unfortunately he couldn’t delay much longer or he might be too late and an outright desertion would surely cripple his search. Besides he didn’t like the idea of heading into the Everfree Forest alone with talk of the Everfree Raiders increasing robberies. How would they respond if they found him? He the Captain of the Cantorlot Guard, the pony who’s been dogging them for years? No the thought did not make him very eager. But he was sent to find talent and to live there one needed a significant amount just to survive there alone. But what if it was a trap or even a false statement, the delay would be costly. Just as he considered this Flashburn walked in, in a neon green cloak and a nigh identical hat as the one he was wearing this morning. The only reason it seemed different was the fact that it didn’t have holes in it. “I thought I told you to get new clothes!”
“I did!”
“No you didn’t you got fresh ones. Well so much for avoiding attention in the forest.”
“Look at the bright side its fire proof! Oh, and it’s green! So green. Like my boots. I love my boots.”
“I noticed. Get some sleep we leave in the morning.”
“Ok so Cap, or do you prefer Auto?”
“Auto.”
“I prefer Cap. Goodnight Cap.” He walked up stairs and went to sleep.
“I’d better sleep as well G’Night Mr. Cake.”
“Mr. Cake is my father," Poundcake laughed, "Goodnight Auto.” And so he went up stairs and plugged in.
***
Flash does not wake up well. Not well at all. This was the first lesson Captain Auto learned of his new companion. He had planned on leaving at the break of dawn, Flash was thinking around noon. After some grumbling Flash woke up a full hour after sunrise and they were on their way to the Everfree Forest. It was a bright and sunny day and the perfect temperature for walking. It would be slower than flying but, if Flash had any magic to get himself in the air he didn’t mention it and with his special talent Auto was afraid to ask. Anyway at least the weather was nice, in the morning. Around three a high wind picked up and clouds formed above. Little did they know that this was no planned pony storm but the Everfree’s tempest that broke the bonds of the encompassing woodlands.
As lighting began to flash and rain fell in sheets Auto realized the dangers they now faced. The trees began to groan as branches cracked and fell away. The rain pounded in from all sides blinding them to all else. Then Auto screamed to Flash “We must find shelter or we are doomed!”
“You find a place I will provide temporary relief!”
“Fine, just don’t burn the forest down!”
Auto ran to a nearby hill as Flash prepared one of his more useful spells that he learned combating storms at sea. He gathered all of the energy he had until his horn was aglow with power and he sent out a wave of heat intolerable to most ponies that evaporated every drop of water in the nearby hills and scorching the land at his feet. The rain stopped for about seven seconds but it was enough for Auto to find a suitable cave that wouldn’t flood.
“Well I think you just proved your worth to my quest! How’d you do that?!”
“Well water evaporates due to heat and condenses into water when it cools down. All I did was heat it up again.”
“It was incredible!”
“Well I sure hope so it is exhausting!”
“We aren’t leaving until the weather clears up anyways so take a nap.” There was nothing Flashburn wanted more than sleep but he had work to do after all the cave is rather deep and they don’t know if they are alone.
“I’ll scout the cave first; after all I have a light.” He really did not want to but he was the obvious choice for the job. The cave had a bend in it that led to a side chamber with nothing in it thank Celestia. He returned to Auto, told him, returned to the side chamber, and slept.
***
Rouge was awakened by the shattering report near here forest home. As she gazed into the night she saw a radiant burst of red light encompass a road not far away and as it reached her she felt its’ heat and it was intense, so intense the rain just stopped. In all her years in the Everfree Forest she had never seen anything like that before. It wasn’t the first time she had to defend her home and it was likely not the last so she strung her bow and left. 
By the time she was ready the storm had returned in full force and she was forced to lay low, not that she had a problem with walking it just took too long. She had misjudged the strength of the storm though and had to find shelter, Brumble’s cave would do nicely. 
Brumble was an old bear who was never too aggressive and she had grown to like him even if he didn’t make his way down to the stream often enough. As she walked into the dark small cave she heard a confused growling from the back. “It’s me you smelly old puffball.” He grunted and moseyed on down back to his spot. She really did like that bear.
***
“The storms quieted down, we should leave now.” Said Flash. He had a bad feeling that the cave was about to become crowded and he didn’t want to be here for that.
“Why are you so keen to leave?” asked Auto.
“I just have a feeling somepony important is about to show up and knowing the Everfree forest…”
“The Everfree Raiders. Long have I hunted them but their leader somehow remains a step ahead of me every time. I trust your judgment. We must go now.” But it was too late. As a cloud break illuminated the entrance a shadow fell over both of them. The turned to see, at the mouth of the cave, a crossbow leveled in their direction, a hooded figure holding it.
Then in a cockney accent he said “Now this tis lovely the boss pays well fur kidnappin’s but I wonder how much I’ll get fo’ you Capin’ Tomaton… now move it the both o’ yee’s.” He moved so that they had room to exit while staying at least ten feet away from him at all times. “An don’ even think about runnin’ ‘cause we got anotha three of us out side.” He wasn’t lying. At that moment neither Flash nor Auto had any ideas on how to escape without one or both of them being shot.
“Alright now we are heading for the outside. We will make no sudden moves our stuff is in the back chamber of the cave we will make no move for our weapons. Just keep calm we will not fight.” Captain Auto had been in this situation before but always with backup a few minutes away.
“Right grab your things and exit, and no funny business.” As they grabbed their packs flash stumbled on his new cloak, the crossbowman almost fired right then and there.
“It’s ok he just slipped. We are not doing anything to attempt to fight back or escape. OK?”
“Just don’t do it again or I mighten be in the mood fer shootin’,” They grabbed their things and left the cave, a crossbow to their back and several more than three in front of them. Auto knew he could escape by himself but he couldn’t just leave Flash at the hands of the infamous Everfree Raiders. His only hope was to play along and hope they decided to ransom them. “Camps west, start marchin’.”
***
Their camp was ramshackle at best. Everything was built for quick deconstruction and reconstruction to avoid the Canterlot armies. When they arrived they could count about forty ponies all between the ages of young adulthood and near veneration, those who were too young weren’t allowed to join and the old were left behind. In a way Auto was nervous yet excited to meet the pony that had evaded him all this time. He wondered who it was. What was their cutie mark? What kind of pony were they? Pegasus? Unicorn? Ground? Was it a he or a she? For all of his investigations and funds spent he knew nothing of his adversary. His followers were almost as loyal as Rainbowdash! As they went further into the camp it seemed that the world seemed to darken just a bit. If this pony thought death was all he deserved after chasing them for so long… He would have failed the princess.
***
Rouge watched them from atop a cloud. “Humph of course they are Raiders, anyone who enters my forest that isn’t lost or a trader always is.” Then she thought to herself, why? Why did they always do that? Would another ever enter the forest in the search of peace and tranquility? It did not seem likely, after all of these years… a whole century and yet none have come other than Zecora and Fluttershy, but neither seemed much fun. Was she destined to live alone with only animals like Brumble to talk to? At first the isolation had been great but now it was really dragging her down. She wouldn’t return to her home… how could she? After all this time? They must think me dead she thought ponderously. Well she might watch a tad longer initiations were always fun to watch. What test would they face? Even if they succeeded would they be let in? The gang leader was always particular to only let diehard loyalists in. I guess that’s how he’s avoided capture for so long... she inferred. Anyway it was time to watch the fireworks.
***
“Could it be? Has the opportunity finally arisen? Have I finally procured He who has plagued me all these years? Neigh! It must be a farce and a contemptible one at that! So what’s the plan! Are your solders right behind you about to run in? They’ll never catch us… Even if they find me, the Raiders will live on! Now save yourself your dignity and tell me… What plans do you have that caused you to be captured?” He, it surely was a male, spoke in a refined high cantorlotion accent never misplacing a vowel and as smooth as silk. Auto still had yet to see him but already knew this was no decoy, this was he who had evaded him all these years.
“I seem to be at a disadvantage, you knowing everything about me but I knowing naught of you! So tell me at least this much first, your name! Then you will know my purpose on the name of my Princesses’ honor!”
“Well I can trust that! You honor her higher than your own life! Fine I am James Vander Quickhoof! Let me guess, never heard that name before have you?”
“No I haven’t.”
“I have,” Interjected Flash, “You are son of the Rich family but due to the nature of your cutie mark your father tried to erase all knowledge of your existence!”
“Ho-How how did you know that?” Balked James. No one knew that! Not even his closest advisors! You could see a collective shock spread amongst the members of the camp as their leader’s greatest secret laid bare for them all to hear.
“If your families rich, why do you stand for spreading the wealth?” stated one of the bandits.
“Yeah! My father lost his job ‘cause the Rich families company bought out the mill!”
“My job was stolen by him too!”
“Hypocrite!”
“We should mutiny and have a true leader! Not one who is the posh son of a rich family!”
“Did you just bring us out of here for fun? Knowing that you had a safety net? How dare you!”
“Richie Rich!”
“Backstabber!”
Auto was just as confused as the others, “How’d you know that Flash?” He whispered.
“I was there. My case was right after his.” After the questioning glance Flash decided to elaborate. “He was getting his name legally changed and I was the suspect in a sudden fire… it was an accident really! Anyway he was upset and I was curious so I eavesdropped.”
***
This was odd. Rouge had seen many an induction ceremony but never had one gone this way. It seem as if their leader was in over his head for the first time since he started this group, and the recruits seemed more like prisoners than possible bandits. Then she saw it. In the pack of the Pegasus was a set of cantorlotion armor. This was no induction! This was an interrogation and it appeared one of their responses seemed to have upset the group. She had to help the prisoners! But how? Brumble. No one could ignore him! “Hang in solder help is on the way!”
She sped for the cave. For the first time in years she was going to actually do something! She would save them and learn of their stories! Maybe, just maybe they could be the friends she was missing! “Brumble you big oaf get up! We have a job to do…”

> Chapter 3: Dimming Spark
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 3: Dimming Spark 
James backed against the wall as the mutinous dogs closed in. “Why does my history matter? Have I not fought beside you and lead you well?”
“You lied to us and we need to trust our leader!” Several others affirmed this. They drew weapons and approached threateningly. “Gut ‘em! He knows too much of our stratagems fur ascapin’!”
“He’s right!” Several rushed James but this was not his first fight while outnumbered and he drew a hidden blade from within his cloak and batted their blades away. This is not a good situation, thought James, even if I can hold them off I will tire much faster. How shall I escape? Well the camps nearest exit is a little bit that way but offered no cover and all the others had at least ten ponies in the way. He had but one hope.
“They’ll kill you after their through with me! Join me and have a chance!” He yelled as he cut the prisoner’s bonds.
“Normally I’d not be keen on joining you but the circumstances seem to point in that direction!” agreed Flash.
“We have no choice James, we will fight with you.” Auto begrudgingly accepted. Flash than levitated his trusty mace and shield to his side. “Ah my weapons,” He sighed. “It has been too long. Now let’s fight!”
***
“Let’s fight!” Came a call from the camp. Rouge had to hurry or they wouldn’t last long!
“Oh hurry up Brumble! You old slob!” She scolded her impromptu mount. “That’s it.” She levitated Brumble much faster toward the battle letting him down just out of the camp.
***
The clash of steel on steel and flame on fur soon filled the camp. They were fighting valiantly but with how outnumbered they were, doom was upon them. “Never saw myself going out like this, Auto!” 
“How’d you see yourself going out then?”
“Fire. Wait what’s that sound?” Flash turned to the strangest site. A bear busting through a tent with an alicorn on its’ back. “James, that one of yours?”
“No! That’s the guardian of the forest! What’s she doin’ here?”
The strange alicorn yelled “Saving your life!” She then enveloped all three of them in her wings and Brumble charged out.
***
“What in the blue blazes is going on?” complained Flash as he was dumped to the ground. A half an hour later. Before him was an alicorn with large wings and a golden curved horn.
“I just saved your life!” She sighed exasperatedly. Right then a bear trudged in. Flash looked about him, James suffered from a slash to the shoulder and Auto had dried blood on his head. They were in a slightly damp cave large enough to house all of them quite comfortably. He seemed unharmed but the manner of their rescue was suspect. How did she manage to get them all out? Even if there was a reason for that how come he can’t remember the moments after being swept into her wings? What if they weren’t even rescued? Maybe this situation is worse!
“Sorry, I’m just a little frazzled is all, I’m Flashburn and you are?”
“Rogue.”
“That’s a nice name! Where are we? Nevermind I wouldn’t know if you gave me a name, I’m new to the area you see… So now that the uh, pleasantries are out of the way a question I beg of you. Why’d you save us? We were outnumbered ten to one by my count even with your help, a lost cause if ever I saw one.”
“I’m not sure I know.”
“Well thank you anyways. I think my friends are in need of medical attention.” He went to Auto’s side. His wounds were superficial and the blood on his head wasn’t his own. James shoulder needed a bandage but would heal fine.
“That pony had just captured you, yet you count him friend? How do you forgive so easily?”
Flash looked down and shuddered as memories flooded back…
***
“I’m so sorry! I couldn’t help it! I can’t control the fire! I can’t! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry…”
***
“Ponies make mistakes and I know that better than most. Besides what was he supposed to do? Two ponies arrive tied up being lead by his minions? To lose face in that group is to die as I’m sure you saw. If I can forgive him maybe… nevermind.”
“Your friend will be awake soon. I must go. We don’t have enough food for all of us and some of you are unfit to travel. Brumble will watch out for you don’t worry.”
What a strange pony she must be, Thought Flash, I only hope she stays a friend. Now all he could do was sit lost in the memories of what could have been and what shouldn’t have been. “I miss Boomie.” He spoke aloud, it felt good to hear her name. “I wonder how old Sparky is anyway? She was so angry when I left, I thought the whole of Equestria would explode! I wish they’d wake up. Lazy buggers we have work to do! We need to find that glen in the forest with the archer in it!” Oh no wait! how will Auto and James react? They’re old nemesis right? That won’t be good. You know putting out fires was a good idea, if only Auto had met me sooner…
***
Auto had a terrible headache when he woke up… as his systems rebooted he rubbed his head and looked about him and came face to face with James vander Quickhoof. “Wh-what happened?”
“Rogue saved us!” called out Flash from behind Auto. “Thank Celestia your awake I’m no medic so I had no idea if the bandage I used was sufficient or not. Now we have to find that archer.”
Auto turned to him. “Where are we?”
“A cave. I assume it’s in the Everfree Forest.”
“Can you be more specific?”
“A damp cave in the Everfree Forest.”
“Thanks... Where is this, Rouge?”
“Hunting. Now I have one for you, can you remember anything after she saved us? And what will you do about James? I like him! He’s cool.”
“No I don’t remember; I had a head wound ember brains. When it comes to James… Maybe he can help with our quest? He certainly is talented and if he refuses I’ll have to arrest him. There’s no other way. He can earn penitence through saving Equestria.”
“Sweet, I hope I can.” Mumbled Flash.
“What was that?”
“Nothin’ Rouge just asked something that got me thinking about my past is all I’d rather not speak of it.” At that moment James awoke.
“What happened? Where am I? Am I in jail? Is this what prisons are like? Wait. This isn’t a prison. Oh hello you two! No bad feelings? Oh OW my arm is killing me! Who bandaged me? Was it the bear?” He grabbed his shoulder and undid the bandage. “Much too tight, much, much, much too tight.”
“Oops sorry. So James can you remember what happened after she rescued us?”
“No I cannot I was unconscious at the time. Now Captain what will you do with me? Mind you I wouldn’t like to be thrown in a dungeon! Or banished. Or banished than thrown in a dungeon in the place I was banished to! I’ve seen it happen, look at Princess Luna!”
“Actually I was just discussing that with my colleague Flashburn over there and I have a proposition for you. I was sent on a quest by Celestia to gather talented ponies so as to protect Equestria from a new possible threat. Will join me and defend Equestria? It’s that or jail.”
“Well that’s not much of a choice is it? Well than I’ll help you. Besides it’s not like I can rejoin the Raiders or start a new gang, my identity will be known throughout the world in a few days. Sure I’ll help you, on one condition though! Freedom. After this I want a clean record. No jail time no nothin’.”
“I can only promise that if you also join the army and it only lasts if you are released from the obligations, no dishonorable discharges.”
“But-“
“It’s all I can do without Celestia present.”
“Fine.”
“Yay! Both of you agreed so now I won’t have to fight you James! What do you say, friends?”
“Sure Flash sure.”
“Sweet! I can’t wait to do battle with armies of darkness with you at my side!”
“Wait what?”
“Too late you agreed! You did! You heard him right Auto?”
“Yep.”
“ROAR!” yelled Brumble.
“Sweet Celestia Brumble we’ll shut up! Guys keep it down Brumble’s trying to take a nap. Why are you guy’s cowering?”
“I wasn’t cowering!” protested James. Both Flashburn and Auto Tomaton laughed as Rouge entered carrying a freshly slain boar on her back.
“What’s going on in here?” She said as she dropped the boar to the floor. Auto noticed it had been slain with one bow shot to the eye and had strange claw marks all over its back. Was she the great archer that he searched for?
“Nice shot, but what are the claw marks?” he commented.
“Oh thanks the claws are from Woof-Woof don’t worry you’ll meet her soon. She never leaves my side for long.”
“What manner of beast leaves such marks as that?” Flash interjected.
“Timberwolves stupid.” Explained Rogue.
“Why is everyone calling me stupid all of a sudden?” Yelled Flashburn angrily.
“Cool it hot-head,” Said Auto, “Now Rogue I have a question for you. I was sent to this forest in search of a great archer who lived in a secluded glen in the Everfree Forest. Are you that archer?”
“Depends why.”
“All of Equestria may be in danger and  I was sent on a talent hunt, so far all I have are those two, and if you joined it would be helpful. First though, and only if you want to join, you must pass a test of skill.”
She then used her horn to bring her bow from her back notched and fired six arrows in rapid succession each hitting one of the ponies cloaks, pinning them to the ground. “Extremely dangerous?” she asked.
“Yes.” Auto said impassively.
“Chance of success?”
“Low.”
“Let’s get started then, I’m in.” she looked outside, “Woof-Woof come! We have an adventure too far away lands and I know you’d hate to miss that!” A howling echoed through the forest as the ground began to tremble.
“My new cloak!” Flash complained, “And what’s the boar for anyway? We’re all vegetarians here! You know, cause we’re ponies not well whoever you usually have over for dinner…”
“Did you assume I went hunting for you? Ha no I have plenty of food for us it is Brumble and Woof-Woof.” She explained.
“Well where is um, Woof-Woof?” asked James.
“Her she is!” At that moment a large timberwolf prowled in and sat next to Rogue glaring suspiciously at the three other ponies. “Oh Woof-Woof don’t be like that, they’re our friends.” Woof-Woof barked twice and lolled her tongue out. “That’s a good girl now eat up.” She than tore into the boar with a voracious hunger.
“I cannot tell whether it is beautiful or disgusting or terrifying.” Flash gasped in awe of the scene before him. “Would Woof-Woof prefer it cooked?”
“She doesn’t mind all that much but yeah, unfortunately we haven’t the time to build a fire.”
“We won’t need one! So rare, well done, or medium?”
“She prefers it medium, what are you going to do?”
“We are all on this team for a reason and I kind of want to show off my talent after all, this adventure has revealed so many facets of it I want to try every possible application!” He then took his hat off, narrowed his eyes, and bit his tongue in concentration. His horn began glow its customary red and the boar had an aura around it and started to sizzle. Woof-Woof looked up in confusion than at the aura. Soon the boar began to brown slightly and Flash stopped. Woof-Woof tore into it with a new found abandon.
“I guess every adventure group needs a cook,” James joked, “What is your talent anyways?”
“Fire and other burning things like that, such as heat waves. I especially love fire bolts and heat rays. A good heat ray can make an enemy uncomfortable and give up. A good fire bolt can kick them in the pants as they run off.” They all laughed at that. “So how early should we set out? And to where?” Flash asked Auto.
“I was thinking about heading north to evaluate the enemies, but first stopping by Cantorlot and showing you all to Celestia. As to when we leave, well, that’s up to Rouge here. How soon are you willing to pack up and go? Know that time is a factor here and I would hate to tarry longer than necessary.”
“I’ll have everything ready in the morning. You can sleep here, but do not venture out of the cave. I have many animals guarding my home and if any see you without me…” She let the warning stop there.
***
Flash slept well all through the night and awoke early that morning before even Auto. What a glorious day, he thought to himself. It would be a shame to spend the morning quite and cooped up in a cave. Besides what could go wrong?
He sauntered out of the cave a breathed in deeply, “What a morning! Rouge are you here?” When no answer was forthcoming he trotted a short distance out into the clearing. The clearing was fairly large about one hundred feet in either direction from the center. On one side was the strange little hill that the caves were in and on the other was the forest as dense and dark as ever. “Practice makes perfect.” Flash said to himself. 
There was a small patch of stone that rose above the vegetation that would be perfect for some nice, safe burning things practice. Flash stacked some stones to use as targets and others behind them in case he missed. He started by shooting one bolt at a time, carefully aiming each shot. He hit his mark dead-on every time. “Time to mix things up…” he mumbled as he started firing the bolts in bursts of threes. His accuracy decreased slightly but it was much more effective. “Time to try full auto!” He pelted the bolts out one after the other barely a half-second between them.  He missed several times but as he continued to fire and focused all of his attention on his fire his accuracy started to improve. This is what he lived for! The Pure adrenalin of unleashing a flame! He could do this foreve… and suddenly he was on his back.
***
Rare were ponies this far into the Everfree forest and this Spiderling wasn’t about to miss the opportunity for such a meal. It had even gift wrapped itself, expending all of its dreaded magic and leaving itself so open and un-expecting. It screamed but the guardian was far away preparing the wells of power that allowed Everfree to remain without the help of ponies. It was not afraid of the guardian it had stolen three meals from under her wings already; she made hunting more difficult that’s all. As it was being wrapped up, oh the terror in its eyes, knowing doom was but a short while away and not being able to do anything to prevent it.
It heard a sound behind it and if its' prey would die from being unwary it would not allow itself to have the same happen to it. It spun about to see an armored Pegasus flying straight at it wielding a mace and shield. “HELP ME AUTO!!!” screamed its' prey.
It tethered the last line to the entangled prey and began dragging it away towards its' lair. The Pegasus was close now but it wouldn’t catch such a predator as the Spider. Once it reached its webs it couldn’t be followed. “Auto! Help! Please,” the spider couldn’t escape with such a racket so it bit the prey,” Au-Au-Aut… toe… what are toes? I feel weird… Au…” They prey fell into sweet unconscious and the predator fell into the embrace of the webs.
***
“Flashburn!” Auto screamed at the top of his lungs as he saw his friend slip into the wilds in the clutches of the eight legged beast. He flew in at top speed straight at the spider but it was too late. As he crashed through the forest his wing caught the edge of a web and was nearly pulled from its socket. Auto hung there in despair. “Flash… I have failed you…” He tried vainly to sever the web that clung to him but a mace was useless.
“What in the name of Equestria is going on?!” exclaimed James from the cave.
“James help! I’ve been caught in a web and Flash… he… he’s gone, James, he’s gone.”
“Pony feathers! I’m on my way what happened?”
“Flash was training outside and was grabbed by a monstrous spider! Now cut me down!” James ran to Auto and tossed him a knife.
“I cannot reach you from down here! I’m gonna climb up!” As James cut him down they discussed what to do next.
“We can’t go out there without Rogue, Auto, or we too will die.”
“We can’t wait either! How can we save him before he… oh sweet Celestia we can’t… we can’t even try… how could we? What good would it do? We must attempt to contact her! Rogue will know what to do!”
***
Rogue was just wrapping up the preparations on her forest fire prevention ward when she saw something strange, off in the distance near her home was a smoke signal. She couldn’t read smoke signals but it wasn’t natural. Maybe something had happened? “Better safe than sorry…” she mumbled to herself. She flew back to her camp but kept an eye out for any clue as to what may be happening. Oh no… what if Flash had accidently lit her forest on fire? The ward had only just been placed! She sped back all the faster.
When she got about half way there she saw Captain Auto fly out to meet her. “What’s happened?” she called out.
“Flash has been taken by a giant spider! Help me find him!”
“What?! What happened? What did the spider look like? Where did it take him?”
“He was training in the clearing when it jumped him, it was red, orange, and black covered in fuzz with large fangs, and to the east!”
“NO! It was Shakarok! It is a deadly spider even I don’t mess with! How long ago was he taken?”
“About half an hour ago.” They now flew side by side toward the clearing.
“Auto… I have lost three timber wolves to Shakarok. I’m sorry but… it’s too late. Shakarok knocks them unconscious with a bite and as soon as it reaches its lair it bleeds them out… He’s gone Auto, Flash is gone…”
“No, no, oh no, no there must be a way! He must be alive!”
“Even if he’s lasted this long by the time we find the lair and cut through the webs it will be dark and going in to that lair would be a death sentence. If we search for him, we die and there is no way he’ll make the night. Shakarok feeds constantly. I’m sorry. But why did he leave the cave? I warned you about this!”
“We cannot blame each other Flash wouldn’t want that. Besides it is likely my fault… I should have been more attentive and watched over his training or something.”
“There is nothing we could have done.”
“I know.”
***
Flashburn was feeling strange. It was a light feeling as if he was filled with a cool breeze. It was so strange. He knew that he was dreaming. What else could it be? He looked out across the horizon as the sun rose over a burning world. The forest was in flames, the towns incinerated, the castles melted. It was not the first time he had this same dream, but somehow it was more vivid this time. He didn’t want this. This is what he knew would happen if he couldn’t control the flame. He skin crawled as if a thousand butterflies flew just under the surface… Is this a dream? Or is this… Death? "Nah." Flash assured himself.

> Chapter 4: Fury of the Sun
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 4: Fury of the Sun
It was with a heavy heart Captain Auto left the Everfree Forest with Rogue and James. They trudged slowly along. None felt like flying, as somehow it was fitting to wallow in the mud left by the storm instead of soaring along the clouds. It was a silent walk each lost in their own thoughts of how they were to blame and what they should have done, even James. But none so much as Auto.
When they stopped to make camp it was dark and they were  at the edge of the Everfree Forest. They all set up the camp rolled out their respective bedrolls without a word. None of them could find the will to even try to start a fire. After all, the discomfort of the cold would be less of a burden than the warmth of memories.
Auto awoke around midnight to see Flashburn sitting next to a roaring fire his back turned. “Flash! How did you survive? I’m so happy you made it!”
“You left me to die. You didn’t even look back, did you? Did you!?” Flash yelled as he turned around. Only, where his jovial smile and bright green eyes used to be there was a grimace so dark. His eyes blood red and a light glowed from within them. His smile was replaced with a growling maw of fangs, dripping with poison. The light from his eyes grew in intensity until the bonfire behind him seemed but a candle. Slowly the entire world took on a red hue.
“There was no hope! Even Rogue…” Auto turned to where Rogue was supposed to be sleeping and saw only a split in the earth where fire erupted.
“You chose to leave! You did! You were the one to give the order! She only advised you! It was your decision! You took me from my life, with the promise of adventure and left me to die at the hands of a spider! Did my life really mean so little!? BURN! BURN FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!!!”
The earth split and flames filled the sky and Auto fell deep into the earth. As the flames enshrouded him he heard Flash scream as he did when the spider first took him…
***
“FLASH!” Auto opened his eyes with a scream. He looked about wildly and saw only the forest, his camp the rising sun and Rogue and James with weapons drawn.
“It was only a dream Auto! Only a dream.” Rogue said softly. “You are safe here.”
“I am, but what of Flash? We just abandoned him!” Auto yelled in frustration. “We should have done something… anything.”
“He deserved better, that is true, but there was nothing we could do, Auto. Just, try not to think of it. He wouldn’t want us to wallow in it. Now with that threat to the north would he want us to sit around grieving for him or saving a world he cared about?” James asked comfortingly.
“I don’t know. None of us really knew him did we? He was with us for a few days! I couldn’t even keep him safe that long… How can I keep all of you safe? How can continue to recruit after this colossal failure!?”
“Then don’t. We have enough solders now; me and James can do this! Besides we have Brumble and Woof-Woof. But we can’t continue this if all of our hearts aren’t in it. So will you drag us down? Will you let Flash’s death be in vain?”
“No. We are not to blame. It was I who recruited him yes, but it was those in the north who threaten our peace and harmony. It's their fault! We must defeat them, for Flash!”
“For Flash!” They all called in unison.
“Let’s hunt some Northerners!” They all then flew off at top speed toward Cantorlot James on Rogues back. The land fell beneath them faster than ever before as they were carried by not only their wings but also the inspiration that they forced themselves to believe in.
***
Finally they arrived in Cantorlot, the journey took but two days since they flew through the night. The city was still lit up even at this late time as it prepared for war.
“Halt who goes there!” a guard called from a tower.
“It is I Captain Auto Tomaton returning from my quest for Celestia!”
“Sorry Sir but you will need to wait out there until I can arrange an escort to lead you in! Can’t be too careful during a war ‘eh?”
“I understand! It will only be a minute or two we should land over there.”
“How often I have wondered about this city since last I was here…” mused James, “Of course the lasted time I was here my father was disowning me.”
“Well, hopefully Celestia will be more forgiving to us than your father was to you.”  Rogue joked.
“Celestia will great us all with open arms I’m sure of it!” Auto assured them. “I just wish I had more ponies with me is all.”
“Captain Auto you have been ordered to report at the Throne Room, bring your recruits.” A guard called from the wall as the gate opened and a hole appeared in the shield. As they walked into the city both James and Rogue were surprised at how the city had changed since they last saw it, James twenty years ago and Rogue over a thousand. The entire city had expanded exponentially and the walls were all marbled, polished to a shine. Towers and turrets stretched high all about the city, each topped with flags and they had banners stretching from building to building. James noticed several small bits of graffiti in hard to see places that marked the Cantorlot Cutthroats several little hiding spots or safe houses. He looked at one particular piece on a shop that marked it ripe for a robbing.
“They are well organized…” James sighed wistfully never again would he get to live that life.
“Everything alright James?”
“Yeah, just thinking’ of home.”
As they passed through the city they saw signs of it preparing for war, shops were closing early, recruitment posters were up and few ponies walked the streets without a uniform of the Canterlot Army on. Several businesses were actually working overtime to meet the demands of war such as Chariot makers and blacksmiths. The entrance to the keep was covered with guards as officers ran to and fro with plans and counter-plans for the defense of Equestria.
They entered the throne room and saw Celestia and Luna arguing with an Officer who was saying, “But they’re target is Luna! We need to focus on defending her and Canterlot!”
“We cannot abandon the rest of Equestria! How are they to defend themselves from raids?” Celestia rebutted.
“Besides we can defend ourselves! I mean… I can defend myself.” Luna added.
“Are you so certain?” He then noticed Auto, Rogue and James, “Halt! Who goes there?”
“Oh don’t mind us keep going, this is actually kind of funny.” James joked.
“Celestia It is I, Auto Tomaton and my recruits, James Vander QuickHoof, and Rogue at your service, Highness.” Captain Auto bowed as he explained.
“Ah, Auto I’ll see you in about ten minutes I need to finish up a meeting.” He bowed and left the room. They waited outside of the room for about an hour before the Officer left. They then entered the throne room.
“He’s a good soldier he just cares for your safety sister! Besides at least he agreed to lower the guards a bit… Oh there you are! Sorry Auto but you know how Stormsheild can get. Anyways who’d you say they were…” At that moment she recognized Rogue. “R-R-Rogue!? Is it really you? Rogue! Oh how I’ve missed you! Auto were you the one who found her? Oh thank you so much!” She ran up and hugged Rogue then Luna did as well. “After you left when I banished Luna I thought you’d never come back!”
Rogue’s jaw just dropped, she was expecting her to be mad at here for running away from her duties during such an upheaval! She smiled and hugged back, old emotions she had thought buried rose up and engulfed her. And she wept. She wept for her joy at her reunion with her best friends after so long of solitude she finally had come home. “I’ve missed you so much.” Then she remembered the cause of their meeting. “But we have business to take care of.” She re-composed herself as she prepared herself for war.
“Thank you Captain but where is the other one? When you sent word from Manehatten you said you had found a Unicorn.” Luna asked.
“I-I would rather not speak of him at the moment. We lost him in the Everfree Forest…” Auto took a step back. “Speaking of recruits though, Celestia I have a favor to ask. Will you please pardon James for his crimes and recruit him into the army?”
“What crimes? He doesn’t look like any of the wanted posters…” She looked closely at his face. “I do recognize you though; you got your name changed about twenty years ago, right?”
“Yes, and the whole, uh, pardon thing… well you wouldn’t recognize me as no pony has ever found me or gotten a description… I used to run the Everfree Rai...” He started to explain.
“WHAT!? IT CANNOT BE! AUTO IS NOT FOOLISH ENOUGH TO BELIEVE THAT YOU WOULD EARN ANY RESPECT HERE!!!” As Celestia screamed the walls shook and the night lit up with her rage. “YOU WHO HAS PLAGUED MY LITTLE PONIES FOR SO LONG?” Her anger turned from a boiling outrage to a simmering hatred. “All of you leave us. NOW!” They all ran for the door Luna included. “Not you Auto, we have much to discuss.” 
***
James paced in what little space he could as the chains were not very accommodating and the guards even less so. He had only ever been this worried twice before, once when his Father disowned him and the other when his gang abandoned him. What punishment would be awaiting him? Banishment? Dungeon? Or what if she banished him and then locked him in a dungeon in the place she had banished him in? What if Auto got punished for fighting on his behalf? Oh no, was that moon worthy? What made a crime moon worthy? Or sun worthy for that matter? “Oh… I hope that it’s going well.”
“Not likely scum, you’ve plagued Equestria for far too long. You’ll get what you deserve and that’s at least life in prison. If not a thousand years on the sun…” James hadn’t considered that.
He paced more worried than ever until the doors were thrown open. “HOW COULD YOU EVEN CONSIDER THAT!? WITH ALL HE’S DONE!? A PARDON!? HE IS GOING TO THE MOON RIGHT NOW!!!”
“But sister we do not approve of it! The Moon is a far worse punishment than you could imagine! Trust us in this, dear sister, what could he have done to anger you so?”
“Celestia please listen to reason! He will serve his penitence! He is a genius in hit and run tactics! Think of your Kingdom!” Auto pleaded emphatically.
Celestia then turned her gaze upon Auto as well as the backside of her hoof. “Silence! All of you! I do as I must! None of you can understand the burdens I am under at all times! Running a Kingdom meant for three, alone? Do you think I pass out judgment frivolously? How many hours I have thought of this pony and that is the only punishment he deserves! He has labored on his crimes long since then!” She turned to James, horn alight. “How long have you been the leader of the Everfree Raiders? Do not lie as I will know.”
“Since they’re founding, Highness I beg forgiveness.”
“Do you admit your guilt fully and without restraint?”
“Yes. Please your High…”
“Then you should feel at piece during your ten-thousand year imprisonment, pending execution.” As soon as she finished speaking he began to glow incredibly brightly and the sun rose to sit beside the moon, and light shot from the sun to land upon the ground at James’s hooves which than rose toward the moon and he began to fade.
A tremendous roar echoed throughout the hallway as Brumble and Woof-Woof burst in the very vines crawled indoors to surround Rogue. A stifling gale encompassed Celestia as Rogue screamed, “CELESTIA! LOOK AT WHAT YOU ARE DOING! SEARCH YOURSELF FOR THE EMPATHY I ONCE KNEW! I UNDERSTAND THAT I WILL NEVER KNOW THE BURDENS THAT YOU WERE FORCED TO ENDURE BUT I DO KNOW THIS, THE OLD CELESTIA WOULDN’T PLACE REVENGE OVER THE SECURITY OF HER SUBJECTS!” As Celestia’s conviction wavered so did her spell. “If you cast him out, ponies will die. Without his skill in survivability and keeping ponies hidden in enemy territory we may even lose. If you still go on with this foolish act, you and Luna will have to divide the control over nature or let Equestria fall back into chaos because I will leave it. I won’t even help you in this war because if you don’t care enough about the lives of your citizens then why should I?” The sun moved back to its appropriate place and the room was lit only by flickering torches. Celestia took a step back and her head dropped low.
“I’m so sorry Rogue and Luna; I let my emotions take control and almost sentenced innocents to die on his behalf. Captain Auto, you and your party will leave at first light for the north. I will allow him to serve and be pardoned but he is banished from my presence. I never want to see him again unless it is upon the field of battle or a court hearing.” With that she slowly walked into her chambers wings and head low from both exhaustion and shame.
“Well that actually worked better than I thought it would…” James began awkwardly. “At least I’m still on this planet. So where to next, I think she was serious about never wanting to see me again.”
“Well Luna, catch up later alright? She said all of his group and I’m in it so I gotta go at first light so we’ll need to resupply.” Rogue said to Luna.
“We look forward to it. Now hurry.”
***
They restocked and left that very night. Not only to the north but to a war and away from guilt, shame, anger, and fear. Early the next morning Celestia sat down and wrote a letter warning her agent Anti-Freeze of her impending company and all that it entails. The letter would arrive mere days before them, she hoped that Anti would have time to prepare.
***
Anti-Freeze sat and read the letter for the fifth time. How was this possible? Him, here? He who destroyed her life? She had a successful trading business until one of her largest shipments was raided and her friends killed by The Everfree Raiders and now she gets a letter from the Princess saying to try and abide his presence? It was a direct order but after all he had done why does he deserve other than the moon? Maybe he deserved a short drop with a sudden stop. She set about preparing her headquarters to accommodate three more ponies. It was small building that’s only entrance was a trapdoor that was hidden under about a foot of snow. The walls were covered in maps and notes on enemy movement and one poster of Sorin, he was the best Wonderbolt, and there were four rooms. One was a kitchen, one was her war room, one was here room, and the last was the entryway. So the alicorn could sleep in the war room, Auto could sleep in the entry way as a guard, and James vander QuickHoof could sleep in the kitchen. She should probably take the Sorin poster down too. She was almost done when from outside she heard a huge explosion! She rushed to the door and stuck her head out. It appeared that the enemy was fighting itself? A white pony, a brown pony, and a pony that was… from this distance it looked green… were in battle with a camp she had been watching. Then she heard it. On the wind a song carried as the camp was blown to bits, ”What do we do with do with the things we don't like? We burn them! What do we do..."
“Slowly back down the ladder Anti. Slowly does it.” She said as she stared at the display in front of her. It was just so strange. As she shut the door she thought about reporting it to Celestia. She shook her head, “She wouldn’t believe me anyways and I don’t even have the foggiest idea of what that was.” Then an idea came to her, “Maybe that’s Auto Tomaton! He’s really early if that is him.” She poked her head back out but the ponies she saw before weren’t there anymore. If it was Auto he’d of come to her base. “Well I guess Celestia should at least get some intel on this.” She then wrote and sent a letter that said “There has been a disturbance… It appears enemy forces have engaged themselves.”
***
“Celeeeeeeeest! You promisssssssed!” Princess Miamora Cadenza whined, “I’m not whiiiining!” She complained. “We were scheduled to have dinner tonight! Me and Shining Armor waited for hooooouuuurrrrssss!”
“For the last time Cadence I was busy almost moon banishmenting somepony oh and we’re in the middle of preparations for a war!” A letter fell from the sky and impaled itself upon a very bored looking Luna’s horn.
“Letter for you dear Sister, from the front lines.” She levitated it over to her.
“Case and point Cadence this is from one of our spies! Her name is Anti-Freeze.” She then began to read the letter, ”There… disturbance… appears… enemy… engaged themselves… Well that makes no sense.”
***
“I hope you realize that if we could just leave Brumble and Woof-Woof behind we’d get there twice as fast!” Auto commented.
“How could you even suggest that? They knew the way to Cantorlot but even I don’t know the location of Anti-Freeze’s secret base!” Rogue rebutted. “Hey on the way can we pick up somepony else to join with us?”
“Who?”
“My sister Wildpaw. She’s a Pegasus who lives just a little to the west of our path. She’s a great archer, we actually used to have arrow splitting competitions.”
“How old is she? I mean you’re an alicorn so live thousands of years but most of us live only eighty if we’re lucky.”
“Well technically she’s my great-great -great-great-great-and-then-some grand niece but she grew up calling me sister so we basically are.”
“Sure as long as it doesn’t take too long but are you sure you want to bring her into this?” Auto inquired.
“She’d probably be mad at being left out if I didn’t get her.”
***
“That’s funny she’s not here and most of her stuff is gone. Maybe she’s in the process of moving, again. She never tells me anything!”
“No worries we can still make up the time we’ve lost if we hurry!” James put in.
“Aye now let us away!” Auto ye-olde englished.
***
Evendra sat upon her frosted throne as in came her trusted general AbsoluteZero. “What is it Absol, what news hath thou brought forth from the advanced invasion forces?”
“Word is not well Nightwarden. It appears the Frozen Fang garrison has been routed by three ponies of questioned allegiances as it is not the group that Celestia sends forth. We know for we are tracking them. Neigh this is a new force altogether. One that is our bane it seems.” He spouted in his guttural tone.
“Then we have but one course to follow, send in the Ice Brothers, they have yet to fail me.”
“Your will be done, Nightwarden.”

> Chapter 5: Mysteries Revealed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 5: Mysteries Revealed
It was late when Auto and his party finally arrived at Anti-Freeze’s secret base. They then set about to try and find it. As they searched Auto looked toward the north. “So this is where the doom of Equestria is attempting to rise from. We will meet them as we have met every other opponent, with hope and friendship in our hearts.”
“Come now Captain, you’ve been a soldier far too long to be so sentimental.” A voice came from behind.
“Anti-Freeze, still an optimist I see. How have things been up here?” He said without turning.
“It is beautiful at times but this does get tiring. Will you understand what it’s like to not talk to another pony for years? Could you? Is it even possible to know without living it? The most communications with the outside I have are the occasional letter from Celestia and they’re almost always just orders.” She said as she walked up behind him.
He turned to look her in the eyes. “There is no way I could ever understand, just as you could never understand the pain any other goes through without having led the same exact life. I for one wouldn’t have been able to last as long as you have, all the way up here. And you couldn’t handle the pains of the losses I have been responsible for. Not just those of my own soldiers but also of my friends and the enemy soldiers who are only following orders. I’m glad to see you again, let us rejoice in that and not compare wounds lest we reopen old ones.”
“Aye, my base is over there, be on the lookout though. A mysterious group of ponies have assaulted an enemy position near here but I haven’t been able to commune with them so their loyalties remain unknown.”
They then walked to her base, after fetching Rogue and James, and all went to sleep without a word. James did not sleep well at all. Somehow he knew her from somewhere, but where? He knew he had seen her face before. Was she yet another of her former comrades, or a former victim? He tossed and turned pondering this. What if she was? How would she react? Did she know who he was? Celestia probably sent word ahead of them… Even if she wasn’t a former victim what if she was related to one? Everypony had heard of his gangs exploits and anypony living so high up north alone, the only others she could talk to for miles around being enemies, might be a tad vengeful. All things would be revealed in the morning… if he survived that long…
***
Anti-Freeze considered bashing him over his head and leaving him for dead in the frozen wastes but she couldn’t. Her family hated revenge. Her father actually said “An eye for an eye and the whole world’s blind! Remember Anti that people will always cause problems for you and if you seek revenge on them they will then seek revenge upon you and you unto them for an eternal cycle. Don’t allow that to happen! Remember what Equestria stands for… If Celestia had counter attacked the griffins during the war would the world be as we know it now?” Her father was a wise stallion and she had followed his advice up to this point and she had risen high in the military, after she had here trading entire empire crumbled. She than set herself to allow him to earn his honor and judge him as a pony, not the murderer who destroyed her life. It would be tough but she had to try. For her Father’s sake…
***
That morning was cold, one of the coldest he had ever seen, and dark as if something knew of the events that were being planned that day. The wind tore into the trees which creaked and moaned as frost slowly coated and cracked its surface. Clouds blotted out the sun and whatever warmth it had to offer never met the earth. Yet even here there was beauty. Icicles hung from the entrances of caves and the branches of trees forming little bars that reflected the little light into a prismatic rainbow of splashing color and life. It had snowed during the night and the ground was heaped with snow several feet thick and pure, not a mark embellished its beauty or showed the dangers it posed. The ruined camp to the north was completely encompassed by the snow that rose to devour it and hide its very existence. To the south one could see the clouds part as shafts of light dappled the forested landscape and far, far to the south barely in view were the mountains that held Cantorlot. Captain Auto took this all in with his first glance of the outside world before the clouds shifted obscuring all but the darkness.
He was sent here on a quest to defend Equestria and right now that meant spying on the enemies and discovering this unknown threat. He would stop at nothing to accomplish his goals and bring peace back to his home. He steeled himself for the approaching strategy talks and planning. This was the one part of conflicts he hated most, he could fight, he could rebuild, but to wait and plan for an inevitable combat? He needed action! It was what he was made for and what he understood best. He took another look around and went back indoors to begin the grueling process with Anti-Freeze.
***
No one else was awake except Auto and Anti as they trotted into the war room. Maps covered the walls and notes were strewn about the table. Auto noticed one the maps had several red x’s upon them covering blue dots. “What are those?”
“Our first mission. Those are the camps that have been hit and those are the ones that haven’t been yet. As you can see, the party seems to be heading west in its rampage on the enemy camps. I believe that one will be next to fall and, unfortunately for the group that has harassing the enemy, the enemy has also reached this conclusion and has fortified the position. Word has it that Absol, the general of the armies of the north, has also arrived. If they attack there they are doomed.”
“So we need to somehow find them first?”
“The enemy of my enemy…”
“Is my friend.” He finished. “Where do you think they've holed up at? Is that the yellow dot right there?”
“No, that’s us. I think that if they don’t know the area they will be either there, or there. If they have much knowledge of the terrain though they will be in the ridges there and judging by their assaults, only attacking from an advantageous position, I’d say they have at least some idea. We will start our search there. First though we need to wake everypony up and teach a little geography, can’t have you getting lost can we?”
They went about awakening Rogue and James. James woke up as if he expected to find a knife to his throat but Rogue took quite a bit of prodding. “When you live alone for so long,” she said with a yawn, “you get used to sleeping on your own schedule. Why are we getting up so early anyway?”
“We are at war and we need to understand the terrain, so time for some geography lessons before we go out to try and help the mysterious group.” Auto explained.
“Oh no, geography? Back to school? I skipped like half of that and it returns to haunt me… Do we have to?” she complained.
“Yes.” Auto sighed.
“Ponyfeathers…”
***
After several hours of study they finally had the terrain memorized well enough to find their way back to base. They then set about leaving, each preparing weapons and getting ready to finally encounter either enemies or find new allies. Anti grabbed her daggers and crossbow and observed her new companions. Auto took only a mace and shield, completely ignoring ranged combat. Rogue grabbed a longbow, a quiver of arrows, and a hunting knife. James grabbed a long sword, dirk, and a crossbow. At least one of the others was ready for anything. It had been awhile since she had last fought another pony. It had been short but terrible. It had been an enemy scout in the days right after she sent her warning to Celestia. He had been an earth pony, young, and fearless believing nothing could possibly kill him. She had given him a chance to back off and leave… a chance to live. But he spat in her face and charged, short sword raised foolishly high. It would never again be lifted by him. Two quickly thrown daggers in the chest and a slash to the throat had secured her victory but in a way even she had lost. As she saw the life slip from his eyes she wondered at what had brought him to this point. Had he been like her? Joining the military because it was that or starve? What if she had been in his shoes? What made her cause any different? War is the real enemy but if Evandra takes over and executes Celestia and Luna… Equestria would die without them. All hope and love and friendship… The world would become dark as it was under Discord. She wouldn’t let that happen, even if it meant fighting every enemy pony in that accursed army. “This way.” She ordered, hoping it sounded braver than she felt. “If they know the area than they’ll be there and trust me, it is easily defendable.”
“Let’s get this over with.” Auto grunted as he climbed the ladder up and out.
***
“I will find them. No matter what it takes. If I have to burn every encampment and fight my way through that army I will find Auto.” She said as if trying to convince herself.
“We know you will, after all you found me!” He said jokingly, “And how lucky a meeting that was! Don’t worry we will find them and all our questions, guilt, and whatever it is you have will be dealt with! Besides... you're not the one doing the burning... lazy bum, it's harder than it looks!"
“Ha ha ha you always know what to say.” She laughed.
***
They climbed up a hill at the edge of a wooded area. On their right was a ravine and to the left was a river. They made their way along the trees until the ravine began edging toward the river. It got so close that they ended up needing to hug a tree or fly around a ledge. “See what I meant about easily defendable? Just the four of us are having difficulty and the majority of us can fly. Unless you brought a boat that is. Even then you have to paddle upstream the whole way or climb a mountain that’s even more impassible than this. We are almost there though.” They reached a waterfall that connected the river to the gorge. “Must have rained in the mountains yesterday, it usually doesn’t crest the ridge.” She then cast a simple spell that she had known since she got her cutiemark and froze a small section of water hopped to it and then to the other side. “Shhh quiet now. If they posted a guard they should already know we are here but if not we will get to observe them first.” She whispered as the slowly climbed a hillock and looked down into a small camp.
***
Absol had grown restless in the night. He knew his trap was fool-proof but his spies had lost track of Auto’s party a few days ago and didn’t want to risk them contacting the strange invaders. He had grown up in this area and knew where he would hide out from an army. He would send a squad of pegasi to greet them. “Private Darkcloud this is your lucky day,” He rasped, “You are now a sergeant in control of the seventy-seventh squadron. Your first mission is to attack the little spot we spoke of earlier. I no longer think just waiting will work on these rats.”
“Sir yes sir! Thank you sir!” He flew off to gather his men. They would leave immediately as expected. He would succeed or die, if he or any of his men retreated it was insubordination resulting in death. They had a no prisoner’s policy, that would make this easier. Evendra would be pleased at his success and he may be promoted twice this day.
***
As Anti-Freeze looked over at the camp she readied a dagger, just in case. She turned back to say to the others, “Make sure your Cantorlotion armor is visable so they don’t mistake us for the Freezers.” When she turned back she saw something in the sky. Suddenly the hill they crouched upon exploded into flame and arrows filled the skies. “The Freezers are here and the group down there thinks we are part of the force!”
“How can we help? If we sit and do nothing they may die and if we go out they may attack us!” James yelled back as more explosions filled the air. “How many Freezers are there?”
Auto stood, “We help by fighting. I will not idly sit by as possible allies are slaughtered and it looks to be about twenty to three if we don’t do anything! CHARGE!!!” He flew in the air, sun glinting off his armor as he charged the nearest Pegasus. “CELESTIA!!!”
The others took wing or pulled out ranged weapons and called out either, “CELESTIA!”, “EQUESTRIA!”, or “PLEASE DON’T HIT ME!” James and Anti fired their crossbows in sync and covered Auto and Rogue. Rogue flew to a higher altitude than any other and shot arrow after arrow each hitting its mark. Auto was locked in melee combat with four opponents his mace too slow to strike the opponents but his shield too well placed for him to take a hit. Until one did. It was a glancing blow but took Auto of center and he lost altitude giving his opponents a huge advantage. Now he fought only defensibly but slowly more and more blows almost hit and he ended up taking several glancing slashes. That is, until one opponent burst into flames with a scream. Now only outnumbered three to one he managed to regain his lost altitude and fight more offensively. He quickly dispatched the rest of his opponents and looked around. He detected no enemies and landed soon thereafter. A few moments after his touchdown he felt his wounds for the first time and collapsed. As he slowly slipped into unconsciousness he saw six shapes crowd around him. He faintly detected frantic worried talk and he was lifted into the air.
***
“Is he awake yet? I’m so worried!” Auto heard a strangely familiar voice say. As he drifted back into consciousness.
“I’m sorry… whatever your name is. What was it again?” That voice was definitely Rogue’s.
“Sh…” and he fell asleep once more. His dreams were strange. For some reason he didn’t have a guilt dream. Had he finally gotten over his abandonment of Flash? The world around him was strangely blue. He was back in Cantorlot but something was wrong. He turned about and saw what it was. The entire castle was encased in frost and ice.
“Oh no!” He ran as fast as he could toward the main square. When he made it he screamed in horror. In the very center of the town Celestia and Luna sat encased in ice screams of pain upon their face. He failed! How could he have failed? "No! No no no no no no no no no no no no no! It’s a dream! It must be!”He awoke in a cold sweat and shot straight up. Where was he? He looked about and saw he was in his cot at Anti’s base. He turned to the right and gasped.
“Hey Auto nice of you to wake up. How are you?”
“In a bit of pain but good none the less.”
“Good, we have work to do.” Laughed Flashburn.

> Chapter 6: Explanations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 6: Explanations
Auto awoke to the sounds of pots and pans’ clacking together as breakfast was being made. He heard murmured talking as he slowly rose from his bed. It hurt. It hurt really badly. Mainly it was his shoulder and head. He stumbled over to the door and checked his wounds. He was covered in several gashes and his shield arm was bruised from blocking so many attacks, he would need time to repair. He limped out of his dark room into the light of the kitchen. At the stove sat Rogue and a brown Pegasus he didn’t know. So they had found the party after all and it seemed that the two were already fast friends. “Wh-what happened?” He croaked, surprised at the state of his voice. The two of them straightened their backs and slowly turned to look at him.
“Well I’ll take the five bits now.” Rogue said awkwardly.
“Ponyfeathers.” The other said as she flipped a few coins to Rogue.
“What was that?” He asked.
“I bet you’d wake today she bet you wouldn’t wake period.” Rogue explained.
“Who are you?” Auto questioned the newcomer.
“Oh how rude of me,” She blurted, “I’m Wildpaw, Rogue’s Niece.”
“Nice to meet you Wildpaw. How long have I been out?”
“Well the first time you were out for about a day, the second time it was just a few hours.”
“What do you mean the second time?”
“Well you see after you woke up the first time you were so shocked at seeing F…”
“AUTOTOMATON!!!!!!!” A voice screamed from the hall way. Auto turned just in time to see a green blur charge right into him. “You’re finally awake! You cannot believe how much I’ve wanted to talk to you! Oh, I’m sorry your injured aren’t you! Sorry but I’m so excited! I just have one question,” He paused for a moment walked backwards and his smile turned into a frown. “Why did you leave me?”
At that moment all the guilt he had thought he had forgotten came back and quadrupled in intensity. “I-I, I’m so sorry Flash. It must have been a horrible experience, but I honestly thought that there was nothing I could do. The spider moved too fast and the forest was far too webbed to follow. I almost had you but my wing caught and I dangled for too long and you were lost… I know that it doesn’t matter much now but I truly am sorry, can you forgive me?”
“I never blamed you, well, I did for like a moment when I returned to the clearing and you were all gone. I knew the final destination though and finally found you!”
“How did you escape from the spider’s clutches anyway? Rogue seemed sure you’d be dead!”
“Oh, I completely forgot! A stranger helped me. She wore Cantorlotion armor so I assumed she meant no ill will and I let her come with! Where is she? She never did tell me her name even though I asked her loads of times! Oh she went outside! I’ll go get her!” He shouted as he galloped from the room.
“Do either of you know who this pony is?”
Rogue looked at Wildpaw who shrugged. “Nope.” Flash then blasted back into the room and was followed much more slowly by a figure in a hooded Cantorlotion officer’s cloak.
“It’s me Auto,” She began as she threw back her hood. “Shadow.”
Auto’s jaw dropped. “How'd you get here?”
“That is a long tale and I promised Flash he could tell the parts he was there for, so be ready…”
***
After you left me in that attic I closed the fencing studio for the day and thought about what you offered me. A chance at saving the world. But it was more than that. It was a chance to earn atonement. A chance to clear my mind of the guilt of my brother’s life. By saving others I could save him. He died because he saw me standing up to defend Equestria and I threw away his sacrifice by shirking my duties and no longer defending what he stood for! Now I had the chance to save myself.
I had a few affairs to get in order so I left a day after you and the trail was stale. I knew you’d head for the Everfree so I made my way there and almost immediately became lost. I slowly ended up deeper and deeper into a dark side of the forest. Out of fear I drew my blade and stayed cautious. I heard a scuffle to the right and went to investigate. I cut my way through a few webs and then I saw it. A lump of web being dragged along by a giant spider. I was about to leave but then I saw a horn poke from within the webs! A pony was stuck in there! I charged and the spider turned and bared its fangs. I slashed off a leg and it knocked me down. I thought I was doomed but I was able to roll out of the way. I then landed upon the web sac. Which groaned. The pony was alive! I slashed it open and a head popped up…
***
“Sweet this is when I come in!” Flash called out.
“Yep that means you get to take over.” She told him.
***
I lifted my head and saw a figure shining in gold holding a saber dripping in green with a cape flowing in the wind. It was an angel in gold and purple armor who said to me, “You are still alive? Help me fight! Help me slay this evil spider!” I turned and saw the spider I had thought had killed me.
“Am I dead?” I started to say, at least until it leaped at us. “Oh my sweet Celestia! I guess that question will have to wait for later!” I screamed as I charged up a burst of flame. Just as it was about to land upon us I released the wave and it was pushed back into a tree. The angelic pony leaped forth and impaled it upon her blade pinning it to the tree. I then switched my tactics to the flame-thrower mode and burned it until it moved no more. Thankfully we were able to keep the blaze under control and eventually put it out. I looked about and saw the burnt remains of a town; it had been years since I had seen this town. I quickly shoved back the memories that flooded back. Afterwards we both sat down in the ashes of one of the many trees that got burnt down, sorry Rogue, and talked. I’m having difficulty remembering what exactly we said because I was exhausted. I think it went something like this.
“Thanks for the save, what’s your name?”
“I'm no one of consequence.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m Flashburn! If you don’t mind, what brings you out into the forest?”
“I’d rather not say…”
“Oh, I understand. I’m on a secret mission for Celestia! I got recruited by Captain Autot-“
“YOU ARE PART OF THAT PARTY!?”
“Yeah?”
“That’s why I’m out here! I’m looking to join. Auto said I could if I wanted to.”
“Well then what are we waiting for? Let’s go! The camp is that way!” I then ran off and got us both lost, but eventually we made it to the clearing a day-ish later. “Well where are they?” I realized that you had left me. “Oh no. No, no, no, no, no. They couldn’t of. No, no, no. *gulp* Th-th-they left me… They Left Me… THEY LEFT ME!!! HOW COULD THEY NOT EVEN TRY!?” I am sad to say that for the first time in about a decade I lost control over my emotions and thus, my magic. Sorry Rogue. Heat radiated from around me and my horn gleamed bright red. So brightly and red my very eyes changed color. Fires sparked upon the ground and I turned and focused all my rage on one thing. Myself. A pillar of flame rose about me and flew several hundred feet into the air. I then brought my fury down upon the very earth. And dug, with only heat and flame twenty feet into the ground. I was about to blow up a few trees when suddenly I was soaking wet.
“STOP! FLASH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? FLASH! STOP!” I don’t know why but at that moment I just looked around and saw myself. In a hole, soaking wet, lost, and tired. I started laughing. Not because I found it funny! But the sheer hopelessness of it and my reaction mixed with how plain sleepy I was made me laugh. “Are you ok, Flash?”
“Yeah, don’t worry I know where they’re going. Hehehe. They think I’m dead! Hahaha! Just like everypony else… Hahaha! It keeps comin’ back to that. Hehehe… Oh well let’s go north. Hahaha!”
“We should stop in by Cantorlot first and resupply.”
“Yes let’s.”
So we traveled to Cantorlot and probably arrived right after you! In fact if you hadn’t gone straight to the Princess we probably would have bumped into you at the store. We didn’t stay long, that is to say we didn’t stay at the store long. Some crazy things happened and we made some new friends! We were shopping when I felt my money slowly drifting away… Just so you know bits don’t usually do that around me! I turned and tried to catch the thief. “Stop!” I yelled. “That’s my money!” I must have followed that pony all over Cantorlot before Shadow finally tripped them up.
“You’d better not hurt me! I’ve got connections with the Cantorlot cutpurses!”
“I just want my money back.” At that moment I heard a click behind me and spun about and deflected a crossbow bolt before it struck with fire. “Now no need for that! I just want my MONEY!!!! I have been dragged away from a spider, robbed, and I don’t want to add thrown in jail for murder and fire starting to the list!” I glared into the shades of the pony holding the crossbow bolt. The shades were purple and had symbols gliding across the surface at incredible speeds.
“There is a ninety-five percent chance that you will actually follow through with that threat, Flashburn. The name's Vespa right-hoof lady to the guild master. Know this though there is a forty-five percent chance of you succeeding in killing me and ninety-nine percent chance of you dying immediately before or after. That little pick-pocket kills you twenty percent of the time, I kill you thirty and Scout kills you half the time. Now back off. Sneaks, give him back his money and we will bring him back to the Guild Master to deal with this. I’m only eighty-five percent sure of her decision and I don’t like those odds. Shadow, be a dear and help him up, eh?”
“We are on a bit of a tight schedule, can we just go?” Shadow interjected.
“No. Trust me I don’t like the odds of what would happen to me if I disobeyed the Guild Master’s direct orders and neither would you.”
"Trust her? Don't ever trust Vespa, trust me! We don't want to make the GuildMaster upset!" I told her.
***
We were led into the bowels of the City, deep into the Crystal Mines and through several secret passages that completely confused me. I still cannot remember how to get back there. But we were led into the headquarters of the Cantorlot Cutpurses. The walls were lined with gems and statues. From the ceiling hung that big chandelier that was stolen from the throne room a few years ago and in the back of a long hallway a throne sat atop a pile of jewels and gold, sitting on which was a orange Pegasus with purple hair who wore a black jumpsuit as did all the others, including Vespa, only the part that normally covered the cutie mark was cut away, revealing a blank cutie markless flank. “Guild Master, I’ve brought a few who thought to attempt to catch one of our thieves. One of them is he whom you’ve had me search for.” The blank-flank looked up slowly revealing a scar over her left eye.
“Welcome to the Jewelry Box, I am Scootaloo the Guild-Master of the Cantorlot cutpurses but you already know that, don’t you Flash?”
***
“YOU KNOW THE GUILDMASTER OF THE CANTORLOT CUTPURSES!? I HAVE HUNTED THEM FOR MY ENTIRE LIFE AND THE GUILD MASTER KNOWS YOU PERSONALLY?!” Auto yelled in surprise, outrage, and a little bit of admiration. “How?”
“I had a rough childhood and she helped me out of jail. Let’s just say most ponies are happy when they find their Cutie Mark, and I wasn’t. It’s a bit of a sore spot so please drop it, after all, I am here now.” Flash explained.
“Fine.”
***
“Scootaloo? It has been years! So it was you who started the Cutpurses? Ha! I should have seen it coming. You turned that little gang into a legitimate organized crime ring… Oh by the way Sweetie says hi-“ As soon as I mention Sweetiebell here visage darkened. “-or at least I assume it was you she didn’t really finish your name…”
“Oh now she wants to see me? After the way she and Applebloom treated me? I used to be ashamed that I never got I CutieMark. I used to think It meant I wasn’t special. Now I know it just makes me all the more special, the only pony in the history of Equestria to never have a cutiemark! Flash, I have been looking for you, but you always dodged my recruiters. Why is that?”
“I left that life behind Scootaloo you know that. Besides I didn’t know they were from you, only “The GuildMaster!” and I didn’t trust any of them. You know I hated all the crime thing. Taking what wasn’t ours and hurting innocent ponies…”
“Oh shut up Flash I need you for a job then you can go. We are trying to break into one of the lower vaults and we need your help to get through the door.”
Sorry Auto.
“Fine, but I’m in a hurry.”
“As if you had a choice. Scout, dear, take him to the target. Be quick about it too, we have a date.”
“I know, I’ve been looking forward to it GuildMaster.” Flash turned and saw a Pegasus glide down from a hidden perch. “Hurry up I have to be back by six. Styx, Gripps, Bump, come with we won’t have much time to load the loot. Follow me Flash.”
“Shadow is coming too. I don’t want to leave her alone.”
“Fine.”
“I can handle myself Flash.” Shadow complained.
“I was worried about me…” I whispered. I then said louder, “But you don’t have your sword and I don’t trust these ponies.”
“Hurry up it’s quite a ways.”
***
We journeyed through the underground tunnels for about an hour until we found a section that appeared like the bottom of the castle had broken through the ceiling. “Wow that’ll take some work to get through.” I gasped.
“Well get started! Gripps put the wagon under the center. So the gold falls into it then we scram before the guards unlock the vault.” Scout commanded.
“Right, boss.”
I started to charge up a powerful spell Boomie taught me, wait do you know Boomie? No? Well she’s an old friend who specialized in demolition magic. And I launched an explosion at the roof. Boomie would have done better but I still cracked the floor in one shot. After a few more the floor gave way and gold fell into the wagon. The majority flowed over the sides of the wagon. “Alright I did my part now how do I get out?”
“There is a path you can take a little ways from here, Gripps clear off the top of the wagon, No need to be  greedy I’d hate to leave a trail of coins back to the box.”
“Aye.”
The quickly secured the wagon soon rumbled through the caves and Scout pointed to a small tunnel that had a light at the end of it. “We heard from the pick-pocket that you were in a travel supplies store getting stuff for cold weather. We set some supplies out for you take what you need then leave. Look to find us no more, or be greeted by blade and bolt. If we need you we will send Vespa.”
“What about our stuff, and Sweetie will kill me if I don't ask, what did she mean "date"?”
“It's lingo for a job where we... nevermind, and I'm sure your stuff will be with the other supplies.” He then flew back to the wagon.
“So just a few days after joining the Cantorlot Army we rob the royal treasury?” Shadow sighed, “This is going well. What will we do next join a charity and beat up hobos?”
“Did we have much of a choice?” I said.
“Let’s just go before they start sending out patrols to try and find possible thieves.”
“Yeah.”
***
We marched to the north all of our stuff back, excluding a few coins, about a day before you must have. It was without incident until we reached a small forest to the north of Cantorlot and I told Shadow how I met Sweetie and Scootaloo, “So that’s how I know Scootaloo and Sweetie. Haven’t met Applebloom yet… I wonder where she is?”
“That was an incredible tale. But I’m still a little confused about one or two parts.” Shadow said before we were rudely interrupted by an arrow striking the ground at our hooves. Shadow instantly whipped out her blade and yelled out. “Where are you!? Fight me with honor!”
The air was filled with laughter as a Pegasus landed from one of the trees a bow drawn and an arrow notched. “And what would be my chances in melee combat?”
“What is with forests and Archers? Seriously it’s starting to get annoying.” I complained aloud.
“What are you doing in my Forest? And what do you mean Forests and Archers?” She questioned us.
“We are just passing through on our way to the North. Oh and the archer thing, well, I’m looking for a couple of ponies and one lived in the Everfree and was an Archer.” I explained.
“What was her name?”
“Wait how’d you know she was a girl?”
“The name, now!”
“Rouge.”
“Ok I’ll come with.”
“What?”
“If you’re trying to find Rogue I’m coming. It has been far too long since we last spoke. How do you know her?”
“We are on a top secret mission together!”
“So much for secret…” Shadow mumbled.
“How’d you end up split up?”
“I was dragged into the dark forest by a giant spider and they left me, assuming I was dead. Now that I think about it, that was the logical choice. So I am to understand that if we don’t let you join you won’t let us through, is that it?”
“Yep.”
“Okay the more the merrier!” That’s how Rouge’s niece joined up with our little party. Later we found out that none of us had any idea on how to find a secret base so we needed to be found by you guys. I came up with the idea that since we were here to fight the armies of the North we might as well get found that way. After all who can ignore a giant fire? So we decided to burn out a giant signal to you! Anyways you know the rest after that…

> Chapter 7: Grasping Ice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 7: Grasping Ice
“That’s an amazing story Flash, you should write about it someday.” Auto suggested.
“I think I will! Now what do we do from here?” 
“Well, tell the Princess about your joining, but apart from that, we just need to watch and gather information on the enemy forces. Unfortunately your actions may have sped up the wheels of war and we need to be prepared to send word at any moment that a strike is coming. I believe the public has taken to calling these ponies, Freezers. Maybe we should as well?” Anti-Freeze answered and offered.
“Agreed, we’ll need posts on their front line in these three locations,” He gestured to the map pointing at their current location and one to the West as well as one to the East. “I suggest we split into three groups two in the ones on either side and the rest of us here in the central base. We will work in shifts between keeping watch, scouting, and resting. For now I want Rogue and Wild to go to the East while James and I head to the west. That way we have wings on the outside and James is the lightest on his hooves amongst all of you. Anti, Shadow, and Flash hold out here, does everyone agree?” Auto strategized all the while marking the map with enemy positions and different routes for possible escape and invasion.
They all approved the plan, and James asked, “What of the Crystal Empire? How do they fair?”
“The shield is strong and Evendra wouldn’t risk attacking them. Their magic is far too powerful.”
“Why not call on them for aid?”
“Their magic is solely defensive and isn’t so powerful as to shield all of Equestria.”
“Where are Twilight and her friends? Aren’t they usually the ones that Celestia throws at everything to end all of Equestria's problems?”
“As of yet, they are missing.”
***
Rarity crawled out of the ruins covered in mud and filth. “I am filthy! How long have we been in there? I’ll have to run to the next town and get help!” And she galloped off toward the town. It was about five days of travel away, luckily they had packed loads of extra food and with Twilight’s rationing her friends should last at least a few more weeks. She would have to hurry though.
***
Celestia was sitting in the throne room when yet another stack of papers were brought in by her secretary. “More tax sheets?”
“Nope, these are the preliminary recruiting and resource gathering reports. Also there is a letter from the Horn and one from Anti-Freeze.”
“I’ll take the letter from Anti-Freeze first, the Horn can wait, they always do.” She levitated the letter over to herself and read it. “We have recovered a recruit by the name of Flashburn and gained the loyalties of Shadowfax once more. Wait! Flashburn? How many criminals is he going to recruit? Check the name Shadowfax will you? No telling who she might be. Is she the Assassin we’ve been chasing?”
“No that was Shadowblade.”
“Wouldn’t put it past him.”
***
“Forward the plans Absol! You know what will happen if we allow them to use the Elements of Harmony!”
“Your will be done my Queen.” Absol exited the chamber that held the scrying pool. It was incredible how, even though they spoke through magical communication, exactly how much power he felt when she spoke. “Squad one! I have a mission for you! One of such importance that I will be accompanying you. We are going to remove the Elements Of HARMONY FROM THE POSSESSION OF THE TYRANT CELESTIA AND THE FALSE NIGHTMARE MOON!” He heard a cheer from around him as all but the ones he had selected celebrated on such a brave strike. Squad one knew it was a suicide mission that only he Absol would escape from, but they had their orders.
***
“This is strange.” Anti said as she looked through her binoculars. “There is a commotion in the central camp. Absol gave a speech.”
“Is he rallying them?” Flash inquired.
“I have no idea, but it seems that one squad is unhappy… I recognize them… that one is Bladeheart. That one is Snowchaser. That is the most loyal squad he has. Why are they so unhappy I wonder?”
“Maybe they were selected for something?”
“Flash… that’s a good guess actually. We should scout it out. By the way how did Auto find you?”
“I was on a boat and when we landed he was waiting for me.”
“I think I recognize your name from somewhere.”
“I’m nopony.” They then trotted toward the enemy encampment.
***
“Why did I have to pull watch again?” A voice complained from up on the hill that separated Flash and Anti from the encampment.
“Bad luck mate, that’s all, bad luck.” Another said.
“Anyways can you believe that Absol’s actually gonna do it?”
“Not really I mean how’s it possible? The El-“
“Silence! What if somepony overhears you! You know we aren’t supposed to talk about it!”
“Why not?”
A voice sounded from behind them and their position was struck with a beam of light, ”This is why.”
“Captain Snowchaser!”
“Seize them!” He yelled as the very ground around Flash and Anti froze. Flash threw out a bolt of fire but missed. He began to charge yet another but he was so cold. He looked down and saw frost climb up his legs to form frost.
***
“Where are they!?” Auto yelled franticly. “They left hours ago and should have been back by now! Ugh, Rogue do a fly over. It shouldn’t be hard to spot Flash’s ridicules cloak out there!”
“He left it here actually, something about trying to be stealthy. I’ll go don’t worry.” Rogue explained as she left.
“Where could they be?”
Auto waited for hours upon hours as Rogue scoured the night sky. She finally flew a bit closer to the Enemy camp and saw a Flash of light. “What could that be?” She flew closer to investigate and saw Flash and Anti being dragged away as ice cubes. “Oh no!” She flew with all the speed she could muster back toward the base. As she landed Auto and James rushed out bombarding her with questions.
“Where are they?”
“What took you so long?”
“Did you find them?”
“Shut UP!” She yelled. “They have been captured by the Freezers! We have to hurry!”
***
Absol had been putting his travel armor on when the guards rushed yelling  for his leadership. He knew he had to leave soon, but he also knew that they feared him enough to not waste his time. He was shocked when he saw two Equestrians frozen before him. “Who is responsible for this apprehension?”
“It was I, Snowchaser, High General.” He elegantly put as he bowed gallantly.
“Excellent Major, you have provided us with the distraction we needed to slip past the Enemies lines unnoticed. They will certainly need to rescue these ponies and while they do we shall slip through undetected.”
“Sir, excuse me but I’m a Captain.”
“You were, congratulations now we ride out. Gather the Squad.”
***
Deep in the jungles beyond the Everfree Forest a glen is covered in dresses made of leaves and atop this heap of foliage sat a weeping unicorn with a speck of mud upon her hoof. A brush levitated over but only spread the muck further upon her hoof. “Curse this GAK! It won’t come off!” Rarity sobbed as she slowly rose and walked down the hill of leave dresses. She looked back at the entrance of the dungeon she had escaped but a day ago. “How come it took us twenty minutes to get in there and trapped, but it took me a week to escape!?” It was a good thing Pinkie had brought her spontaneous cupcake generator. That would keep them fed indefinitely and with Twilight’s create water spells they’d be fine for a long time but she had to hurry back to the town.
***
“CHARGE!” Auto yelled as they stormed the camp. The cubes of ice had been locked away near the edge of the camp. It seemed strange to him that Absol would make such a simple mistake. Shadow slashed her way straight into the tent while Auto rushed to the entrance. Rogue flew above and kept the enemies at bay with her bow. James kept the escape route clear. At first there was not much resistance but slowly it grew as reinforcments arrived.
James was beginning to have difficulty holding the escape route as he began to be out numbered two to one. "Confound this! Auto hurry up! We have to leave!" He yelled as he dodged a swipe to his head and countered forcing his opponent to retreat with an injury. "Ha!"  He grinned until he spun about and saw three ponies flanking him. "Oh, you've got to be kidding me. Auto! Hurry up!" He retreated so as to have them all in front of him. He parried and reposted, countered and slashed but all his skill could not allow him to gain advantage over these four trained soldiers and he was beginning to tire. "Auto... help... I... can't..."
"One step ahead!" yelled Shadowfax as she leapt into the battle dispatching two of the four quickly and with James's help drove back the other two.
"What took you so long!?"
Auto was bashing away at the ice block that held Flash and Anti until finally he broke through enough to have Flash regain consciousness. "Auto? What's going on? Oh I remember ! Back up... now!" Flash began charging his magic and quickly melted all the ice. Anti didn't wake up. "Help me pick her up. We have to get out." The rushed out holding Anti and ran right past James and Shadow. "Time to go!" Wildpaw landed with a rope and secured Anti to her then flew off toward their camp. Flash had never galloped as hard in his life and yet still the Freezers were closeing in on them. "Auto, fly! I have a plan!" Auto took off into the night and looked back to his friend as Flash spun about and set fire to the fields behind them. 
Auto looked behind at the fires as they raged separating them from the pursuit behind them.  They casted a myriad of strange shadows across the field. Flash was always confident in his ability to make fires without hurting himself but Auto felt the wind shift unexpectedly and he knew soon the blaze would spread towards Flash. Auto scoured the burning fields for any clue that would lead him to Flash. Auto saw Flash atop a hill surrounded by fire as a unicorn, a master of the winds, used their talents to entrap Flash within his own. Auto knew he had one shot at this, but it was a shot he needed to take. He flew as high as he could within the few moments he had to prepare.  Like an eagle, or osprey, he dove. He shot like an arrow toward the ground pulling up mere inches from the fire. With his added momentum he managed to cut through the firestorm surrounding Flash.
The contact hurt. Whether it hurt Flash or Auto more only Discord could know but it did hurt. Flash hadn't the slightest forewarning he just knew that he was slowly losing control of his fire and was then hit by a train. He then felt very light. When he looked up he saw he was was hooked in Auto arms. Auto flew them to safety and dropped Flash on the ground.
"You can walk the rest of the way; we don't want them to see us in the air do we?"
"Ah, I guess you're right." Flash began to trot toward the camp home and slowly his left front hoof was getting colder and colder. This perplexed him. Also his hoof felt sticky and gross. When he looked down he stopped immediately. "No. No. Nonononononononono... NO! We have to go back!" He told Auto as he spun about.
"What? Why?" Auto questioned as he drew his mace.
"My boot! Where is it? Where is my boot!?"
"PBHT! Your BOOT! Is that all?" Auto laughed.
"I need my boot." Flash glared, "I love my boots, if I am missing my boot we are going to have serious trouble. I NEED that boot!"
"We can just get another!"
"We can't my mother made it!"
"We can't go back, not for a boot. There are Freezers and a FIRESTORM back there. It's probably burned away by now any way."
"What do I own for an extended period of time that isn't fire-proof? If you don't go back I will." He said as he turned around.
"No! I just saved you!" When Flash continued back Auto said," At least wait for daylight! We will return home then re-supply and come back, ok?"
"Fine..." Flash grumpily conceded as he slunk back toward Auto.
***
Flash, Auto, Rogue, and James returned to the base. Wildpaw and Rogue were nowhere to be seen as Shadow greeted them in the front room.
"I have some bad news. Anti isn't wakening up. Rogue and Wildpaw are in with her now, she has a fever and they're doing what they can. They say that she has a chance, but... I'm not so sure. I've seen injuries caused by frost burns before and they are not easy to predict." Shadow explained with a surreal seriousness.
"Isn't there anything we can do?" Auto pleaded.
"Not that I know of." Shadow sighed as she shook her head.
"What about me? Maybe what you need to counter some frost burn is some Flashburn!" Flash suggested with concern. "I could at least keep her warm..."
"Go and ask Rogue." Shadow conceded as Flash ran into the adjoining room. "Maybe you should rest, you look exhausted Auto."
"You're right, but I have work to do. James, we cannot afford to drop our guard especially now. Me and you need to do a patrol just in case they managed to chase us this far."
***
Absol pushed his squadron of soldiers through the woods at an incredible pace until they were miles away from Captain Auto Tomaton's camp. "Slow yourselves. We are now in enemy territory; stealth will be more important than speed. Snow, send out scouts to map the regions in front of us. We must get to Ponyville undetected or all will be for naught. We must have the Elements before a fortnight has passed. I need not remind you the cost of failure."
"Yes Sir. You three go map out the surrounding area. Remember to be seen is to feel my wrath and then the wrath of Absol."
"Yes Sir!"
They continued to march toward Ponyville as the sun sank and night aided in their passage.
***
Auto and James returned from their fifth patrol that night, James understood the need for caution, but it seemed that Auto was taking out his worry about Anti-Freeze on endless marching! James hooves were aching. "I wonder how Anti is doing. We should check!" Any excuse to sit down.
"You're right. We should not rush in all at once though, I'll go in first and then you after, okay?"
"Good plan." James sighed as he sat on a pillow.
Auto walked into the improvised sick bay and saw Flash sitting with his horn glowing and his face a mask of pure concentration and strained effort.  Rogue, who had been napping off to the side, lifted her head and asked, "Oh, are you here to see her?"
"Yes."
"She is sleeping right now. Though she did regain consciousness about an hour ago. Flash has been balancing her body temperature so she doesn't run the risk of overheating or getting too cold. It seems to take up an incredible amount of energy."
"When do you think she'll get better?"
"Depends, I think she'll be up and about in about a week but unable to do much of anything for at least a month. Even then she'd be just well enough to travel. When it comes to returning to active duty... who can say? Maybe never, maybe a week afterwards. Now if I were you, I'd check on Shadowfax she isn't taking Anti's illness very well at all."
"I think I know why too. I'll go see her now. Tell me when Anti wakes up again."
"I will."
***
It had happened again, just like her brother. She had gotten involved and a pony had gotten hurt. If only she had drawn the patrol instead. Maybe, just maybe they'd all be okay right now. Why did this have to happen to whoever she joined? Was it ever possible for there not to be casualties? At least not so close to her. If she had even just talked to Anti or Flash before they went out they may have been more cautious. If only... She was snapped from her reverie by the sound of Auto speaking behind her.
"It wasn't your fault you know. Decisions were made and all the ponies involved did as they saw fit."
"I never said it was my fault." She retorted.
"I never said I was talking about Anti, did I? That was her, Flash's and my faults, nopony else's. I was talking about your brother. You may think he died because of you but he died for you. It was his choice to go in and you can never convince me that it was your mistake or that he didn't know what he was doing."
"I know."
"It wasn't your fault." He said in his monotone voice.
"I know." Shadow was beginning to get a little frustrated.
"It wasn't your fault."
"I know!" She yelled. She didn't know why she yelled.
"It wasn't your fault."
"I..."
"It wasn't your fault."
She was crying now. She didn't know why.  "I, I, I know..."
"He never held you responsible. Now you need to forgive yourself. It wasn't your fault, it was never your fault. Let it go. The pain of his loss won't go away but, you'll make room in your heart and mind for it. Tell me honestly would he want you to feel as you do now?"
"No, no he wouldn't. He would want his strong brave sister to stay strong."
"She never stopped." Auto said as he wrapped a cloak around her and lead her into the room with Anti.
***
Flash was beginning to feel a tad light headed. Unfortunately the only way to counteract her fever was to accept the majority of it upon himself. It was stupid and dangerous but it was his fault. He shuddered a moment imagining what would happen if in his fevered, tired, wandering mind if he lost focus for a moment and the magic took over again. Like it did all those years ago.
***
Absol had succeeded in his mission. They were well beyond the influence of Captain Auto Tomaton and while they still had many days of travel before them he would soon posses the single most powerful set of magical items known in all of Equestria! Evandra would be pleased.
***
Rarity finally stumbled into the small town where they had last stayed before venturing into the jungle. She was covered in sap, dirt, and filth but she had made it and now help was on the way for her friends. It was then she learned of Evandra.

> Chapter 8: Flashbacks
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 8: Flash backs
"Flash? Is that you?" Anti struggled to say as she slowly opened her eyes.
"Huh? Oh!" He said snapping back into focus. "Auto! She's awake!" He grinned at her, "Next time we sneak into the enemies camp, let's not okay?"
Auto trotted into the room, "Anti, Celestia bless you you're awake! How are you doing?"
"What happened? I remember a voice and then... just cold."
"I can answer that one!" Flashburn blurted out. "We were all sneaking and we heard those ponies talking then we were found and frozen solid in ice! Then the Captain and everypony found out and rescued us! It was amazing! Then you didn't wake up... so we brought you back and nursed to back to health, well maybe not back to health, but at least you're awake!"
"Well at least I can be happy about that... Where are the others?"
"I sent them out on patrol. Don't worry about them. Just get better." Auto told her.
"I'm sorry Auto, I made a mistake and you risked everything to save me and Flash. Thank you."
"I'd never leave you or anypony behind. Think nothing of it. Now, you get some rest, you need it if you want to get better. Besides who knows what really happened? Maybe it was Flash's fault."
"Oh ha, ha, ha." Flash said sarcastically. "Actually Anti I can't let you sleep without me being able to keep your temperature stable and I haven't slept yet so please stay up awhile then when you think you can't just wake me up. " His head fell and he fell immediately asleep.
***
It was a dark, gloomy night when Celestia received the letter that informed her of Anti's accident and the sudden disappearance of Absol. She spent the night pacing wondering what Evandra was planning. Why suddenly bring Absol back to her side? He was as loyal as Rainbowdash so treachery was out of the question. As loyal as Rainbowdash... Loyalty. Loyalty? Loyalty! The Elements! What if instead of bringing him back to her, she sent him out? With all the commotion caused by Anti's unfortunate situation he would have the perfect opportunity to slip through the front lines undetected! She needed to send a detachment of soldiers out to Ponyville right away.
***
Mister Cake was taking out the garbage when he thought he heard something upstairs. That was odd as Pinkie Pie was away with her friends. He decided to check on it. He walked up the stairs and saw her room completely destroyed! "Dear! Call the police! We've had a break in!"
AppleBloom heard the strangest sound from across the hall. It sounds as if someone knocked over that jewelry box that AppleJack defiantly "didn't have." "I knew she had one!" Then it occurred to her; AppleJack is away with Twilight and all her other friends. "What in tarnation? Big Mac! Someone is in AJ's room!"
"WHAT!?" She heard him roar as he charged from his room into AppleJack's. "Who are you!?" She couldn't hear the response but she did hear the thump and triumphant yell of "Nope!" When she worked up the courage to join Big Mac she saw him looking out th window as several dark figures fled into the darkness. One was unconscious and on the floor.
"Did they take the Element?" She asked worriedly.
"Eeyup."
***
"Who?" Owlicous hooted. "Who! WHO! WHO! WHO!"
***
"HISS!!!" Opal hissed.
***
Tank didn't say anything because tortoises kinda just sit there looking cool. He was all like what? You want that element? So what? I don't care, I'm just a cool tortoise over here. 'Cause I'm just that cool.
***
Angel bunny was lucky he was wearing his helmet that night. When the strange ponies tried to break in they met their match at the hands of his legion of animal comrades. They fled with their tails in between their legs! "Squeeeeeeeeek!" He commanded his troops to begin making patrols. They held their forks and spoons threateningly.
***
"We managed to get all but one, sir. The team sent to Fluttershy's cottage have yet to return, I recommend we all go in force." Snowchaser recommended to Absol.
"A seemingly wise move but we need to be out of here long before the dawn. We shall to send you and that is all. Catch up if your name really is SnowCHASER." With that Absol began gathering his troops as Snowchaser sprinted toward the cottage.
***
The squad Celestia sent to Ponyville arrived to find the town in chaos. Everywhere they turned a pony screamed about break-ins and a cottage being frozen over during the night. None of the Elements had been recovered so the soldiers sent a runner back to Canterlot and began investigating.
They were searching houses until they found out they had five ponies to interrogate. Four were found outside of the frozen cottage (presumed Fluttershy's) and the fifth unconscious in the Apple's house. Once they were all gathered up in the library they found out something they already knew. Freezers are incredibly loyal and no amount of persuasion or magic could get them to profess the enemy plans. All they got were names. Snowgazer, Frostchaser, Icemolder, Chilla, and Frosty, none of them were officers nor would they reveal the identity of their commanding officer. Now they at least were able to confirm Celestia's suspicion that they were making a grab for the elements.
***
"Caaaaaaaaaaake!" Pinkie finished singing and bowed. "Well Rocky I think this talent night went very well!" She laughed at the statue of an ancient Pony. "You know you should compete next time! What's that? Think you'd get cold feet? I'm sure the audience would crumble! You'd win by a landslide!"
"Pinkie, could you be quiet? I think I hear something!" Twilight whispered excitedly. She had run out of books a while ago. "Listen!"
"Y'all be quiet! Twi hears somethin'!" Applejack yelled.
At first Nopony heard a thing... But slowly... a slight scraping noise emanated from the wall that had caved in. "Rescue?" Rainbow asked sleepily.
"I hope so!" Pinkie yelled.
"Shhh..." Twilight shushed, "We don't know if that is help coming..."
"*SQUEEK* can it be... a Tetzel Worm...?" Fluttershy asked, you know, if that's okay with everypony... If it's not that's okay... She didn't have to say anything... She's sorry for intruding.
"Come on Fluttershy! Tetzel Worms are an old mares tale!" Rainbowdash laughed.
"Like the sonic rainboom?" Pinkie said slyly. They all laughed.
"The sonic rainboom was always real! Tetzel Worms aren't! You know that, Pinkie, I'm just trying to keep Fluttershy from getting nervous, right?" Rainbowdash whispered. At that moment the tip of a pick axe broke through the dirt by in the cave-in.
"EEEEK!!!!" Fluttershy screamed as she dashed behind Dash. The pick axe widened the hole and a Pony stuck their head through.
"Rarity!" Twilight called out to her.
"I have a digging team out here it should only be a few minutes! Just wait a little longer darlings!" She backed out as more picks began to knock down the barrier. They had them out in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately they couldn't get the staff, but Twi assured them that they had been gone too long as it was. After a few minutes of walking Twilight realized something odd.
"Excuse me Rarity but this isn't the right way to town... where are we going?" She asked.
"I was wondering how long it would take you to notice. I found another town and they came to help." She explained.
"Then how come I recognize some of these ponies?" Fluttershy asked... you know if that's alright. You know what nevermind she didn't really want to know anyway.
"Uh..." Rarity stuttered obviously flustered. "we-well... uh? They jus... Get them." She commanded as she was surrounded by a green nimbus. Then standing in front of them was Queen Chrysalis, the Queen of the Changelings! As soon as her order was given everypony around them transformed and they were surrounded and captured. "Hahahahaha! You were even easier to capture the second time! You'd think you'd learn... Now you won't be able to stop it!"
"What just is your plan!?" Twilight yelled.
"Why, just wait of course! With you gone your precious Princess will lose the war and we will rise to defeat these soon to be weak Freezers! Even if Celestia somehow wins she'll be unable to resist the take over this time!"
"What war?" Twilight slowly asked.
"You really don't know? Hahahaha! Your precious Equestria is under attack from the north! The Freezers didn't take nicely to converting Nightmare Moon into Luna; now they want to take her down so Evandra can rule! We will defeat them though, don't you worry!"
"They won't be able to defeat the Equestrian Guard!" Rainbowdash declared.
"Like we couldn't?" Chrysalis taunted.
"Oh I oughta!" Rainbowdash threatened as she struggled to escape her captors grasp but to no avail.
"All we have to do to insure our victory is keep you captive! In fact... I may just replace you..."
"Nooo..." Twilight gasped in horror as the Queen laughed maniacally.
***
"I just got a letter from the Princess! Funny, usually she only sends us orders on Sundays..." Flash called out to the group having breakfast.
"That's odd, who delivered it?"
"This Pegasus named Featherweight. He was the same as last week. Only a bit more tired... I guess making the run back to back so quickly must have been harsh. Here you go Cap." Flash passed the letter to Captain Auto Tomaton. "He seemed in a rush to get back... The message must be important. He's waiting for our reply in the clearing now." Auto had dropped the letter. "What is it? Auto? Auto what is it?"
"We... failed... WE MUST GO BACK TO EQUESTRIA!" He stood up, "Pack your things we must leave post haste!" He scribbled a note on a piece of paper. "Give this to Feather, then get back and pack your hat!"
"What happened!?"
"The Elements, are gone."
***
"I think I know when it could have happened!" Flashburn excitedly began to say as he skipped down the path, his pack bouncing all the way. "They must have slipped through when you were all saving me and Anti! It makes sense, after all that was the only time our vigilance slipped!"
"Congratulations, you've cracked the case..." James said sarcastically.
"Thanks James! I'm surprised we didn't figure this out sooner..." He said puzzled. "Wait a second...we forgot to go back for my boot!"
"We all worked it out a while ago, Flash." Rogue explained.  Suddenly she stopped moving. "Do you hear that?" She questioned. "It sounds like wings... everyone down! Now!" They all scrambled for cover as the ground darkened before them. Then with a flash of light a most peculiar creature stood before them. It had the head of a pony but the claw of a lion and the talon of an eagle!
"Uh oh... not him again!" Flash whispered with dread.
"How do you know Discord?" Auto asked.
"Excuse me! Sorry if I'm interrupting something, but I was sent by Celestia to speed your travels now if you'd just all come front and center! I want to get this boring job over and done with as soon as possible."
"Do you not even remember me?" Flashburn asked cautiously.
"Hmm... according to Celestia your name is Flashburn... sorry doesn't ring a bell! Have we met?"
"YOU SENT ME FORWARD IN TIME!" Flash yelled as his horn began to spark.
"I was wondering when you'd turn up! So your name was Flashburn! I thought it was Fire something... Anyway how has life been treating my little fire starter?" He leaned in closely.
"You promised to make it all better! You said that Nopony would ever even know that it had happened..."
"Well? Do any ponies other than you know about it?"
"No... but I thought that you'd undo what I did! Instead you tore my world apart and shoved me into the future! You made things worse! I couldn't control my powers in my own home! How do you think I did in a strange new place all alone!? And at my age? I was a foal! Then you just abandoned me in the future! You promised me freedom and instead all I got was the loss of my friends and family! Literally everypony who was going to be born in the next decade is dead right now! I knew no one... I had no one... and you never came back... you never helped!"
"Well it was hardly my fault! Right after I sent you forward, I was turned to stone which by the way does wonders for ones memory. Then almost immediately upon being freed I was turned back! Since then I've been Celestia's stooge. Now speaking of which I need to HELP you!"
"No." Flash refused obstinately.
"What!?" The all gasped.
"Last time you "HELPED" me I was sent barreling into a new world! Do what you want to help them, but I want nothing to do with you ever again!" Flash yelled.
"I'm hurt, but also pressed for time, now to all you willing ponies I will give you wings and make them fly faster than normal! It will only last a day or two but it will definanetly speed your travels!" He explained as Captain Auto's wings began to glow. He turned and saw all but Flashburn gain these magical glowing wings.
"What do you mean a day or two? When will they wear off?" Auto questioned.
"Chaos magic." Discord shrugged as he faded away.
Flashburn began to skulk toward Cantorlot as ponies who couldn't normally fly slowly acclimated to their new wings. "Flash..." Rogue called as she flew over to him. "What happened between you and Discord? Why wouldn't you accept his help?"
"Promise me you will never, unless either you are in the most dire of circumstances or I give you permission, tell another soul of what I am about to tell you. Or I can't tell you."
"I swear."
***
Very well, I will tell you. When most ponies get their cutie marks it is a happy occasion. They finally know what their super special talent is! Maybe they can bake great cakes or paint beautiful pieces of art! It was not so for me... I will always be haunted by when I learned of my talent. I'm great at casting incredibly powerful fire spells! But, how does a filly or foal discover their talent? Why they use it! Unfortunately my talent wasn't controlling incredible fire magic. I was only trying to light the fire in my fireplace! It just... There was so much fire... I couldn't stop. I tried to STOP! But I couldn't... The fire was too strong... When I woke up... The entire town was gone... ponies had fled or perished in the flame. That's when I met HIM. H-he... he explained what I did... How everypony knew it was me who destroyed homes and families... How they hated me... He offered to fix it! Imagine that, a foal that had just inadvertently killed or ruined everything he loved or cared about was offered a way out! He said that it would all be better... That it would all be undone! He said nopony would even remember it had happened! He was right I suppose. Now nopony cares... It happened so long ago nopony even remembers... The incident was blamed on Discord and eventually nopony could even remember that a little foal had gone missing... He sent me forward. So far forward that now I'm older than Celestia herself! I... think... At first I didn't know what had happened so I just wandered in a forest... That's when I saw it. My old home. It was almost unrecognizable but I knew what it was, a burnt aged old house atop a hill, now overgrown with vegetation. It is where the Everfree Forest is now. I wandered until I found myself in Manehatten. Thankfully some generous guards helped me to survive until I got a job supplying fuel for a cruise ship. Then other stuff happened but that has nothing to do with Discord So I feel that is all you need to know.
***
Auto understood now. His erratic behavior, his half said comments, even his strange demeanor. All were caused by this childhood trauma. "Flash... I don't know what to say. I accept your decision to not accept his help but you must understand that we are needed in Equestria as soon as possible, so we must leave you. I'm sorry but there is no other way."
"I understood this the moment I refuse his help." He smiled. "Besides wings are for wimps! I'll still beat you there if I run!"
"No need, "Rogue cut in, "You see, I just so happen to be an ALICORN I'll just carry you! I mean seriously look at the size of my wings. Especially now that they are amplified by Discords magic."
"I don't know... it's a bit too close to him helping me... I've kinda sworn off his aid forever... but we do need to hurry... What do you even need me for? All I do is start the campfire, crack jokes and get foalnapped like some Damsel in Distress!" Flash jokingly asked.
"Don't forget that we will need you at the higher altitudes to keep Anti warm." Auto said.
"Oh my sweet Celestia I completely forgot about her! Who's been carrying her?" Flash hastily replied.
"You have two guesses..." Rogue hinted sarcastically.
"Are you sure you can carry both of us?" Flash asked.
"Normally only barely but with the magic, yes. Now let's take wing, we've been here far too long."
"Ok, I guess you're stuck with me for now!" Flash laughed, slowly he was joined by the others. Except James who kept a wary eye on Flashburn. After all he had just admitted to a terrible crime. He'd need to keep a closer eye on him. Especially when he was near Rogue...

> Chapter 9: Absolution
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 9: Absolution
Twilight noticed something odd. She had expected after being led to the Changeling's base that they'd find Rarity, but she was nowhere to be seen! "Excuse me, Chrysalis. Where is Rarity? Don't you even try to drop a fake one amongst us because I'll know!"
The Queen was just about to exit as she heard this. "Funny Twilight, I was going to ask you the same thing." She huffed as she exited.
"Where is she?" All of the other four asked at once.
"I just don't know girls, but it seems as if Chrysalis doesn't have her at least..."
***
Deep in the jungles beyond the Everfree Forest a pile of leaves that had been woven into dresses had slowly begun to rot. About ten yards from this pile another pile had rose up. Nearly twice as high! The dresses in this pile were more complicated and beautiful and they heaped up to form a kind of throne, or nest. Perched high above the ground was a sleeping unicorn. It was apparent from her face that she had been crying and from her coat that she had stepped in some sticky substance that refused to give way to scrubbing...
***
The wind blew past Flashburn's mane as Rogue soared high in the sky. This would be the fourth time he had almost lost his hat to the gale though he did not mind it. He had never flown, or been flown, anywhere before and he loved the feeling of exhilaration. Rogue didn't push about his past and Flash wasn't really all that sure how he felt about that. In a way it was a relief, but in other ways... Well, after letting out what he did after saying nothing for so long... He kinda wanted to talk about it! He also understood most ponies would want space after saying what he had said. Funny how being really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really... Really.... REALLY HIGH. Suddenly it wasn't as fun to be flown around. He was "tired" of looking down so he turned his gaze skyward. "Hey Anti... was I wrong to not accept Discord's help?" He asked.
"Well it was a bit more comfortable up here when I was alone but after I heard your story I can't help but agree with you. If that had happened to me I'd probably of attacked him on sight. Unless ordered by Celestia to abide him." She answered with all honesty.
"Sorry for intruding! I didn't mean to take up so much space! Maybe if I scooted over a bit more..."
"No it's fine!"
"Oh okay... Hey Rogue!"
"Yeah?"
"Do you think I did the right thing by rejecting Discord?"
"You kidding? I almost asked him to remove it!"
"You... do you... still trust me? After what I said? About my village?"
"Well, it's a lot to take in... I decided not to let it affect how I feel about having you as a friend, after all, many times unicorns lose control of their magic when they get their cutie marks. Even Twilight Sparkle lost control, or so I heard."
"Really?" Flash guffawed.
"Yep, one of the most powerful unicorns in Equestria lost control in the beginning."
"Unicorn? I thought she was an Alicorn...?"
"Well, she is now... She wasn't at first... it's complicated." Rogue tried to explain.
"I've seen her wings before, once in Canterlot. They can't be fake!" Flash pressed.
"They aren't! Okay so to explain... She was a Unicorn and lost control of her magic when trying to get into the Princess Celestia magic school for talented unicorns. Celestia was impressed so much by the display that she made her, her personal student. After a while Celestia saw an opportunity to solve two problems with one blow and so sent Twilight to study friendship in Ponyville. After saving Ponyville and even all of Equestria multiple times she was given a great gift. She was coroneted Princess and made into an alicorn by an ancient spell!" Rogue went on. "Does that make sense?"
"Well kinda... just one question... How'd everyone react to this?"
"You see many ponies thought it was awesome but others got really mad and said things like, "It is the death of the kingdom's survivability. I personally was intrigued to see what would happen. But for a while it seemed nopony noticed. In fact some ignored it."
"Interesting! So... what do you do for fun, Rogue?"
"Well, I drew a lot. Often I made fan art from stories I liked. I once had a friend that I promised I draw up a cover for their story so they could post it in the newspaper, "Daily Equestria" but alas I never did, despite his desperate pleas."
"Huh, that's a shame. I bet he put something in a story he knew you'd read to try and get you to do it."
"Nah the other readers would get mad."
"I don't know he still might." Flash alluded as he glanced into the empty space in front of him knowingly. "I wonder what happened to Twilight and her friend's houses..."
***
Tank sat there in the mess caused by the break in. Well he kinda helicoptered as tortoises can't actually walk on clouds. He thought about cleaning up, but he is too cool for that because he is a tortoise. Tortoises are the most cool... At least twenty percent cooler than any other pet, toothless alligators beware. In fact Tortoises are too cool to even indent. He flew through the wall, as it is made of cloud, when he heard voices. "This is the last house to check. Let's hope those Freezers didn't have pegasi with them." The first voice went. "I have a feeling they were smart enough to bring a few, Captain." A second voice responded. "Let's just open the door and be over with it." A third, gruffer, voice went. At this time Tank stuck his head through the wall and saw about five pegasi wearing armor standing on the steps in front of the door. They weren't cool enough for him so he went to go do sports, after all he did have a rigorous flight schedule to keep. Even if Rainbowdash wasn't home. She was the only creature that could compete with his level of coolness so he did what she told him to do. Tank was ripped as he did in fact lift. The real question was do you? DO YOU EVEN LIFT? He can fight anyone IRL! He coulda taken all them Freezas single... Tortoise footed... He just was too cool to care. Man he was cool. He flew to fridge. After all he couldn't do sports without an energy drink! He grabbed a Rocking Monstar Powerdo Brawnthirst and flew straight down to Ponyville. He flew by Gummies place. "CHCKA" He shouted to his bud. "Heeeeeeeeeeesssssssttttttttt" Gummy shouted back as he jumped onto the helicopter and they flew off to the park for the weekly get together of pets. They all showed up. There was Opal the Destroyer of all and grand Duchess of Death, Wynona the Sheep wrangler, Angel the Bringer of Doom, Owlicous the knower of things, and Stanley the rock Derpy... uh... Blonde-Mane-Pony drew a face on and brings to every meeting before she leaves. Tank looked over the sad group. None of them could ever be as cool as him and this depressed him. Tortoises are so much better then everything else. Other pets have to indent but not Tank. He's just too cool for that. He flew above the gathering and Gummy leapt from his back and landed on Stanley the rock. "Hiss Hiss Meow Hiss Hiss Hiss." Opal complained. "Bark woof bark bark woof!" Wynona countered. "Who? Hoo Who Hoo!" Owlicous hooted in response. Angel pantomimed something that nobody had time to piece together. Then every pet turned and looked at Stanley. He always knew what to do. After they all stared at Stanley for a few hours they each returned home. Once again Tank was reminded about how much cooler he was then any of the others. He was like ice to their fire. He needed cooler friends but the eagle and hawk never did forgive him for stealing their spot at Rainbowdash's side. An awful shame that as they were almost as cool as he was. He flew back into the cloud mansion and looked about. The armored stallions had been thorough in their search and clean up. They remade the couch that Rainbow had made from cloud. He didn't get much exercise done at the park so he went to the weight room that had been set up for him and grabbed a couple heavy rain laden clouds and stuck them on a cloud bar. After a few sets of ten reps he decided he was done lifting for the day as he was already so cool he didn't want Gummy to feel bad. He couldn't understand how somepets could handle not being cool. Then again Tank was so used to it by now maybe he just would never understand it. He looked across Equestria and wondered how Rainbowdash was doing right about now. She was probably doing something really cool. Maybe he'd see a sonic rainboom. The idea of something that cool excited him and he looked out toward the Everfree Forest but alas... the boom never came. He was too cool to let that get him down though. He was at least eighty percent cooler than anypet else. The moon began to rise and he stared at its alabaster surface, contemplating just how cool he was. Everyone knows Tortoises are too cool to indent their paragraphs ever.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ***
Celestia began to rest after a hard day of searching the skies for a sign of Twilight but to no avail. Why did she have to go missing now? She thought, all those years ago when she made Twilight her protégée, that she would always be there when she needed a helping hoof in a crisis. Now that she had lost the Elements she realized that she had no back-up plan. No fail-safe. If she failed... Auto's ragtag band of misfits would be Equestria's only hope. She needed a backup plan. "Discord!" She called her now willingish ally. She knew he had heard her and could teleport immediately in but she also knew he would never just take the logical choice. No he had to teleport to just outside the room and make an entrance. Vwoop! There, right in front of her stood Discord. She really had to stop trying to predict his actions. "Discord could you please bring the head pony from "The Horn." please? She asked as nicely as possible while still showing it was still an order.
"Why of course Celest! Why don't I just hop right on over there and bring one of them right over! It's not like you can just fly over to their tower or anything..." He grumbled.
"You know very well I'm expecting Auto and his group shortly."
"Alas, but as a monarch's work is never done so shall mine be..." He sighed as he disappeared from sight.
"Sometimes I wonder if Fluttershy actually succeeded in reforming you..." She pondered when she knew he had left.
***
Things had gone better for Absol than he had thought possible, he had the Elements, most of the squad had survived and he had even managed to dispatch that nuisance Snowchaser. It was a shame that he had to lose an element to remove him but at least he wouldn't have to deal with that up incoming General. He was too ambitious and may have threatened Absol's position. He had it coming. "You, you, and you look for a place to set up a cold camp, no fires to alert the Sun of our position." He ordered.
"You set up my tent. You gather food. You stand watch. I will scout ahead." He commanded his followers as he walked through a perfect location for a camp. He trotted over toward an outcropping of stone and observed the flight of birds over-head. If it weren't for the war he could live out here. He had always loved birds and how simply their lives were, how carefree. They didn't understand the storm that was one its way. Would they even really notice? Who knows... would he even have noticed if Evandra hadn't been born into his family? Now he knew that alicorns could be created by spells he wondered why the royalty always took those who were born with it naturally to be trained as royalty? Why did they have to try to take her? If they had left them alone none of this would have happened. His Father and Mother may have even still been alive! He still remembered that day so well.
***
"Ha, I bet I'll get my Cutiemark first Eve!" Absol shouted from his room.
"In your dreams, Abby!" She laughed back. "Besides, I'm an Alicorn! So I bet I'll get it twice as fast!"
Absol hadn't considered that. "No fair! I don't even have either... Still maybe that gives me the advantage! Maybe ground ponies get them the fastest!" He shot back.
"You're silly Abby!" This was a great insult to the young colt who was the most serious and grown up pony his age in the whole town.
"You know I told you never to call me silly!" He mock yelled as he tackled her. The wrestled for a while... until they knocked over a glass full of water. "Eve! What did you do!?"
"Me? It was you who did it!"
"Na uh!"
"Yeah huh!
"Na uh!"
"Yeah huh!"
"What was that sound I heard out there?" They heard their father say as he entered the room. "Oh! You broke another glass! I guess I'll just fix that right up then." Their Father was a dishwasher in a restaurant in town and his special talent was a spell for fixing smashed cups and plates. He wanted to someday own his own restaurant and almost had enough in savings to do so. He often said, "I want my place to be successful so I'm going to set enough money aside to pay for several months of no customers!" but they all knew that he was well liked in the town and everypony would eat there. "There we go! Right as rain! Now what do you want to do on Mommy and Daddy's day off?" He asked them rhetorically.
"I wanna go to the park!" The both yelled simultaneously. The park had everything! A bowling alley, ice cream shop, and even sometimes a troupe of performers! "Where is Mommy?" Absol asked.
"Oh she went to the post office to pick up her payment. She'll be along shortly then we can go!" Their Mother was a mail pony and proud of it. She flew faster and made more on time deliveries than any other pony!
"Who's ready to go to... wait let me guess... The PARK!!!" They heard their mother call as she entered the house. This lead to a resounding cheer as the both galloped out the door. They flew straight out the door and straight into the chest of a police officer. He snorted and shoved them back. He reeked of cider. Not the kind they got to drink either.
"Ah, there you are... uh... Evandra? Evandra. I was sent to collect you." He spat as he grabbed Absol's sister!
"Dad!" He yelled as he grabbed a stick and hit the Stallion in the back. The Stallion grunted, dropped Evandra and drew his sword. He then swung it at Absol. Absol was suddenly on his side and he heard an odd sound. Kind of the sound one makes when they have the wind knocked out of them mid sentence? He turned over and saw his father standing were Absol just was. A sword... sticking out of... Then he heard his mother scream as she ran out with a kitchen knife. Another cop saw this and shot her with a crossbow. She fell atop her husband. Their father. Absol turned to Eve and they both started to scream and cry. Absol felt a strange emotion. Angrier than anger. Something he would soon know as fury, rage, hate. He tackled the police officer and grabbed his mother's knife. He brought it down repeatedly and when he looked up the other cop had reloaded his crossbow and was aiming at him. He seemed strangely still though. After a while he saw that he had been incased in a clear ice. Absol turned and saw Eve standing there her horn aglow and their eyes met. Tears flowed freely and with a silent communication only siblings can know and they ran together. Absol didn't even notice that they had both gotten their cutiemarks until the night had fallen on the cave they sheltered in.
"What are we going to do Evandra?" Absol choked through his tears.
"We... I don't know... We can't go back! We will run away! We will go where nopony can ever find us! Then when we are safe and have time to think, we will decide what to do." He nodded and they slept.
***
They had fled north and eventually met up with some moon crazed cultists and, under their influence, he had seen his sister twisted and turned until nothing filled her heart except the thought of revenge. He knew he loved his sister, but he also knew she couldn't love him. She was so far gone that all she felt was hatred and disdain. He had to serve her though, or she would kill him. Besides, he hated Celestia and her stupid government. Alicorns needed to stay with their families and live their own lives! He fought the corrupt and broken system, not for revenge. What was Eve even planning on doing if they won?
***
"Twi!" Rainbowdash whispered. "Do you have a kinda cage door opening spell?'
"For the fifth time Dash, they have dampened my powers. No I can't just shoot lasers, nor can I blow through the wall or magically increase Applejack's strength to buck down the doors." Twilight huffed back.
"Oh yeah... Hey Pinkie can you... I don't know... break physics or something?"
"I can't do that! Everything I do is possible I keep telling you!"
"Oh yeah... Hey AJ, can you buck down the doors?"
"Not without Twi's magic, those doors are harder than the vaults in Cantorlot!"
"Oh yeah... Hey Twi..."
"No."
"B-But you don't even know what I was gonna ask!"
"Yes I do. You were going to ask me to use magic weren't you?" Rainbowdash did not reply to that. "Yeah I thought so. Fluttershy do you have any ideas?"
"I tried to get a word out to somepony but all the animals around here are rude and mean, I didn't even have time to use the stare on any of them..."
"I understand, I guess Rarity is once again our only hope."
"We are doomed." Rainbow sighed as everypony turned to look at her. "What? I was only saying what everypony was thinking!"
"Remember the diamond dogs?"
"Oh yeah..."
"Why did they have to zap you with a memory spell...?"
"Hey Twi, can you maybe blast the walls down!"
***
Rarity finally gathered her resolve and set forth toward the town, partially because she knew her friends needed help, partially because she was out of sewing supplies. She dismounted the pile of dresses and upon choosing the best combination of dress, hat, and boots trotted toward the town. She had no idea how much her apparel saved her that day. Changelings dotted the skies but they never saw her in her naturally camouflaged and stylish hat and dress. After several days of travel she found the town and a very distraught Spike. "There's my little Spikey Wikey!" She called out to him, "I have terrible news! Twilight and the others trapped in the ruin and can't escape! I came as soon as I could but we must hurry back to save them!"
"I got a letter from Celestia! War has befallen Equestria! We have to get the group back to Ponyville! The Elements have even been stolen! I know who can help! Zecora and her family can get the rest of the town to help!" He then ran off to get help.
"A war? This is terrible! Military fashion is the worst, so tacky! Ugh!" As she trotted to the nearest salon.
***
"Ah Cantorlot! How long has it been since I was last here? Oh! Right before we made our way North!" Flash conversed with a very bored Anti-Freeze. "Hey Rogue are you even tired?"
"Not even a little! I used to have to fly the length of Equestria once a month to make sure Ponies kept good care of the land under their protection. This little trip was nothing. Besides Discord's magic helped quite a bit."
"What was it like to grow up as an Alicorn?" Flash inquired.
"Well, pretty much the same I assume. Until I was around the age I'd get my Cutiemark. Then I was taken from my sobbing mother and father. I never saw them again. From that day I was trained to become the Princess of nature. The funniest thing though was they taught me to talk in the "Royal We" but that was dropped soon after Luna was banished. Just imagine Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Twilight and Me all sitting in a room screaming, "WE THIS!" and "WE THAT!" Kinda comical really. But oh how I missed my parents... I tried to find them when my training was over but they had left the town in sorrow. I still miss them..."
"I miss my parents too... but at least I have closure, yours could still be found!"
"Not likely, it was a very long time ago. Almost as far back as you!"
"What about you Anti?"
"My parents? Well, my Dad was a wine maker and my mother was a traveling merchant. I grew up on the road learning about how to make wines and sell them. Eventually I grew up and started my own business traveling and selling fine wines."
"What happened?" Flash pressed, "I mean, how'd you end up a soldier?"
"Intelligence Officer, and well to tell the truth I was a very risky business pony. I took a route through the Everfree Forest and got raided by James's crew. I was ruined so I took up the only job I could find, I enlisted. After that I basically just went up in ranks. One promotion after another, then I was recruited for a special mission and I infiltrated the Ponyville Pilferers. I was so successful that they are now almost removed! Think about it, a town without a guild of thieves! Celestia must have been impressed because I was sent to this group called, "The..." actually I can't say, government secrets and all that. Long story short, I quickly learned I work best alone. I told this to Celestia and then the threat from the North appeared so I had to go spy for her. Everything was going well, until some strange goings on began occurring. A strange third party burning enemy camps. Then a squad of crazy ponies lead by a respectable member of the military showed up and I was frozen solid. Actually I think you were there for that part..." She smiled at them. "Still, it was getting a tad boring up there and wow do you ponies liven things up!" The all laughed at that as Cantorlot appeared beneath them.
***
James had been worried the whole trip for two reasons. One, what if Discord's spell wore off early? And two, what if Flashburn somehow lost control again? He was worried about the potential consequences of such a possibility! He was unsure if he would ever feel safe around Flash again. Imagine if he were somehow converted to the other side? James knew that he could take down Auto or Anti, even Wildpaw and Shadow but what defense did he have against such fire? What chance did any of them, other than Rogue, even have? James had watched Flashburn  the entire trip and he seemed in control but... What would he do? What could he do? When he had been let loose on the Freezers James had seen what terrible power he held and yet, somehow he still managed to act so carefree and happy... How?
> Chapter 10: Testy Celesty
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 10: Testy Celesty
"We need you to find the elements, that is why you have been called back. Somewhere between Ponyville and the Northern Border Absol has the Elements of Harmony. I have attempted to find them but they shy from the sun. My sister has also tried but they hide in shadows too dark for even her to search. The Horn has deduced Absol's approximate location and we marked it on a map that you will receive before deployment. Before you go though, I need to test each of you to see if Auto's choices were wise. Is that clear?" Celestia ordered after they had debriefed their old assignments failure.
"Of course Princess, when can we expect testing? Also what kind of testing would each pony be subjected to? If I may be so bold as to ask." Captain Auto Tomaton responded.
"You will be tested one at a time, beginning immediately with you, and each test will be made for each individual thus they will be different for each pony." Luna answered. "Art thou ready?"
"I will pass any test you throw at me." Auto assured them confidently.
"We shall see. Enter that room there."
***
Captain Auto walked into a dark battle. Everywhere around him ponies were caught in a melee of death. This was war. He saw spells fly as well as arrows. He was able to distinguish battle lines by the manner of dress. One side wore Cantorlotion armor and he joined them. Something wasn't quite right... A test of skill? He had mastered his chosen combat style and they knew it. There must be more to the test. Slowly the battle raged on until the ground quaked and he, as well as several other ponies, fell in a cave that ruptured the earth from beneath them. He landed heavily and looked about. The few that had fallen with him were either unconscious or dead. He saw a tunnel to one side. A pony emerged from the dark depths. He saw bright green and a blue hat... Flashburn! "Flashburn over here! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes!"
Flash turned towards him and with a sly grin and an evil gleam in his eyes he yelled. "BURN!" and began laughing maniacally as he shot burst of fire at Auto who barely brought his shield about in time to block them. "Time for you to burn like they did! After you abandoned me the Freezers found me! They told me the truth! Ha! Ha! Ha! In fact, why don't you just ask your buddy Discord to send you back in time to kill me when I was your little stooge! Or does he just go forward? Ha-ha!" Auto's shield was beginning to heat up to dangerous levels but Flash pushed on and on. Bolt after bolt slowly wore down Auto's defense until he had no choice but to drop the now lump of melting metal that was his shield. He batted the flaming projectiles with his mace. Auto deflected one after another until a luck swing shot one at the roof above Flashburn's head. "Wh-What!? No! NOOOOO....!" Flash screamed as the cave toppled on top of him.
Auto dropped his mace and cried out, "Why? How could this have happened?" Then he remembered it was a test and felt a strange woozy lightness in his head and he stood in a medical tent. Injured ponies lay in beds all along the walls and Auto looked over them, recognizing none. Until he saw her.
"Auto?" Shadow asked weakly from her cot. She was in bad shape. A bandage covered her head and chest, next to her lay her helmet a hole puncturing through the top. It looked just like her brother's. "Is that you?" She coughed.
"No... no... what happened? Shadow... I promised you the army would never bother you again... I only let you join because I thought... I could protect you..." He fought through his tears.
"It's okay... I-I joined of my own volition... I'm happy to do my part for Eque... Equest... Ugh." She groaned in pain.
"Shadow? Shadow! No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no Shadow! You, you will be okay! Please be okay!" He begged.
"It's... o..." she sighed as her last breath left her.
"No... No... NO!" He spun about as he hefted his mace and flew from the tent in a rage. Somehow he was in a forest... How'd he get in a forest? He heard a sound and saw her, Rogue, with three timber wolves.
"What do you want, Warmonger?" She spat. "Come to kill again? Like you did my niece?"
"I don't know what you're talking about..."
"Let me sum up, sic 'em!" She yelled as her timber wolves howled and charged. He spun about to see the entire forest behind him overrun with webs. Even the sky was blocked. Spiders descended upon him and wild animals and monsters approached him from all sides. "I wish I had the ability to banish you to the sun... a few thousand years followed by an execution seems a good punishment... Now, die!"
As she said this the animals descended upon him and as their teeth and claws tore him to shreds he was blinded by the pain. Slowly the pain subsided and he looked about to see he was in a dark alley. Frost covered the cobbled road. In front of him stood a hooded figure. "I knew you'd come for me. I knew you'd never actually give me my freedom as promised. So here I am. Kill me... I won't be going to any dungeon and I won't be banished to anywhere so have at it!" James yell as he threw his cloak upon the ground and launched a crossbow bolt at Auto who deflected it with his mace.
"Please, James. Come peacefully. Please. I can't handle fighting another friend today... Please see reason!"
"You know you're right," James replied sarcastically, "I'll just turn myself in to spare your feelings. Auto, I never thought you'd be so greedy... throwing in your lot with them and abandoning us... You saw what they did! Now slay or be slain!" He cried as he drew his blade and charged.
It was a long battle and both parties gained and lost advantage at different times but Auto was a trained soldier and his endurance was far greater. James dropped his sword as Auto's mace smashed into his hoof. James looked down at his bleeding hoof and then at his sword on the floor. He looked back up into Auto's eyes. "Please. Don't let them take me away. I won't outlive the sentence they put on me... Please kill me... Even if you release me, they will catch me. I'd rather it was you... Please."
Auto lifted his mace and understood this is truly the only solution but he couldn't do it. "James I beseech you. Please don't make me do this..."
"It's okay Auto. I don't blame you, but you know this fate is far preferable to a life on the sun." James started calmly and then he yelled, "DO IT!!!!!" And Auto did.
He stood in a dark bluff overlooking some nameless town. His armor was rusted from negligence and his mace hung heavily at his side. He heard a voice from behind him say. "So there you are! I've been looking for you for a long time!" He turned and saw two female ponies trot towards him. One was Wildpaw and the other was a stranger. Her cutiemark was a small bomb exploding. "I decided after you did all that you did I'd need help exacting revenge so I got Sparkboom here to help me... All I had to do was tell her about how you killed Flashburn..." As she mentioned Flashburn the others cheery demeanor became dark and a slight popping sound could be heard. "I don't think she likes you... good." She said as she drew her bow. "Now prepare to die."
"Ah pony-feathers... Not you too." He drew his mace as a small reddish ball flew out of Sparkboom's horn and floated slowly toward him. Upon contact with his shield the entire hill was wiped from existence. He woke up in a very cold, dark room. He moved and could hear ice crackle on his skin. He turned and saw where he was. The throne room in Canterlot.  He looked around and saw shapes incased in ice. Five to be precise. Upon looking at the largest one he saw a familiar face... Encased in the frost was none other than Celestia. Quickly he checked the others which he now recognized as bodies. Princess Luna! Princess Mi Amora Cadenza! Princess Sparkle! But who was the last and smallest? It was with great dread he approached the block of ice. It was An... no... Not Anti-Freeze again... Why have all of his friends either turned against him or died? Why!? Suddenly he was in a room covered in these strange black crystals... He turned and saw Celestia just finishing some spell that made her horn black... But she was ALIVE!!! "Celestia! You're ALIVE!!!!" He ran at her and hugged her furiously... for about three seconds until he realized what he was doing. "Uh, um sorry my liege I shall be going now..." As he ran out of the room as fast as possible.
***
"Okay, there you all are." A breathless Auto panted as he found the rest of the team getting lunch in the mess hall. "I had to warn you, Celestia has given us a second chance but we need to first pass a test."
"What kind of test?" James questioned worriedly.
"She claims it will be different for everypony but trust me, it will be hard. She already tested me. She used some kind of illusion magic to test my skill, will, and loyalty. She made me see all of you either dead, or hating me. By the way Rogue, please don't ever hate me... that was terrifying." Auto explained. "I don't know when she plans on testing you but it may be soon so prepare yourselves. Good luck."
"What happens if one of us doesn't pass?" Anti-Freeze questioned.
"That pony won't be allowed to continue service in this squad and anything that comes with that, I'm sorry James and Flash, but if you don't pass you may find yourselves forced to feel the law's wrath."
"I understand why James would but why Flash?" Rogue asked, confused.
"Well, I uh, I may have been the cause of a fire here or there, and I haven't always been able to afford to fix my mistakes... especially when I first arrived. Oh and I was in the Cantorlot Cut Purses..." Flash hastily explained all embarrassed like. "So I may have skipped town... more than once... But I never became a bandit! Um, no offence."
"None taken if I wasn't forced into it I'd have never started." James assured him. "I have an idea! We want these tests over as soon as possible, yes?" There was a general agreement to this statement. "Then how about we split up? She likely doesn't want to test us all at once so if we are alone she can single us out better!"
"Wow, well, I was gonna say keep together for moral support but it is hard to argue with that logic." Auto conceded. So they each went their separate ways, Flash heading toward the library, Rogue toward the Cantorlot gardens, James to a tavern, Anti to her old barracks, Wildpaw started wandering as did Shadow.
***
Celestia paced nervously. "There you are! Swift Code, Power Hacks, and Data Core. My Horn finally answers my calls."
"At your service Celestia. We have been monitoring the satellites you graciously placed in orbit for us. We believe we have located Twilight and her friends." Swift Code a female pegasus began.
"Where!?" Celestia excitedly questioned.
"Rarity appears to be safe in a small village but the others are in the Changeling Empire."
"WHAT!?"
"It appears that Chrysalis holds a grudge still and wants to see us lose this war. If we want them back we may have to either send a covert team in or wage all out war on two fronts. Sorry to say this but, it might just be smarter to just leave them there." Data Core offered.
"I cannot leave my student like that, I have a team that I am testing now. If they pass I will send them. If not, I'll send those who did. Thank you for this information."
"Of course your majesty." They bowed.
"Do you have any information on the elements whereabouts?"
"We think that they have either fled underground with them, have adopted disguises, or have been traveling only at night. Last sighting placed them several weeks journey from the border, if they keep to the stealthy pace they've been setting."
"Thank you, Luna?" Luna dropped down from her perch were she was resting after her shift in the skies.
"Yes my sister?"
"How do you think we should deal with this? Our soldiers are scouring the land to no avail and Auto's group will be pre-occupied. To be frank... I'm at a loss dear sister..."
"We know not where they are, but we know where they are going. If we send a large force to guard the border from exiting they may just ensnare Absol's little group."
"Thank you sister. Horn, give my orders to squads P-13 through P-25, U-3-16, and G-46-58 then return to your station."
"As you say, Princess."
***
"Ponya, Hoof Kang, Mane-o, Sub-Horn, Scorpony, Raidsaddle... FIGHT! Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo PONY KOMBAT!" The arcade machine buzzed after Flashburn put some bits in.
"This'll burn time until Celestia jumps me with that test thing... Now who to play? Hoof Kang? Nah. Ponya? Nah. Raidsaddle! He throws lightning!? Sweet! Take that and that and that and this! Ha! Wait... what's this? Test your might? Ok... how many apples did I buck? A measly four? Ugh... Last round! Who's this Discord-Tsung? Ha! Take that! Wait... but I beat that pony... what? He can MORPH!? I thought DraGoro was hard... LIGHTNING!!!!! HA!"
"Having fun?"
"Yeah... I was on my way to the library but I saw this place and... wait... I recognize that voice..." Flash turned from the credits on the screen to see Celestia standing behind him. "Oh... Hi Princess long time no see! So what brings you here? Business or arcade games? You know you really do need to relax a bit. Take a load off! You know what you could do? You could give me the test while relaxing! That is possible right?"
"No."
"Well that sucks, so when will we begin?"
"Now..."
"Okay! I'll just type in my name for the high score... What!? Only three letters!? I guess... BRN works..."
***
The first thing Flash noticed was how very cold it was. How very, very, very cold. The ground was covered in about a foot of frost and a howling gale blasted through the village. It took him a while but he soon recognized the village as what it was. It was his village? How could his village be back? It had been burnt to the ground! Why was it so cold? The Everfree valley never got this cold... Maybe I can warm it up! Flash thought. He focused on pulsating out tiny bursts of heat. But it had no effect. Ok... a bit more then! More heat came through but still no effect. Frustrated he put all of his energy behind the task of warming the village. MMPH! It worked! The ice began to melt away! Wait... Something is wrong... NO! NOT AGAIN! I CAN'T STOP! NO! GRAAAH! He fought with every fiber of his being against the pull of the heat. Looking for some way, any way to stop it. Only one presented itself. Fine... if this is the only way. He ran toward a lake he knew was nearby and dove headfirst into the freezing waters. Slowly the water began to boil and steam until none was left. Somehow his magic persisted though! Ok plan b... If my energy is the source of the magic... I'll expend all my energy! "By the power of the SUN!!!!!" He yelled as he shot a laser of the purest fire into the soft gray white of the sky. It's not working! The heat he was producing increased whether or not he wanted it to. Expanding all of his energy wasn't working either... Ponyfeathers what now!? An idea struck him suddenly. If I must burn let me burn far from here... Goodbye home of mine. See ya in the future! Maybe... He galloped toward a mountain he knew was uninhabited and barren not a plant or creature had called it home for centuries. Flashburn sprinted with all his might far from where his flame could do harm. When he reached the mountain he lighted upon a small settlement. No! Nopony has lived here for... a long time! My flame is so potent now... If it continues to grow at this rate... I'll never make it to the next barren uninhabited land before it grows to the point of burning every place I have to pass! There must be a solution... I know of a way... There must be another! Flash knew there wasn't. Time to see if my teleportation is up to snuff. It is an awfully big target though... I doubt I'll miss. Goodbye Equestria! He charged up his energy for one great push and was enveloped in the fire of his own magic. Ow. Ow. OW. OW! OWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW WOW! This stings! With a great burst of flames he erupted into a portal of fire. The first thing Flash noticed was how very cold it was. How very, very, very, very, very, very, very cold it was. The ground was covered in a fine powder and the thin air was hard to breath. It took him a while but soon he recognized the place as what it was. His spell had succeeded? How could that be? He did pyromancy not teleportation! It made sense that it was this cold. The Moon did seem like the kind of place to be cold. Maybe I can warm it up... He smiled to himself as his uncontrollable heat magic raged on.
***
Flashburn opened his eyes painfully to see Celestia's horn slowly fade from black to its usual white. "You always do find the best in a terrible situation don't you?" She questioned him.
"Call it a flaw, I call it a boon." He groaned as he got up. "Did I pass?"
"You sacrificed everything to save a village you didn't even know. You knew that the spell you cast would not allow you to return. Yes you've passed. Now sleep..." He final words had the weight of a spell behind them and he was knocked out cold.
***
"Another water over here Barkeep!" James called.
"Why not order a cider 'eh? Enjoy yourself!" The Barkeep replied as he poured a glass of water. "After all, they cost the same."
"Nah, I need to keep a sharp mind. I have a test that my life depends upon and it can come at anytime."
"Huh, why does this test mean so much?"
"That's classified." He laughed. "I've always wanted to say that... now that it's true... not as much fun as I thought it'd be." The barkeep went pale. "What is it?"
"Why, why your Highness!" He stuttered. "Can I get you anything!?" James turned and saw Celestia. He just looked into her eyes and nodded.
***
"Funny isn't it?" A raucous voice asked. "And to think you sold out those lily livered Equestrian scum for us 'eh!?" James turned and saw his old gang. They seemed happy he was there. "I still can nay think of how you did it! Getting us all pardons and heaps of gems from that icy mare Evandra in exchange for some information! Still I'd hate to be them in about an hour when their precious secret base is torn to shreds by the Freezer army! Ha!" James thought on what this meant... Not only had he betrayed his friends but he even returned to the absolute torment of his previous life!?
"Where did I say they were again?" He asked trying to sound like he was joking.
"About five miles west of Trottingham remember?"
"Ah, if you gents will excuse me I have to use the restroom." James slipped out. He could still make it there to warn them! He grabbed his sword, crossbow, and daggers then galloped at full speed toward Trottingham. It was near nightfall when he finally approached the location the base was and sure enough under a shrub was a door. "Auto!" He hissed into the doorway.
"There you are James! I had thought we lost you in the last skirmish! Bless you you're alive!" The deep sincerity behind Auto's concern truly touched James.
"Look Auto, you and the others need to get out now! Evandra has found this place and sends her armies after you this very second!"
A dark look crossed Auto's face. He took a deep breath. "Then we are doomed. James run while you can but none of us can leave."
"Why not!?"
"Rogue was injured in the last fight, badly. She can't move. Not even slightly. You go! We will fight to the death here in a last stand. You owe us nothing. Go! I gave the others the chance but they elected to stay. Please go James! Survive!" James was pushed out by the passion in Auto's voice and he knew at that moment what he needed to do.
Dawn rose at with it, so did Absol and his soldiers. It was to be a red day. His ponies would bring his wrath down upon Auto and his team once and for all. The first wave had been unsuccessful but that was expected. Now the second wave broke upon them. Absol would join the third and final wave. As Absol lead the third wave in he heard a strange and alarming sound. Arrows whizzing in from behind.
James knew his band was outnumbered, out trained, and even out spirited. He knew that soon his ponies resolve would break and they would flee but he also knew that he couldn't abandon his friends to certain doom. "Charge!" He yelled as he dropped his crossbow and drew his sword. The battle was a mere skirmish but enough to offset the tides of battle and as James troops fled Absol's number dropped. James managed to cut his way to the door and fling himself past the broken frame into the interior where his friends fought.
"James!? What are you doing here?" Auto demanded.
"I brought reinforcments, they've all fled or died but I couldn't just leave you all here. Now let's fight together." As he finished the door was flooded with Freezers and he dodged spells and arrows. James ducked under a ray of frost and found himself alone in a side room cut off from Auto and his friends by a battalion of Freezers. He made ready for a charge when the light from the door was blocked out by a hulking form. "Absol..." James muttered.
"So you were the one behind the band of raiders... clever. But now, you... will... die." He said in a dreadful clarity and certainty.
James's eyes scoured the room until he found a weak support. "So will you!" He yelled as he threw a dagger at Absol to buy time and slashed at a support with his sword. As the roof fell down upon them he heard Auto scream, "NO! James!"
***
James didn't remember drinking, so why was he hung over? He opened his eyes and saw Celestia standing with a black horn before him. "You would do that for your friends? You have passed now, sleep..."
***
Shadowfax had never been to Cantorlot before! The sight of all these prim and proper ponies strutting about with their nose held up and all of the commoners rushing about created a sort of ordered chaos that was mystifying. The rush of the city was old and well known to her as she was from Manehatten but the attitude of ponies here was. In Manehatten Nopony would have dived out of the way of another pony just because of station. Even guards had to worm their way through the crowds... Why was it these common ponies did then? The answer evaded her though as she rested on a bench. She watched a traveling musician play by a street corner and gave him a few bits. She knew the song he was singing and silently sang along.
"The fire of friendship lives in our hearts
As long as it burns we cannay drift apart
Though quarrels start, their numbers are few
Laughter and singing will see us through
We are a circle of great friends
A circle of friends we'll be to the very end!"
"Good song!" She called out to him. He smiled back but suddenly his grin flew far wider and he bowed. "Huh, didn't realize my compliment would mean so much to you." She began confused. Then she remembered. "Celestia is standing right behind me isn't she?"
"Yeah..." He said.
"Well I'm ready when you are, Your Highness." Suddenly a flash of light gleamed from behind her and she closed her eyes.
***
When she opened them she found herself on a mesa overlooking a battle in progress. A voice sounded from behind her. "Captain Shadow! We listened to your orders and have begun the charge."
"Very good Lieutenant." She replied. The battle raged on far beneath her.
A strange dark shape rose from the west. As it approached she realized what it was! Enemy reinforcements... Now the battle was not only out of their favor but they were surrounded, out-numbered, and had no chance of reinforcements. "Captain! They are doomed! We won't be able to save them in time... Sweet Celestia no! My brother is down there! You ordered his battalion to move in! You did! If you had seen this coming he might have survived! Why did you have to choose his and not mine?" Shadow was racked with grief, she knew this pain before. She knew that even though it was impossible, she had to try. She drew her blade.
"Proper Reinforcements won't reach them for a few hours but we and our squad can! If we can buy them time, many will still survive! Send word to Captain Auto to bring in his legion, we will go in ourselves!" The other pony was shocked by such a display of bravery. "I lost my brother to a hydra, you won't lose yours to a Freezer!" She turned and charged down the hill. "Come my fellows we must aid them until Captain Auto Tomaton arrives!" She landed in the enemy lines and cut her way through to the pinned battalion. "We have come to aid thee! If we can hold for a few hours more, Captain Auto will arrive to drive the Freezers back north! Stand with me and fight! For a free Equestria! For Celestia! For Luna! For our Family and Friends! But most of all, FOR US!" The fighting was bitter and Shadow took many a hit but they were grazing blows that left only slight injuries. They compounded though and she was forced by her own soldiers to rest until Auto arrived. Only half an hour from his charge the line was broken and Shadow rose to the occasion. She fought exhausted and bloody until the line was reformed with her at its core. Her blade snapped and she fought with only the hilt. A horn sounded and the Freezer's line shook with terror as a fresh legion fell upon them. Auto flew in with the air support and landed taking Shadow's place. "I did this Auto. If I had known many of these casualties would have been avoided."
"No. This is war. If you blame yourself for every loss of life under your command, when you act correctly, you will never know peace. Now up, I need you." The battle raged on but now the Freezers were fleeing. It was bitter and harsh but finally victory was achieved.
"It wasn't my fault. I understand this now. No longer will the mistakes of the past haunt me." Shadow resolved without a shadow of a doubt.
***
Shadow felt as if her head had been beaten with a mallet. She opened her eyes and saw the radiance of Celestia marred by a black glow upon her horn. "You have finally put the past behind you and can grow forward, of all the test subjects you were the least likely to succeed and yet you did. Now take a well earned, Sleep..."
***
Rogue communed with the animals of the gardens, well the ones willing to meet with her that is. They had many an interesting tale about the goings on in Cantorlot. Rogue knew Celestia was there before she even crossed half-way across the field. She turned and looked upon the Princess. "So Celestia, you have come to test me at long last. So what is it gonna be? A quiz? A choice? Or maybe you will just use some of Sombra's dark magic on me? Oh, it seems we have a winner. Well beam me up Celly."
"As you wish."
***
Rogue was home in her nice little glen in the Everfree finally the business with that pesky Evandra was finished and she could live in peace once more. It had been dark when she arrived so she hadn't really seen the state of her home, but it was morning now and she was rested. "Time to do some clean up I suppose." She trotted out of her cave and saw her forest had burnt to the ground. All about her the ground was coated in a thick coat of ash that was only slightly disturbed by the faint wind. Fragments of the glen were left untouched by the flame but still were ravaged by the invasion of the ash that coated their leaves and blotted out the sun. The dead forest was silent. Too silent. A forest was supposed to be filled with life and sound but the pure powerful silence that emanated from this wreckage was tangible and heartrending. "Wh-Why has this happened?" Then she understood. "I wasn't here to renew the wards against forest fires... one of the creatures that lived her must have done this by accident... I wasn't here... because of that stupid war! Their stupid war did this!" She was fuming with rage. She threw her nature magic at the ash and re-grew the forest slowly. How long would it take to make the forest live again?
"Rogue!" A voice called from the dark ash fields. "Tragedy has struck! We need your help once more or the kingdom will fall!" It was a solider from Cantorlot. "Discord has allied with Chrysalis and has taken the city hostage!"
"I can't leave! If I go now the forest will die again... Only my magic is strong enough to fix this mess."
"We need an Alicorn to lead us Rogue. Princess Cadence is too far and being assaulted by King Sombra! Twilight is captive... You are our last hope."
Rogue was truly torn. If she left now the Forest might never return to its full strength but if she didn't Celestia might be banished or worse. In the end she thought of all the sacrifices that were made to save the kingdom last time. They couldn't have been for not. "Tell Auto that I am on the way."
***
"Ow." Rogue complained.
"You did good now sleep."
"As you wish ya thug." Rogue winked as she fell asleep.
***
Wildpaw had been watching when Flash and Rogue had been tested and she thought she understood what was going on. For a wandering Hermit she actually knew quite a bit about what had happened when Twilight had saved the Crystal Empire. "So Celestia is using Sombra's magic to see if we would remain loyal in even the worse circumstances? Well played..." She mumbled to herself.
"Hmph, clever of you to find out."
"Wow you are a stealthy one aren't you Sunny?"
"Yeah, now enjoy the test."
***
"Once there was a pegasus that could really fly,
here and there faster than anypony could say hi,
This flier had a daughter whose wings were so small
That she could not fly at all.
She was ashamed and abandoned her in Ponyville without even a goodbye."
That is actually a rather depressing limerick. Wildpaw pondered who it was about as she flew home. Something wasn't right... She was curios until she noticed that the forest was a shade to light. "Oh no... the canopy is covered in... webs." Ponyfeathers she hated spiders. Spiders are the worst form of life to exist in ever. IN EVER! "Spiders... why did they have they have to be spiders... spiders can go spin a web in Tartarus for all I care. I mean honestly what do they even do!? Every other animal has a purpose but giant spiders?" She landed in a less web covered clearing.
"Help!" A voice shrieked from within the forest. "Please they are coming I can hear them! I'm stuck in a web!"
"Ponyfeathers." Wildpaw cursed. She approached the voice but upon reaching the edge of the forest she came up short. She HATED spiders. She looked about and every branch seemed to be a hairy leg and every jutting root appeared to be the waiting poison drenched fangs. The very shadows seemed to shift and breath. She took a step back. "No..."
"Help! I think I see one! Oh sweet Celestia NO!" The voice cried in terror.
Wildpaw gulped and took a step forward the web pulling on her hoof disturbing her so profoundly that she had a thought. How do I know this pony isn't a Freezer or a raider? She took a step back.
"Please somepony help! I'm just a mail pony for the princesses! Stay back you stupid eight-legged freaks!" The voice was trembling with absolute horror.
"Ponyfeathers..." She dashed into the darkness. "Ponyfeathers ponyfeathers ponyfeathers ponyfeathers ponyfeathers ponyfeathers!!!!" She cried as she bolted at full speed past many a writhing dark shape. She saw the pegasus hanging from their wing in a tree. "SHHHHHHH! Don't speak or I will lose my nerve!" She hopped up and sliced the web holding the wing. "Follow me! Run run run run run run run runrunrunrunrunrunrunrunRUNRUNRUNRUN!!!!!" She turned and the fled at incredible speeds but alas they were a bit too slow. With an incredible amount of defeat in her voice Wildpaw stopped and muttered, "Pony...FEATHERS!!!" She tossed a spare dagger over to the mail carrier as they looked at the exit, covered in webs. A hissing sound emanated from the trees above the blocked path. Almost like laughter. She un-shouldered her bow and shot at the shadowed masses that moved in from every side as the mail carrier began cutting through the webs. The spiders continued their unending advance as Wildpaw ran out of arrows. "You keep cutting, I'll lead them away." She sighed as she dropped her bow and expended quiver and drew her sword and dagger. She flew deeper into the forest while clacking her blades together attracting all the spiders to her. She fought but it was all for naught as a spider landed on her back and bit her. As her eyes slowly closed she saw a shaft of light and a pony flying away. "Rain, snow, hail, giant spiders, abandoning your savior, the Equestrian Postal service will deliver on time..." Wildpaw sarcastically sighed as the lights faded.
***
"You suck." Wildpaw said through gritted teeth and a head ache.
"You passed by the skin of your teeth, now sleep."
"No. I... Don't... want... to...." She said as she fell asleep.
***
Anti sat in a her old dark barrack. She was alone as all the other soldiers were out on patrol or were on leave. The door opened and Celestia walked in. "Have you come to test me?" Anti asked solemnly.
"No." Anti looked at her confused. "I've come here to tell you that of all that Auto has chosen only you have earned my absolute trust. You don't have to pass a test but I need to make you three offers. One: I send you back to the Northern Border and you return to life as it has been all this time. Two: I send you with Auto and nothing is different. Three: I send you with Auto but you report to me on their actions and plans. That way I'll be able to judge them even more accurately."
"I don't want to return North..."
***

> Chapter 11: The Elements New Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 11: The Elements new home
"Hey Twi, I have an idea!" Rainbowdash called out in the dark of the cell.
"What is it this time? Use a magic lock picking spell?" Twilight asked feigning interest.
"No, you can't use magic remember! How about we pick the lock with your horn?"
"Wait, what?" Twilight was actually interested this time, had the memory spell finally worn off? How pray tell do you say we do this?"
"We could sharpen it on the metal bars by the window and then pick the lock! Wait... you don't have nerves there do you?"
"Unfortunately yes do you remember the time when Sweetie smacked Rarity's horn to get her saddle bag back? That proves we do have feeling in it."
"Sorry I wasn't there. Wait how do you know about that?"
"Rarity was complaining about it one day."
"Oh. Could we use a feather?"
"The feather would break before the first tumbler clicked into place. But good thinking."
***
Auto looked at his team. He had picked every last pony in the group, except Anti-Freeze and Wildpaw, and all of them had passed Princess Celestia's test. He felt a surge of pride as he opened the letter while walking toward the table at which they all sat. Flashburn was telling a story about a pony he met while working on the cruise ship. "To which I said, "Oatmeal? Great idea!" and it was... it was! Oh good morning Cappytan!"
"Good morning Flashburn! I just got new orders. They say,
"Captain Auto Tomaton You have been ordered to
take your team deep into enemy territory to retri-
ve Twilight Sparkle and her friends who have been
captured by Queen Chrysalis! Make haste to their
aid, failure is not an option this time."
huh, looks like we have some traveling to do, don't we?" He looked up at the group. "Are you all ready to leave?"
"Wait... does that mean we are going to pass through Fillydelphia?" Flash asked worriedly.
"That would be the fastest way so I'm going to go with... yeah." James thought aloud. "Haste is important here you know."
"Why are you hesitant Flash? What is in Fillydelphia that you are so worried about?" Rogue pressed.
"Well you see... um..."He began nervously as he started blushing. "That's... where... Sparkboom lives... and I haven't seen her for a long time... I've kinda been nervous about our next meeting... If we bump into her I don't know what I'll do... Probably put my hoof in my mouth... again."
"Is this Sparkboom special to you?" Wildpaw winked.
Flash's face flushed a strange hue of red as he has a purple coat. "She was... um... well... so the mission is to rescue Twilight? I've always wanted her opinion on a certain fire spell!"
"Yes... The letter goes on to explain that the Princess has arranged for a supply drop in a town half way between here and Fillydelphia so we don't need to delay for supplies on the way there. And yes we have to go through Fillydelphia sorry Flash," he winked, "I guess we can try to rush through but at that point we will need to stop and buy supplies. Besides it is a large town." Auto sighed. "But if push comes to shove you may have to say hi."
"Ponyfeathers..." Flash mumbled as he slid down in his chair.
***
"This is most disturbing..." Absol muttered as he signaled his troops to halt. "Equestrian armed forces are blocking the road. I have a feeling that they are patrolling the forest. Swiftfall?"
"Yes sir?" A voice came forth from the back were a diminutive pegasus in a red jacket sat.
"We need a distraction, I want you to fly three miles to the west, then be spotted and lead them back towards here. They will believe that you tried to lead them away from us and you will not be taken alive. If you can escape then fine, if not... You will not be taken alive. Understood?"
A look of a dark surety crossed over his face as he steeled himself for what was to come. "Sir yes sir. In your name and that of Evandra I go." He nodded, dropped his saddlebags, sword, bow, quiver, and map taking only a dagger. He flew toward the west at a low altitude.
"Now we wait." Absol grumbled. After a few hours a royal messenger landed by the command post and the Equestrian Guard rose from their post and galloped to the west. "All according to plan. Wait but one more half-hour and then we make for the border."
***
Snowchaser was tired, so very tired. He had ran harder and faster than he had thought possible. The Element of Kindness was secure in his saddle bag as he fled the Equestrian Armed Forces. He knew he was in a forest known as the Everfree but he was unable to find his way out. The paths were winding and crossed over and over each other creating a confusing maze and he could not risk being spotted by using his magic to find the way out. He knew that North was the way home but ridges and groves of thick foliage made traveling in one direction impossible. He reached a strange clearing. It was made strange by a large hole in the ground that was covered in old soot and ash almost blown away by the wind. He saw a small cave on the edge of the rise and decided to camp there for the night. As he approached a growling ensued from inside as a Timberwolf pack erupted from the darkness with howls of bloodlust. "Sweet Evandra no..." They jumped at him and he did what he knew best. He shot a bolt of ice at them and ran beneath their claws into the cave. He spun about and saw them breaking through the ice that had encased them and they turned around hungrily. "Uh... bye?" He froze the cave entrance sealing himself in and them out. He sighed and turned. The sigh turned into a guffaw as he saw a lovely little living room with all the comforts of home. "Wait... what?" The home seemed almost untouched by the wolves, as if they knew not to mess it up. Even the pantry was untouched! What have we here? Snowchaser wondered. "Is anypony home? Hello?" I'm alone... well might as well enjoy this while I can. He would be safe here a while it seemed. He sat on the couch and began eating some hay fries from a bowl while looking at the wall of old books. Which to read?
***
The Tomaton Team, or Auto's Adventurers, or Freezer Fryers, or Equestrian Armed Forces number two, or Team Super Pony Fire Squad ventured forth from Cantorlot early in the morning. They made good progress that day though it was uneventful. "I have an idea!" Flashburn called. "Rogue shoot an arrow and I'll try to incinerate it!"
"That's a waste of arrows Flash... Okay just one!" Rogue un-shouldered her bow and let fly an arrow into the sky. A burst of flame followed it until poof the arrow head fell back down to earth. "Good shot Flash!"
"Thank you, thank you! So when are we gonna make camp?"
"In about a mile. Why do you ask?" Auto answered.
"My hooves hurt. I've traveled a lot before but always on a cruise ship!" Flash lied.
"Oh okay..." Auto responded suspiciously.
About an hour later they finished setting up camp. "Can I have first watch?" Flash asked.
"Why do you want first watch?" Auto asked surprised.
"I don't want to have a watch in the middle of the night that's why!" Flash retorted.
"Are you okay Flashburn?" Auto asked.
"Yes of course! Why wouldn't I be?"
"Okay. Okay I get it."
As darkness slowly all the other ponies fell asleep Shadow being last as she had not pulled a watch that night. "Hey Shadow?" Flash asked quietly, "Can you do me a favor?"
"What is it Flash?"
"Can you cover my watch? I have to go somewhere tonight. Please don't tell anypony about it please!"
"Okay Flash but hurry back so that James doesn't ask why I'm waking him up and not you."
"I'll try my best." He whispered as he disappeared into the night.
***
James woke up when he heard a rustling near the camp. "Who goes there?" He whispered just to make sure it wasn't Flashburn on watch.
"It's me Flashburn, I'm just patrolling and I thought I saw something. It was only a squirrel though! Now go back to sleep." Flash whispered hastily.
"Okay." James was tired and quickly fell asleep.
***
Shadowfax was beginning to worry. Flash's watch was ending in a few minutes and there was no sign of him. He had been gone for four hours! Where was he? A rustling in a bush near the edge of camp shoved all thoughts of Flash back and she drew her blade. "Show thyself."
"Oh going all ye olde English on me. It tis I, Flashburn, my lady Shadowfax." Flash joked as he stumbled through the brush.
"Oh my goodness Flash are you okay? What happened?" Flash's cloak and hat had slash marks and gashes and a trail of red followed Flash from the shadows. She rushed to his side as he collapsed.
"I'm fine... don't worry about it." He grunted.
"We need to get you bandaged now." She gently removed his cloak and hat. He was covered in burn scars but not all of the wounds were old and not all of them were from fire. He had a long laceration on his forehead but luckily it wasn't very deep and had stopped bleeding. The main concern was a deep puncture wound in his chest. Now that she had removed the cloak blood flowed more freely. "Oh Celestia no... It's bad." She slashed a bit of Rogue's tent off and wrapped the wound. "I'm not really all that sure what I can do at this point... I was never trained as a medic. Maybe a unicorn could help or an alicorn? Rogue wake up!"
*yawns* "Why is there a hole in my tent? Is something wrong?" Then she saw Flashburn. "What has happened!?"
"Help! Can you heal with magic? Flashburn you stay awake!"
***
"You know what this calls for? A PARTY!" Pinkie yelled randomly. "I remember a song for it too! First you wiggle your tail oink oink oink! Then yo-"
"What do we have to party for Pinkie, we're in a cell remember?"
"But it is the Cake Twin's Birthday!"
"You know what? We don't even need a reason to party! Let's just do something to improve moral 'round here! What do yall say?" Applejack called out. The was a general murmur of agreement and they began to use what was around them to decorate their cell. A thought crept into the back of Twilight's mind What is Celestia doing right now?
***
"Please just help me understand what you were tricked by Absol means!" Celestia lashed out at the Guard Captain that had brought her the news.
"He sacrificed a solider to lead us on a wild goose chase through the forest. By the time we realized our mistake it was too late. I am so sorry for my failure and if you want to lock me in a dungeon or banish me or banish me then lock me in a dungeon in the place you banished me to then that's what I deserve." He bowed his head in shame.
She sighed and analyzed the situation. "No. You did your best and behaved with honor, loyalty, honesty, and strength, I could ask no more of you. Unfortunately we still need to get the Elements of Harmony back so I have a special assignment for you. The Horn has found an item that Zecora hid away. Though she would normally just give it to me see is unreachable at the moment so I'll need you and a squad to go collect it for me. This is top secret." She said as she gave him a scroll. "Burn that when you are done reading it."
"Yes my Princess."
After he left Celestia sat before a pile of paperwork and mused aloud, "Why do so many Ponies think I'd banish them and then lock them in a dungeon in the place I banished them to?"
***
"What in the wide world of Equestria has happened!?" Auto bellowed when he was awoken in the dark of the night to see Flashburn bleeding heavily as Rogue began healing him. "Flashburn? What happened to him!?"
"Captain maybe I can shed at least a little light on the situation." Shadowfax began in a shaky voice. "He asked me to cover his watch so he could go do something. I agreed and waited for his return. He came back smiling but bloody. I woke Rogue when I saw how badly injured he was. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let him go." Her head bowed in shame. "Another of my decisions has caused pain to a pony close to me."
"Did you really not even question him!? He seems to have walked straight into a trap! Haven't we learned that Flashburn makes stupid decisions? Or do you not remember the incident where he and ANTI-FREEZE GOT FROZEN!?" He yelled in fury then spun around and galloped into the forest.
"He'll be back, he's just a tad bit upset. He doesn't mean what he said." Rogue said.
"I know..." Shadow said with her head down. She wished that she could believe what Rogue had said.
"What was Auto yelling about?" James questioned as he and the rest of the group got out of their tents. He then saw Flash, "Sweet Celestia what in the name of Luna is going on? Please tell me that he's okay!"
"My talent isn't healing but I have mended many wounds on animals before so hopefully he will be fine within a month or two. He should be awake by morning if all goes well. As for what happened... We have no idea." Rogue explained.
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Anti-Freeze asked.
"Not really... I guess you could make a litter so we can carry him in the morning." Rogue replied.
"On it."
***
Rarity led the village of Zebras to the ruin, with the help of Zecora, only to find the entrance blasted open and her friends gone! "Funny... where did they go?"
"There are tracks leading that way... toward the Changeling Empire oh dismay... Many ponies walked this way... far too many to be just Twilight and the others... you will have the help of my brothers... after we send away the children and mothers." Zecora rhymed poetically. As the non-warrior Zebras left for the village. "We will help you find your Pony Friends even if we must fight to the end. We should hurry as we don't have much time to spend."
"Thank you Zecora." Rarity thanked her. "I have dresses over there that we can wear for stealth purposes. Even some colt fashion that is popular this season."
"I mean not to say something is amiss, but where did you find time for all of this?" Zecora asked to understand just how it had happened.
"Ummm yes." Rarity replied hastily.
***
"*cough* *cough* ow... my sides hurt..." A voice muttered.
"He's awake!" A voice echoed from out in the darkness.
Why is it so dark? His eyelids fluttered open but still a darkness hung over the air around him. The darkness shifted a shaft of blinding light erupted from a crease. Following the light was Captain Auto Tomaton. The darkness slowly faded away and Flash saw that he was in a tent. "Hey *cough* Cappin' what happened?"
"I was about to ask you the same. You arrived covered in wounds and blood after abandoning your post. I would like to know why."
"Do you? Would it matter? Would *cough* knowing what was so important to me that I would *cough* slip away into the night and return like this? What was so private that I only trusted a pony that I had no choice but to trust? *cough* Do you really? Look at me. Even now you know that I don't want to tell you. Think on that. After everything I have freely told you, all the secrets I have confessed. After the blood I have shed for your cause... You have the nerve to ask me? Do you really want to *cough* know? I will tell you eventually but if you push it now it's on you." Flash fell into a coughing fit and spat blood onto one of his bandages.
Auto didn't know what to say at this point. He needed to know but... If Flash was this defensive it couldn't be just a simple mistake that he is covering for... "Flash, I only want one answer. Why didn't you ask for help? I wouldn't have judged! None of us would! Name one pony here who doesn't regret something from their past!"
"This is something I have yet to forgive myself for... I couldn't bear the thought of bringing any of you there... It wasn't even supposed to be dangerous! I was just going somewhere I had been before... Unfortunately some bandits had moved in. I couldn't allow that. I scared them off but, well you saw what good that did me. Now please I need some rest."
Auto left the tent and faced the group that waited outside for the news. "All he would tell me was that he went to visit a place where he did something he regretted and it had bandits in it. Then he cleared it."
"That's it?" James asked surprised. "I would of thought that you'd have stayed in there long enough to find out where it was at least!"
"Trust me, after I saw the look on his face... we don't want to know that anymore. We should just be happy that he survived and carry on. Now we need to move out. We cannot afford to waste a day. I don't think Celestia will forgive yet another delay."
***
"Well done Absol. The Elements of Harmony safely out of the reach of or enemies. We have the element of loyalty. The element of laughter. The element of generosity. The element honesty. The element of magic. And last and certainly least, the element of... Where is it? WHERE IS THE ELEMENT OF KINDNESS!?" Evandra screeched.
"Snowchaser failed to retrieve it my lady." Absol bowed.
"So they already have one?" Absol nodded. "You have failed me Absol. I will forgive this grievance because you are my kin. Scatter the elements among our strongholds and get out of my sight. It would be best for you if you stayed there." Evandra sighed her voice dripping in disappointment. "We go to the next stage of the plan if you wish to remain general then you will not fail me. And if all is well, you know what to do."
"Yes my lady." Absol bowed and left the room. He was furious! He brought her five of the six elements and all she noticed was the one missing one! How dare she! Can she even comprehend the level of risk that a mission of that importance and kind had presented? She was lucky to even have seen one! Now he was outside of the throne room. He shouldered his saddlebags now laden with only four of the Elements as Eve had chosen to keep the element of magic with her. He turned to look upon his soldiers. They shouldn't know about the elements lest one be captured. He had to think of a good lie that was not too obvious. The time had come for him to do a few rounds anyway, but why would he need so many ponies just on a routine check of the strongholds? Maybe they needed to know of the impending plans... The Equestrians would know soon enough of that anyways. The lie formed in his mind and then flowed from his mouth. "Today we tour our strongholds to make sure that they remain as mighty as is befitting the Frozen Empire. Any sign of weakness is weakness. After this has been confirmed and if necessary fixed... WE STRIKE EQUESTRIA!" They cheered and he smiled. He would not fail her again.

> Chapter 12: The best day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 12:The best day
The sky was blue as blue could be blue that fateful day. There was no way she could stay inside on a day like this! Not to mention it was her day off... Quarry work is tough on a pony! As she left her house in Fillydelphia in search of "The Sugarplum Bakery" Sparkboom relished the rare weather. Usually the pegasi made this time of year rainy and gloomy but not today! She ventured out onto Mane Street and trotted toward the sweet smells that emanated from the bakery down the street. Nothing could ruin today! She got there and was greeted by Mr. and Mrs. SugarPlum in their usual matter and she ordered a cupcake. She watched from the window as busy ponies walk, galloped, trotted, or even sprinted down the road. Why could none of them appreciate the glory of this wondrous day? She looked at the crowd and her heart nearly stopped. W-was that the neon green cloak and purple hat of the one pony she yearned to see again the most? No... it was only a couple circus ponies dancing prancing about... It had been so long since that last argument with Flashburn. She couldn't even remember what it was about... He probably burned something by accident, again. It all seemed so petty now.
Enough with reminiscing the past for today! Today was wonderful and deserved her full attention. Where to go? She could go bowling, hiking, swimming, or even practice her magic. It had been awhile since she had last hiked! Today was a day for adventure and by golly she was going to have one. The time for sitting idly in the bakery was over! She got up and yelled, "CARPE DEIM!!!!!!!" , at the top of her lungs. Then dashed out of the room and toward the hills.
It was a glorious afternoon and the hills were great. She breathed deeply and absorbed the scenery for a few seconds longer. It was time to go as she was out of food and the sun had begun to drop below the horizon line. "This was a good day." She reminisced. She wouldn't be able to come out again to enjoy this for... weeks at minimum but months at most.
The stars were out before she finally returned home that night. She had a late dinner and went to bed after a quick shower. As she lay in bed wondering about what her tomorrow looked like, all the boring routine of blow this up and explode that, she sighed, "Days like this are all I have left..." She fell asleep and dreamed dreams of adventure and fun.
***
Sparkboom awoke to a dark rainy sky and yet another day of work. It would seem she would have to pay for her last day fun. All that was perfect yesterday was terrible today. It had rained heavily that night so the road was a thick sludge and rain pelted down from above. She had forgotten her rain gear at work the previous day and all the shops were closed. Ponies hurried past her just as normal but with hoods up. Even the Circus Ponies had left. She was almost out of town toward the quarry when she saw it. A pony in a neon green cloak leaning on a couple Cantorlotion guards. A male pegasi and a female earth pony. The beat at the door of a supply shop. "Oh my goodness Flashy, what have you done this time?" She readied herself. She knew that Flash had too much on his record to be caught and given a fair trial so she had to save him.
***
Flashburn was having a bad day. His wounds from a week ago still bothered him and he was forced to lean heavily on Auto and Shadow who wore their armor in the town. "That can't feel good in this deluge!"
"It usually opens doors that would otherwise remain closed!" Shadow yelled back as the knocked on the door to a travel store. As the door opened a great explosion knocked Flashburn back and Auto and Shadow to the right and left of him. "What in the name of Luna!?" Shadow called.
A hoof grabbed Flash and pulled him into an alley. "What have you done this time, Flash? Oh nevermind, we have to run now!" Boomie? Flash thought. The figure dashed down the alley and he followed as best he could. "Keep up!" The figure yelled. Flash ran as fast as his wounds would allow him and was lead to a small house in the city. "Get in before they find you!"
Flashburn slipped inside and asked, "Boomie is that you my sparky?"
"Why yes, yes  it is." She said happily, "So what did you do this time?"
"This is time?"
"Well you were with the cops..."
"Oh, I actually joined up with a very important cause! We are going to save Equestria!"
"What!? You joined the military!?" Sparkboom guffawed.
"Well, yeah... at first I thought it was just another bandit gang but they are the real deal. I met Celestia again. She actually invaded my mind to test my loyalty to the citizens of Equestria!" He smiled and nodded vigorously.
"And I thought you were crazy when I first met you. Now you're just plain bonkers you know that? Of all the things you were never going to do again it was stress your magic and here you are going off to war, just another faithful soldier. You know she acts like she cares but the Princess only cares for securing her power. She wouldn't give a flying feather if you got hurt or not."
"Oh Boomie... I missed your cynicism but trust me, I'm in it for myself not Celestia. I think I can clear my record! Think about it, all those mysterious fires removed from my list of past crimes... I could finally get a fair trial when I didn't cause the fire..."
"Do you want my help?"
"Boomie, I have missed you so much but, we cannot risk it. Remember what our arguments caused? The devastation? The explosions and fire, I'm sorry but we are a volatile mixture. Maybe one day, when I can control myself more. But I can't now. You of all ponies can understand how much I wish we could be together again but you also know that I cannot forget or forgive myself for what happened." He shook his head and a tear rolled down his cheek.
"It wasn't your fault Flash."
"I wish I could believe that but please understand. Just think about my name. Every time I hear it all I hear is Burn. It resonates in my mind thousands of time over. Please understand." He rushed outside the house and into the rain.
***
It was a good thing it was raining. Flash wasn't able to tell the difference between his tears and the rain streaming down his face. It wasn't until hours later that he noticed his hat had fallen off and his brown mane stuck to his purple coat on the back of his neck.
***
Many times Sparkboom had hated her special talent but never so much as right now. She loved Flashburn as much as he loved her but whenever they stayed close for long destruction followed. She wanted to help him through the hard parts of his life and past and build a bright future but the wounds of the past dug too deep. She watched him dash down the street and his hat fell upon the ground. She meant to call out to him but her voice choked in a sob. Slowly she ventured outside and grabbed the hat. There was no way she could go to work today.
***
"Oh my sweet Celestia! Flashburn what happened? Are you alright? Your bleeding again and... have you been crying?" Rogue landed next to him as he trudged into camp. "Wildpaw go get Auto, Shadow, and James tell them he returned to camp and to stop searching."
"Yes Aunty Rogue." Wildpaw flew off.
"Are you okay Flash?" Anti asked.
"I met an old friend is all..." Flash began to explain.
"Some friend... nearly blows you up and you return without your hat and sobbing." Rogue commented.
"She thought I had gotten mixed up with the law again and was trying to rescue me... She awoke feelings I had thought buried long ago. I wish I could have stayed or brought her with me..."
"Why didn't you?"
"Out of anypony here I should know best of all not to play with fire..."
***
"Do we have to go through there!" Rarity complained. "It's just so gross and sticky and... well... not very clean."
"None of us want to look like a hog, but the fastest way is through this bog." Zecora explained again. "The empire is right ahead, so we cannot take the road instead."
"Pinkie Pie would think of some wacky solution right about now." Rarity sighed sadly.
"We will see her soon, besides having you is a boon. Imagine if you had been captured! Who would have kept Ponyville in rapture? We will find a way through, but there is some dirty work left to do. Keep your spirits high, and we won't have to think about saying goodbye." Zecora comforted.
"Thank you Zecora. I hope we have good luck." She stepped in a pool of muck. "Oh yuck!" She gasped. "Zecora you're rubbing off on me." They laughed.
***
As Captain Auto left Fillydelphia, Celestia's and Evandra's forces met on the field of battle for the first time. It was a small skirmish but now both sides knew where the line had been drawn and fortifications were built. The forest that separated the two was quickly reduced to a barren wasteland from all of the explosions of magic and clear cutting for resources. Absol had returned to lead one side and an old veteran was called to defend on the Equestrian side. Known to his troops as "Old Iron Sides" Captain Iron Hoof had long since retired but when the call came so did he. He was as stubborn as he was strong and he refused to retreat. Not an inch was given on either side. The no ponies land in between had craters the size of houses and huge blocks of ice. The fighting continued as Auto marched ever onward.
***
Zecora had lead Rarity and the other Zebras through the swamp where the hid for now, watching and waiting. "What news from you, the scout? Do the prisoners have a way out?" Zecora asked a Zebra that was painted all black and had fake fangs, wings, and horn.
"They are being held in the palace. I do not think they can and the air is heavy with malice. More time is needed if caution is to be heeded." He replied and left.
"We will wait a few more days. We must find at least two ways." Zecora told Rarity.
"Why?"
"If plan a goes afoul, we do not wish to be under Chrysalis's cowl."
***
"So, through the bog it is?" Flash questioned Auto skeptically.
"Yup."
"Ponyfeathers." He murmured as it began to rain overhead. "I wish I still had my hat..."
"WE KNOW FLASH." They all replied in unison.
"Come on everypony pack up camp, we need to make a lot of ground today, unless you want to sleep in that muck." Rogue said.
Wildpaw jumped straight off her bedroll and rolled it up. "I know I don't!"
"Shhh, we are in enemy territory remember! We have to remain quite." James shushed her.
Wildpaw began to say something really uppity before Anti interrupted with, "He's right you know. We have to be silent and swift lest we be discovered."
"Besides I don't think any of us want to sleep in there Paw." Shadow giggled as she sharpened her saber. "So Flash lucky you we didn't run into that special somepony of yours in Fillydelphia 'eh?"
"And who says we didn't? I saw her and she kicked you and Auto onto your flanks, don't you remember?" He laughed with an evil grin on his face.
"That was her!? Well, I can see why you didn't want her along, imagine all that difficult to control your magic mixed together! I mean seriously one argument and poof! Either a crater or a forest fire."
"Wouldn't be the first time... Is everypony ready?" They all nodded. "Shall we depart Captain?"
"Aye. We've been here too long as is." They marched into the muck of the swamp.
***
"Zecora! News from the bog! It is me the one who is disguised as a log. Ponies dressed in strange clothes approach from our rear. Do you think they work for Chrysalis? Why else would they be so near?"
"Maybe the Princess sent help!" Rarity exclaimed optimistically.
"We shall see, now where did you see?" Zecora questioned.
"Follow and I shall guide you. We may need to take an additional one or two." He motioned for them to follow and for a couple of Zebras to join them.
***
"I met Pinkie Pie once." Flash said as he hopped over a log. "She was a little off, but very fun to be around!"
"Really? What did you do?" Wildpaw asked.
"Well, I went to this place called "Sugar Cube Corner" and they were hosting a party. She was running the whole shindig and the catering was to die for. She was playing that one song... The Pony Pokey! It was very exciting. I got to light the candles on the cake because Twilight couldn't make it and Pinkie didn't have a match."
"That's cool, I met Fluttershy once. Well kinda, I said hi and she kinda mumbled back. It was really awkward at first but by the end of the day we were chatting about the care of carnivorous animals alongside herbivores. It was very enlightening. She actually learned how to make a bear live completely off of a vegetarian diet!"
"I can't wait until we find them!"
***
"... Find them!" Zecora and Rarity and the other Zebras heard from a bush where the waited.
"Do you hear that!?" Rarity whispered franticly, "They want to find us! We have been discovered! We need to run and find a new place to hide!"
"Hold Rarity, there is still much to see. How can we know, to whom their allegiances are owed? Watch for a bit longer, lest we find that our assumptions are incorrect for if they are, we may be goners. Now would you, listen for a clue?"
"Alright." Rarity huffed.
The strange ponies continued their conversation, "So why do you think Chrysalis took them?" The male Unicorn asked the female Pegasus.
"Probably to make us lose the war." She replied.
"Well I guess that makes sense. I guess that's why we were recruited. To either replace them or just to stall for their return. Maybe Celestia knew they had been captured the whole time and this was our goal all along!" He excitedly babbled.
"I don't think so, I mean I love Celestia and all but if she had known... We wouldn't have been sent north first..." They passed out of earshot.
When they were sure that they had truly left Rarity turned to Zecora. "It seems I jumped the gun, they must be reinforcements from Cantorlot."
"None of us called for aid... Now we see that the tides have swayed! With this new ponies we can defeat those phonies! I will speak with them before long but watch my back lest I be wrong." Zecora said.
"No need to worry, if trouble arrives we will be there in a hurry." One of the Zebra responded.
Zecora followed the strange ponies and could once again hear their conversation. The Male pony seemed to be responding defensively, "What's with all this sudden interest in me and Boomie?"
"I'm just curios is all! Is she your special somepony? Did you break up? If you did then why... Look Flash, I have lived alone in the woods for a long time and let's face it, squirrels have the worst gossip."
"I can imagine."
Zecora decided to take a chance and engage in the conversation right then and there. "Did Celestia send you? And are there more or just you two?" The two strangers immediately stood very rigid and the pegasus turned very slowly to face Zecora. The unicorn spun about quickly and formed a shell of fire around the both of them. "I mean you not any harm! Now quickly quite down so as to not raise alarm!" The fires slowed down.
"Who are you?" The unicorn questioned. As the fire dissipated Zecora noticed that the pegasus had drawn a bow and notched an arrow.
"Zecora is my name, as I have answered you will, you not do the same?"
"Howdy Zecora, I'm Flashburn." He said evenly never once dropping his guard.
"I'm Wildpaw. What did you say about Celestia?" She still had her bow ready to fire and pointed at Zecora.
"I'm here to ask if you were sent to find Twilight and her friends, for if you are, we are working towards the same ends."
"Flash go get the Captain." Wildpaw whispered under her breath. Flashburn nodded and slunk into the darkness. Zecora hoped that they were right and that these ponies could be trusted.
They stood in that grove alone together for only a few minutes but to both of them it felt like hours. Not once was the bow lowered and not once did Zecora move. They did not speak to each other at all, only stared. Neither of them even flinched when a heavily armored male pegasus walked into the small clearing. He began, "Greetings Zecora, if you are in fact she, allow me to introduce myself. I am Captain Auto Tomaton of the Cantorlot Guards. I was sent here to rescue Twilight and her friends from the clutches of the Queen of the Changelings. If you are Zecora, you will understand the importance of my next words. "Beware! Beware you pony folk! Those leaves of are not a joke!" Now tell me, "Zecora" what were the leaves of?"
"The leaves were of blue, that was my warning when I first met Twilight and her crew." She answered evenly.
"Lower your bow, Wildpaw. We are in the presence of the real Zecora, either that or a changeling that deserves to get the drop on us." The captain ordered. "Now Zecora, we know you aren't a changeling but how can you know if we aren't? Give us a test."
"A changeling cannot hold its alternate form whilst asleep. Drink this and then start counting sheep." She offered a small bottle of liquid to Auto.
"Auto no! We will need you awake for negotiations! Let me drink it." Rogue offered.
"Neigh let I! We need her wings and horn. I have neither, let me drink it." James offered.
"He is correct Rogue. You can carry a sleeping pony out of danger, but none of us could carry an alicorn out especially with wings such as yours. James, are you sure?"
"Sir yes Sir." He took the bottle and drank its entire contents in a single gulp. He coughed, "Mhg spicy." He coughed again swayed a bit then fell to the earth with a snore.
"And so we have proven our worth! At camp there will be much mirth! Follow me and you will see." Zecora galloped off down a hidden trail and was soon joined by other Zebra and an alabaster unicorn.
"Is that Rarity?" Anti asked Shadow.
"I've never met her." She shrugged back.
***
They reached the camp in the swamp and confirmed that it was Rarity. Then they were caught up on the situation. Auto was in the middle of strategy talks with Zecora  when Anti and Rogue ventured out to mingle with the Zebra. "Hello! I'm Anti-Freeze who are you?" Anti said to the first Zebra they met.
"I am known as Zeka Caan, where are you from?" He responded cheerfully.
"I'm from up in Equestria, my family wandered for long time so the road is my home."
"And who are you? I would like to know both of the two."
"I am Rogue, from a little nameless town that long removed from all but the most detailed maps." They continued to chat as they walked through the camp together.
***
"This strategy is the dumbest plan I have ever heard of! There is no way the Queen would risk so much for the illusion of love!" Zecora fumed.
"You forget that love is their food! Besides, she only needs to fall for it for a few hours or even less! All we have to do is hide a love letter where the Changelings will find it! One that alludes to a meeting of to star-crossed lovers under the pale moon on the darkest of nights in a ravine only a few short miles from the Empire's Equestrian border! The plan is full proof! Even if it only removes a few guards we need every advantage we can get!" Auto argued.
"Fine but I hope you know what you are getting us into. When shall we rendezvous?"
"As soon as we are ready."
***
The news spread through the camp like wild fire! A trap was to be set and if the bait was taken, even slightly, they would finally seize the day and save Rarity's friends! Every Zebra and Pony prepared in their own way, be it applying camouflage or readying spells, the Empire would soon regret this day! Auto and his team readied the letter and one of Zecora's Zebra ran it to a likely location. It was discovered caught on a branch after, apparently, floating on a breeze. Changelings were dispatched at once.
***
"Girls! My Pinkie sense is tingling! Something is happening!" Pinkie whispered as her entire body began to shake. "This one is a doozey!"
"Do you think it's rescue?" Twilight whispered back.
"I don't know. But it's coming from over in the swamp!"
"Finally I will be able to fly again! I'm so excited!" Rainbowdash quipped.
"But what if it's bmghmmmm...." Fluttershy mumbled.
"What's that Sugar Cube? " Applejack asked.
"what if it's bmghmmmm..." Fluttershy mumbled back.
"Please speak up Fluttershy." Twilight beseeched.
"Whatifit'sbad!" Fluttershy blurted.
"What if it's bad? I hadn't thought of that..." Twilight said worriedly.
"Oh come on! How could it be bad! We are in prison! How much worse could it be! This doozey is definitely good!" Rainbowdash reassured them.
To which Twilight responded, "I sincerely hope so..."

> Chapter 13: The day of the Red Sun
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 13: Day of the Red Sun
Whereas two young lovers would definitely bolster their power, Chrysalis knew that it was necessary to remain at the castle to keep a watch on the pesky ponies in the dungeon below. It had been awhile since she had checked on them herself... perhaps it was time to pay a visit? She decided to do so immediately and slowly floated down the halls of her dilapidated keep. Once this kingdom had been full of love... She smiled when she thought back to how it had fallen. She had been there all those years ago leading the charge. There were almost no escapes. It had gone just perfect.
***
She had risen early that dawn and her troops readied themselves. This was back in her prime, back when the Changeling Empire was strong! They did not need to sneak around and slowly drain energy from love, the merely conquered a place, sucked it dry, and left. She had been so confident that day. They charged. A young officer of that military had been there, a young colt named Sombra. He watched as the banners burned and he fled when they came through the windows of the keep. Chrysalis made the king of the castle kneel as his essence was drained. It was there they hibernated. Years later they awoke and heard of a new empire ripe for the conquering! It was famed for a special statue that grew in power the more love there was around it, much like a Changeling. She would have this, Crystal Heart and with it she would dominate all of the world! Her Changelings rose and flew as a swarm North to the Crystal Empire! Chrysalis led the charge and looked into the eyes of her foe's commander. It was none other than the young colt whom escaped! Not as young now though... The battle was fierce but slowly the Changelings began to win as they grew ever stronger in the presence of all the love and the Crystal ponies grew only weaker. In all the fighting Sombra and Chrysalis met, she in the air, him atop a tower in his castle. "Prepare to lose your home a second time, Sombra!" She taunted him.
"Never!" He fought back as he launched a black crystal at her. She flew about and shot a laser back striking him upon the horn, curving it and turning it red.
"After this empire falls so will the rest of the world! Hahahahaha!" She screeched.
"Victory at any cost... lest the rest of the world fall to your madness..." He hissed through clenched teeth and pain. He jumped inside again and she followed.
"Running again, eh Sombra? Come back and watch your people kneel before us." She rounded a corner and saw it, the Crystal Heart. "It is more beautiful than I ever imagined." She smiled. It radiated power.
"VICTORY AT ANY COST!" Sombra screeched as he reappeared a strange amulet about his neck. He blasted the Heart with a dark red beam and it shifted, the very castle changed. Everywhere went dark. Spikes of black crystals burst from the ground all over the Empire. "YOU! WILL NOT! FEED! HERE!!!!" A dark light blasted forth from the crystal and everywhere it touched disappeared as all the love was drained from the dying nation. Chrysalis blacked out. When she woke up, she felt so weak and could hardly stand. She looked around, snow was beginning to coat the now gray ground. Everywhere she looked the city was gone. Not a Crystal Pony could be seen in any direction and the land was left dark and loveless.
"Victory at any cost..." She cried.
***
That day was the reason her people have fallen so far and it would not happen again! Equestria will fall. Even if it means the destruction of the last beacon of love in this world. "Victory at any cost." She whispered to herself. She slinked down the staircase that led to the prison. She saw the guard sleeping by the door. "You nitwit..." She chuckled, "I know my child, I know, with all the shortage of love you are just so tired. I'll let you sleep. I'll take this watch." She smiled and walked past the slumped figure and into the prison. Funny, I thought I had more guards stationed here... Did I send the wrong Changelings to abduct the lovers? She was beginning to get nervous now! She heard voices ahead.
"Hurry we don't know how much time we have!" A voice that was not a changelings whispered hastily.
***
"Come on... come on..." Auto mumbled to himself as Flashburn and Anti-Freeze slinked stealthily through the courtyard. They reached the relative safety provided by the shadow of a building. Their dark cloaks causing them to fade into the darkness around them. "We are almost in the castle... Remember, if we are discovered we have all that city to get through before we can even try to escape into the jungle. Even though Rogue and the others are preparing us a little escape route we have to be able to reach it."
"Yes Captain." Flash nodded.
"Understood." Anti whispered.
"Yes Captain Auto, after all, what is my motto?" The Zebra that Zecora sent said.
"Stealth is the key if you don't want to pay the fee. Now, this way. Follow close." Auto slipped through the gate. They were immediately awed by the spectacle before them. The castle itself seemed to be ancient, even older than the one in Cantorlot, and the courtyard was filled with statues. No two statue were the same or even similar. They were abstract and beautiful beyond description. Only the mind of a creature as formless as a Changeling could have not only thought of such a thing but also carve one into existence. They provided excellent cover but were unsettling and downright creepy.
"These are so beautiful... Look at that one." Flash pointed at an odd one that was smooth and flowed over what appeared to be a writhing snake. "Have you ever seen the flood of The Changeling City of Serpents during the second great conflict depicted in such a way?"
"That's what that is? I just thought it was water cleansing the world of poisonous lies..." Anti mumbled.
"It is up to interpretation of cou-"
"Shouldn't we be more focused on the dangerous rescue mission?" Auto warned them.
"Sorry Cap..." Flash blushed. The sneaked into the interior of the keep and it was even more incredible than the outside. The halls walls were all rounded and seemed more tunnels. Many hallways began several feet from the floor, like a great beehive or ant hill. "Which way is it Cap?"
"If I remember correctly from the briefs Celestia had me look at... It should be that way." Anti-Freeze pointed down a dark corridor. They went down the tunnel slowly, painfully aware of every creak and slight noise created by their passage. The slunk slowly through the darkness barely avoiding patrols until, according to Anti-Freeze the prison was behind one door before stood a single Changeling guard that stood at attention.
"Take him out, quietly." The Captain ordered. The Zebra pulled out a dart gun and stung the Changeling in the foreleg. It straightened up immediately, gasped, looked down then up and crumpled to the ground. "Good job Zeke." He only nodded in return. They dashed into the room after moving the body so it seemed asleep. Locked doors with bars in the windows lined the hallway and they checked all of them until one near the end had the ponies they were looking for in it.
***
"Hmm... that's odd... Usually something happens when I get my Pinkie sense... Unless... HAS IT ALREADY HAPPENED?" Pinkie guffawed.
"I don't think that's very logical Pinkie, maybe it just hasn't happened yet?" Twilight offered.
"Maaaaaaaaaybe... Wait... do any of you here that?" Pinkie sighed. "It's that kind of soundy sound... that sounds... soundy..."
"That doesn't sound like any of the guards. Maybe the queen is visiting?" Applejack questioned.
"Or it might be rescue! Finally..." Rainbowdash muttered.
They heard a voice from outside say, "They aren't in this one." To which another replied, "There aren't many left to check." A few seconds later a head poked through the bars in the prison and said, "Auto! I found them! Oh... why hello ladies." The unicorn smiled, "Have no fear rescue is here!" But, um, you may want to stand back from the door..."
"Thank Celestia your here!" Fluttershy whispered gratefully. "EEP!" She "screamed" as the door flew from its hinges trailing fire. Two ponies followed it into the room, a pegasus and a zebra.
"Hello, I am Captain Auto Tomaton of the Royal Guard and I have been sent to rescue you. Now please follow us and hurry we do not know how much time we have!" He helped them up and they ran out of the room. "Follow me." He whispered.
"Halt, right where you are." A calm voice echoed from the hallway.
***
"They have entered the Changeling Fortress my liege." Data Core informed Celestia. "According to the Satellite camera they haven't exited yet but we are currently watching a disturbance unfold. There seems to have been an explosion in the side of the building... I see figures fleeing the scene! Blast! Smoke got in the way!"
"Thank you for aiding me thus far, If it clears up please inform me immediately."
"Yes Princess."
***
"Pony...feathers..." A strange unicorn mumbled. "Hey Auto... since we've been found... Can I put them back on now?"
"Really? Really Flash? That's what your concerned about right now? Fine." The Queen of the Changelings just stared at them.
"Sweet! Thanks Auto! Oh um... Chrissy, will you please not attack until I have my stuff on? It isn't armor and it won't boost my magic at all... Please?" He smiled at her with a huge grin.
"I don't see why not." She said in a steady voice. Every single pony in that room, as well as every Changeling, turned and stared directly at her as if to say, "Wait what?" She noticed the stares and replied with, "What? It's good sportsmanship. Rrestathith serv tirithe." She ended in the Changeling language.
"Gee thanks!" Flash pulled a bag from under his cloak and dumped out several strange articles of clothing. There was a folded neon green cloak, and three bright green boots. "I love my boots. I wish we still had them all..." He hummed a tune as he quickly used magic to dress himself. "All right, I'm ready."
"Wait! Before we begin," Auto turned to Flash, "Did you just get away with calling Queen Chrysalis of the Changeling Empire, Chrissy?" He guffawed.
"Well, I can answer that one," Chrysalis interrupted, "No he didn't after all, I am still going to capture you." She smiled evilly.
"Oh, I wouldn't say that, Flash NOW!" Anti-Freeze shouted.
"Yes'm!" Flash spun about and blew the wall asunder. "Wow that really takes it out of you..." All the ponies galloped for the forest.
As soon as they were outside Twilight Sparkle called, "Everypony to me!" They all ran to her and in a flash of light were at the boundary of the city.
"The great Twilight Sparkle at work... I've always wanted to meet you! I'm Flashburn! My talent is fire magic! But I have difficulty controlling it..."
"Now isn't the time Flash we have to get to the extraction point!" Auto scolded him.
"Sorry!"
***
*cough* "Go my Changelings! Follow them! Resoveith!" The Queen yelled.
"Hzzeth!" The changelings called as they flew into the smoke. They heard a sound that sounded like a strange Vwoop! and their prey was no longer in sight. "Chctacheth!" One hissed back to Chrysalis.
"Search the forest my pets, go! Now! Resoveith!" She was furious and flew high into the air. "Zeith nuklketh sasivth! Hesinthu NulTekath! Resoveith!" And in response the castle erupted into activity as the changelings flowed from every crack in the wall. "Let this be a message to you ponies! You will be found, and when you are, your prison will not be nearly as comfortable! Nor will I be as forgiving!"
***
"... Nor will I be as forgiving!" echoed through the forest as they galloped through it.
"I think she is mad Auto!" Flashburn called to their leader as he pushed aside the brush.
"I would have to agree with you on that one Flash. She won't let us escape cleanly. Our previous plan will modification. We need a distraction!" Auto told Flash. "But what can we do?"
"I have an idea. I assume they like their castle home? I think it is time to "redecorate" a bit." Flash grinned evilly.
"Can you pull it off and escape with us still?" He asked.
"I can give you five minutes, after that they will divide and most will continue to chase you. It's the best I can do."
"Can you make it back?"
Flash turned to Twilight and called out, "Hey Princess Sparkle? Can you teleport me back into the Castle? Alone? Hurry he haven't any time!"
"Of course!" Twilight said, flustered by the sudden request. He then disappeared in a purple nexus of power.
"No. We have to go back!" Auto ordered.
Anti grabbed his arm. "No. We go back now and none of us make it. This is what he wanted."
"Not this time. Anti-Freeze take them to safety, I have to try. I won't leave him to the beast once again. Go! GO!" Auto shoved her forward. "You go for Equestria, I'll go for friendship." He drew his mace and flew back as a wave of heat shot from the castle.
***
"Princess Celestia we have sight once again! The Changelings are in an uproar over their castle! It is in flames! I thought I saw a strangely dressed pony get teleported back in and then fire spread everywhere." Data Core informed her.
"I know that pony... That's one of Auto's misfits... Flashburn... What is happening to him?" Celestia asked.
"Well it is difficult to say... It would seem that he set fire to the castle as a distraction and like cotton it did! The smoke is going to cover it soon though. I'm trying to see through the gaps but it is difficult... He is cornered! Wow he fights well when backed into a corner! This is incredible! He's blasting them back! They keep coming at him in huge waves only to be battered back! Oh no... He's getting tired! They've snuck up behind him! He's been pinned! Blast! The smoke got in the way!" Data Core narrated.
"He did that... He would allow all the love to be drained from him just to buy Twilight and her friends just a little longer to escape. There is honor in that. Curse War! If I weren't needed here I would go and rescue him myself!" Celestia grumbled.
"Dearest Sister, there is nothing we can do. I will try to visit his dreams to help him through his experience whenever I can." Luna consoled her sister.
"Thank you, Sister."
"Princess! We have more movement! A pegasus with mace and shield is flying back to the castle!"
"What is Auto doing? He cannot hope to escape! It was a shame to lose Flash but now Auto as well? There must be something we can do!" Celestia panicked.
"There is one thing..." Data Core began.
"Shhh! It's not ready!" Powerhacks interrupted.
"No please tell us it may just end up saving them from months torture, if there is even the slightest hope you must tell me of it!" Celestia commanded.
"Well, it, uh, is a new use for the signaling technology we have invented..." Data Core began.
"It's absolute manure is what it is." Powerhacks interjected.
"Some of its developers don't believe it can do what I think it can."
"Which is?" Luna questioned.
"Well, I thought if you can transmit pictures and sounds... why not spells? We could aid them from here by slowing their pursuers!"
"No pony has the power to actually counterbalance the distance though! It's futile at best!"
"I can." Luna whispered.
"How?" Celestia asked.
"Celestia, you must remain strong. I travel through dreams all the time all across Equestria, I'm used to distance. Using the Alicorn Amulet I could utilize this technology..." Luna stated.
"Luna, you know what that amulet does. It would twist and corrupt you until you are no longer yourself." Celestia warned.
"I know the consequences I have felt such a transformation before... You must remain strong. I can use the amulet and keep my head if you drain my powers as soon as I finish and then, you can force me to remove the amulet. And if all else fails, I'm sure the home I made for myself up there is still as lovely as before..."
"No. I can't do that to you, not again. You know that it would last another thousand years!"
"Only if my will is beaten and you can't convince me to relinquish the amulet when the time comes. Besides, Think of what would happen to them? I would rather spend a hundred years on the moon then live without the feeling of love or friendship for even a few months... I am sure of my decision." Luna explained with stalwart determination. "Besides I'll be safer on the moon then down here if the war is lost, you know this."
"Guard! Bring me the amulet from the vault." Celestia ordered. "I will not stop you, Sister. I owe you that much."
"You owe me nothing and never will, dear sister."
***
Captain Auto Tomaton barreled through a window sending shards of glass scattering about the burning building. He spun about looking and then he saw the changelings had surrounded Flash and even though he was keeping those in front at bay the ones behind were able to advance close enough to drain power from him before he was able to blast them back. Auto charged the changelings where their numbers were thinnest, the element of surprise allowed him to dispatch most with haste. "Flash! Follow me! We will not be captured today!" Flash looked dumbfounded but still followed Auto through the breach in the changelings lines. They ducked through passages and flew over obstacles as the Changelings slowly gained on them.
"This is hopeless Cap, you should've ran with the rest of them!" Flash yelled.
"I couldn't leave you again!" Auto snapped back. "Look a window! Maybe we can get out finally!"
"Worth a shot!" Flash blasted it away then leaped through the newly made exit. Only to land at Queen Chrysalis's feet.
***
"The Amulet as you requested." Nameless Unless Fan Named Multi-racial Guard Number Five bowed, placing a large locked box at their feet and left.
"Are you sure you must do this?" Celestia asked.
"Think of all they have done for us and you have your answer." Luna reassured her.
Celestia understood there was no stopping her and despite the risk it was the right thing to do, if not the smart thing. She just couldn't bear the thought of Luna being banished once more. Or the rise of the Nightmare.
***
"Fools! Did you really think you could escape?" Chrysalis laughed. "Now we shall feast on your love and friendship!"
"Fine with me Chrissy after all, the wielders of the Elements have escaped!" Flashburn spat back at her as a Changeling began to bind him.
"Did they now?" Chrysalis grinned. "We are the CHANGELING Empire! Do you really think I'd be so foolish as to keep them in that room? With windows and right next to the outside? No, they are in the tower, where you will be joining them very soon, but not until after we place some clones of you in another easily seen cell. Hahahahaha!" The Queen laughed evilly. As she laughed the world seemed to darken and the very light around them seemed to take on a reddish hue.
"The theatricality is a little high, don't you think?" Flash whispered to Auto.
"I don't think she's doing it... Even she seems confused..." Auto whispered back.
Suddenly their binds turned to ash and all of the changelings were blasted back into the stone walls of the castle. "What's going on, Auto?" Flash screamed.
"I don't know but we need to take advantage! To the tower!" Auto commanded as he scooped up Flash and flew high up towards the tower.
"Sweet Celestia, the Sun!? It's RED!" Flash panicked. The earth began to shake as beams of light began to dot the landscape and the castle began to fall. Flash turned and blasted a hole into the wall of the tower. Inside they saw a very sleepy looking Cyan colored pegasus with a rainbow mane. "We need to run! Grab your friends and follow us!"
***
"No! NO! NO! What is going on!?" Chrysalis fumed. "Hurry the real ones are escaping! You idiots! Fly!" She rose on her wings and flew as fast as she could toward the ones who ruined everything, but before she could reach them a beam of reddish light struck her square on the back and pushed her through a window into the burning castle. She groaned as she stood, "You are on your own now, Evendra. Stand down Changelings! Put out these fires! TASEITH!"

> Chapter 14: *Sigh* Changelings...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 14: *Sigh* Changelings
"So... who's in charge now?" James asked everypony around.
"Well as I would deem, the two Alicorns would it be between." Zecora stated.
"Makes sense to me." Anti agreed.
"I was born an Alicorn, Princess Twilight was made one. She deserves to choose. So who will it be Miss Sparkle? Me or you?" Rogue asked.
"Well, you are older and have more experience, but I know the strength and weaknesses of my friends better than anypony." Princess Sparkle began.
"Come on Twi we all know it should be you!" Rainbowdash blurted.
"Well I guess it's settled then." Shadow sighed. "So Princess Sparkle, what should we do next?"
"We need to get to Celestia and the Elements as soon as possible." Twilight explained. "So we will need you to guide and guard us until we get there."
"Makes sense to me, let's go we haven't a moment to lose."
***
"I, I, I think we made it..." Flashburn panted, "Pleasure to meet you all, sorry for the rude introduction. I know your names from reputation but I'm too tired to recall them, so introductions are in order, hello! I'm Flashburn nice to meet you."
"I'm Pinkie Pie!"
"I'm Twilight Sparkle."
"I'm Rainbowdash! But you probably already knew that."
"I'm Applejack."
"i'm fluttersh..."
"So, you're Pinkie, Twilight, Rainbowdash, Applejack, and... I assume you're Fluttershy." Flashburn affirmed.
"Yes that is correct." Twilight reassured.
"But how can we know you're the real ponies that you claim to be?" Flashburn asked. "Tell me somethin only the real Twilight would know!"
"Well, umm, you see... my brother played with Smarty Pants before I did?" Twilight said.
"Pfft as if I could tell if you made that up, besides if it were something only the real Twilight would know, then how could I know? I trust you." Flashburn laughed.
"Oh, well oka..." Twilight was at this time interrupted by being hit by a sudden laser, to the face. "OW!"
"What's the meanin' a this?" Applejack yelled as she and Rainbowdash ran in between Flash and Twilight.
"Oh well, you see a changeling drops its guise if surprised by physical trauma so I had to lure her into a false sense of security then attack her to see if she was a changeling, on top of that I used a weak spell that is more powerful against changelings and other shape shifters so she should be fine." Flashburn explained. "Either that or she's a changeling in which case she'll be very injured."
"I don't buy it..." Rainbowdash growled.
"I'm okay girls, it's fine really, I'd have done the same thin..." Once more Twilight was interrupted but this time laser struck Flashburn in the face, not her. "Hmm, okay, you're not a changeling either, glad that's out of the way."
Auto flew towards them, "I saw two flashes of light, is everything okay down here? I don't think we're being followed."
"Everything's fine Cappin'! We just confirmed that we aren't changelings." Flashburn smiled. "Oh, everypony, this is Captain Auto Tomaton! He's my fearless leader. Also the only reason we are all standing here at this moment!"
"Nice to meet you, Captain. How are you doing? Can you wait to get back to Ponyville? I can't wait to get to Ponyville! Oh, I could give you a tour! We could go see SugerCube Corner, Sweet Apple Acres, The Bell Tower..." Pinkie went on, and on, and on, and... on. "and Town hall, and the Air Balloon port, and... well that's about it!"
"I'm sorry to have to inform you all of this but, the Elements have been stolen. We cannot return to Ponyville, we must go to Cantorlot at once." Auto informed them.
"What do you mean stolen!?" The all gasped.
"Well, some Freezers broke into your homes, wrecked the place, and made off with your elements!" Flashburn blurted.
"What about my animals?"
"What about the Cakes?"
"What about my Family?"
"What about Spike?"
"Tank can handle himself, I'm sure he's fine. My house is made of cloud it'll be easy to fix up."
"To the best of my knowledge Nopony was hurt." Auto assured them.
"Oh thank Celestia, how extensive were the damages?" Twilight asked.
"Well, Twilight you live in the library, a public building so it got fixed up, Applejack, your family cleaned your room, Pinkie, it honestly was cleaner after they trashed it, Rainbowdash, just some furniture and clouds, but Fluttershy... I'm sorry to say your cottage was frozen solid. It was still melting when we left and water damage will be horrendous I recommend hiring somepony to fix it while you stay at a friend's house." Auto recounted.
"You're always welcome in Sweet Apple Acres. We even have enough space for your animal friends." Applejack comforted Fluttershy.
"Thanks..." Fluttershy sighed. "Um, but, Auto... what about... Rarity?"
"Oh no... If you're the real ponies then that means... Rarity, Zecora and the rest of my team now have changelings amongst them! We need to intercept them!" Auto commanded.
***
"We have to hurry! I want to put as much distance between me and that place as possible!" Twilight commanded.
"It's strange, Twilight normally isn't like this..." Rarity whispered to Shadow. "I wonder what has her so frazzled... She hasn't even tried organizing her pack!"
"Hmm, do you know any spells of revealing? Or maybe a laser?" Shadow whispered back.
"Oh of course not dear, whatever would I use it for?" She whispered in return.
"I just wanted to know what we have at our disposal if we are attacked." Shadow lied.
"Sorry, but I'm not much for fighting, but if it comes down to it, I'll think of something." Rarity smiled.
Shadow stared at Twilight looking for anything out of the ordinary, some possible discrepancy but alas she couldn't find even one flaw that would even hint at her being a changeling... Well she was imprisoned for all that time... It would make sense if she was "frazzled" as Rarity pointed out. But the threat of her being a Changeling is too great to just be ignored, she would keep a close eye on all the others from now on.
***
Snowchaser gathered his cloak about him as the rain pelted down. "Leaving that nice cave was the worse decision I have ever made..." He grumbled in discontent. Why did it have to rain today, here of all places... but still he had to move onward. Bringing this element to her would certainly prove his loyalty and he would be accepted with open arms! That will show Absol... He'd have revenge on that backstabbing brute soon enough. Luckily he was only a few miles away. He saw a strange light pierce the cloud layer... It was bright red and it gave him sight on several flying individuals in Cantorlot Guards armor. "Maybe this storm is a boon in disguise... It may have just hidden me from discovery..." A thought rushed through his head. "I must be near the Cantorlot Caves! I'll take shelter there, for now at least." He felt the reassuring weight of the Element of Kindness in his pack and searched for the entrance.
***
"And you shall hold the Element of Laughter in your vault. Guard it with your lives as it is more important to victory then you can comprehend!" Absol growled at the leader of the final fortress of the North. "What soldiers are you dedicating to the Waxing of the Moon?"
"Squads 3 through 17 sir. Each number twenty soldiers. We are keeping Squads 1 and 2 to protect the elements and 18 through 20 so as to train them and reinforce when necessary." He responded quickly.
"Humph, The other Forts gave me more, but I guess I can't expect you to recruit or train as quickly this far from my Queen's influence can I?" Absol angrily asked.
"I'm sorry Sir, but we haven't had the provisions to tra..." It was at this time he promptly ended his excuse after receiving the mightiest glare accompanied by a similar punch.
"I don't want excuses, I want results. I'm taking Squad 18 as well now clean yourself up." Absol left the leader drifting in and out of consciousness. "Impudent fools, all of them."
***
"Auto... I think I see smoke over there... A campfire maybe? We should check it out!" Rainbowdash pointed out as they flew scouting the area about them.
"Maybe... we should inform the others before just running off to check it though." Auto replied as they flew back to the camp.
"All clear Cap?" Flashburn asked.
"We saw some smoke not even three miles from here, we think it may be the rest of our group." Auto answered.
"We need to check this out fast!" Rainbowdash blurted.
"Okie dokie Loki!" Pinkie yelled as she zoomed out of the camp toward the smoke.
"Oh no, if she get's seen by one of the changelings before she can explain herself to the others she could be in some serious trouble!" Twilight warned.
"I'm on it!" Rainbowdash called as she *cough* rainbowdashed *cough* after Pinkie.
"Oh great now two ponies have split from the rest of the party! Come on Y'all let's get after them!" Applejack said as the rest followed as quick as possible.
A few moments later Fluttershy walked out of the bushes. "Hello? Is Anypony there? Hello? What did I miss? I just saw a cutsie wutsie little squirrel that I had to go say hello to... Fluttershy you mess everything up... Well... All the branches are broken that way... maybe that's where they went?" She then slowly and cautiously followed down the path of destruction caused by her friends chasing down Pinkie.
***
Flashburn smelled a very familiar scent, old burnt wood. He also heard what sounded like Rainbowdash... "Soon we will be in Ponyville and then we will capture the Elements for the Queen..." he heard whispered. Hmmm he thought, That must be the changeling Rainbow... but where is the real one? Wow that burnt wood smells bad... it must have been soggy from the swamp water when they put it in... Where's the real Rainbowdash? He looked around, Oh I think I see some pink fur over by that tree... better check it out... OH SWEET CELESTIA WHERE DID THEY FIND THAT WOOD!? He stealthily approached the tree feeling more and more nervous. He peeked around the corner and saw Rainbowdash holding Pinkie's mouth shut.
"Remember to stay in character! That Shadow pony is suspicious already... If she overheard you blab something like that, we'd be done for..." Some changeling that sounded oddly like Applejack hissed. "We wouldn't want a repeat of the wedding now do we?"
"Shhhh! If we are overheard talking about not being overheard it will be just as suspicious." What sounded like Fluttershy whispered.
There was a rustling through the undergrowth and dense brambles as Anti-Freeze, James, Shadow, Rogue, and Zecora walked back into the camp. "We found better firewood... Oh, what were you discussing?" Shadow asked as one whom is suspicious does sound.
"Oh we were just wondering how everypony in Ponyville is doing..." CFluttershy lied.
"Everypony should be fine, last we heard Nopony even noticed the robberies until after the robbers left." James assured them.
"Robberies!?" CTwilight yelled in shock. "What robberies!?"
"Oh, yeah, we haven't told you yet... about that... as it would happen..." Rogue began.
"We were hoodwinked. Bamboozled if you will, a squad of Freezers made it through our lines and spirited away the elements of harmony." Anti put quite bluntly.
"So, the Elements aren't just waiting for us in our homes?" Rarity panicked, "Of all the worst possible things that could have happened this is the                    worst                possible THING!!!!"
"I have to say I agree with Rarity, how could you let this happen?" CFluttershy scolded them. Until she saw how confused Rarity looked. Pony... Feathers...
"Fluttershy darling, what's wrong?" Rarity comforted her, "Normally you'd just burst out in tears or not say anything, come now, if there is anything we learned from that thing with Photo Finish, it would be to be honest with each other. You can trust any of us, no matter how embarrassing you think it is. We will still be your friends."
"Well you see...!" A voice emanated from the woods.	
***
"That was exciting, but terrifying to say the least." Data Core whispered to Power Hacks.
Power Hacks looked around to assure they were alone before hissing back, "We were sworn to secrecy remember!"
"I know but still, I can't believe she was able to do that... And still basically destroy the throne room before finally relinquishing the amulet..." Data Core gossiped back.
"Data, what part of Sworn To Secrecy do you not understand? Keep the data in your core and stop risking our positions in the castle!" Power snapped.
"Fine... so, how long before she's well again do you think?"
"Oh, I don't know could be a week could be a month... wait, that is just close enough to what we were SWORN TO NOT SPEAK OF!!!"
"What were you sworn to not speak of?" Swift Code asked.
They both turned around and saw their co-worker coming out of the control room for the Device. "Nothing!" Power blurted.
"Oh well the Princess Mmmphfmmphf..." Data Core began before Power covered his mouth.
" Looks like you have a case of hoof and mouth, better be careful or you'll end up in the infirmary..." Power threatened.
"Okay, okay! Sheesh..."
***
"Robberies!?" CTwilight yelled in shock. "What robberies!?" Oh yeah they don't know about those... Flash contemplated.
"Oh, yeah, we haven't told you yet... about that... as it would happen..." Rogue began.
"We were hoodwinked. Bamboozled if you will, a squad of Freezers made it through our lines and spirited away the elements of harmony." Anti put quite bluntly. Smooth one Anti...
"So, the Elements aren't just waiting for us in our homes?" Rarity panicked, "Of all the worst possible things that could have happened this is the                    worst                possible THING!!!!" What about... actually yeah this is kinda bad...
"I have to say I agree with Rarity, how could you let this happen?" CFluttershy scolded them. Until she saw how confused Rarity looked. Oh you are in for it now Changeling! Flash cheered on the inside, Maybe they'll see through the disguise without our help!
"Fluttershy darling, what's wrong?" Rarity comforted her, "Normally you'd just burst out in tears or not say anything, come now, if there is anything we learned from that thing with Photo Finish, it would be to be honest with each other. You can trust any of us, no matter how embarrassing you think it is. We will still be your friends." OMC really? Really? I've spent only a few days with the real Fluttershy and she'd never say anything like that ever! That's it!
"Well you see...! She's a Changeling!" Flash yelled as he bolted from the trees and blasted CFluttershy with a fiery spell of revealing that stings Changelings especially.
The clearing filled with smoke. "What in the wide world of Equestria is going on!?" Rogue yelled as she very quickly cleared the smoke with her huge wings. Only to reveal Flash pinned on the ground by a Changeling mid transformation back into Fluttershy. "She's a Changeling!" Rogue yelled as she charged to help her friend. Suddenly she was on her back though, feeling quite winded, and getting more and more crabby.
"They all are! *ack*" Flash choked as CFluttershy pushed her hoof into his throat.
James and Shadow immediately drew their blades but were disarmed just as quickly when CAppleJack and CRainbowdash Magic charged them. Very quickly the fight turned on them until Captain Auto Tomaton flew in and knocked out CFluttershy and pushed her off from atop Flashburn. With Auto's leadership the battle was quickly resolved every pony receiving only light injuries and the Changelings all unconscious or tied up. "Well that's that." Flashburn coughed as the last Changeling was restrained. Quickly everypony caught up to them and order was once again restored. "Where's Shy?" He asked.
"She was right behind us..." Twilight sighed. "I'll find her."
"No, you need to get caught up on something's I assume, I'll do it. Flashburn you tell them before Anti does." Rogue flew high up in search of Fluttershy.
"I will, I saw you telling Rarity and that was a debacle." Flash laughed, "Ow... It only hurts when I laugh, Hahaha, ow... Okay well down to business. Twilight all of your homes were broken into and your elements of harmony were stolen by Freezers. Now before you panic, Nopony was hurt."
"Spike wasn't there was he?" She asked on the verge of panic.
"No, in fact I hadn't even seen him mentioned in any of the reports..." Auto answered when Flash was at a loss. "Where is he?"
"He must've not gotten back yet then..." She sighed in relief.
"Back from where?" Flash asked his curiosity perked at the mention of Dragons.
"Oh, well when we went to get the staff I needed somepony to deliver a package to my Mother and Father, and well to tell the truth, ever since I had a piano dropped on my head, I'd never trust a package that important to the regular mail service." Twilight explained. "He should be back there right about the time we get back if he took the route I now think he took."
"That's wonderful I've always wanted to see a real life Dragon up close and personal! Is it true that they eat gems?" Flash asked.
"Yes, but I think we need to focus on the missing elements." Twilight reminded him.
"Oh yeah... good call."
"I found Fluttershy!" Rogue called.
***
Hmm these caves are really nice... These gems must be worth a fortune. Snowchaser thought to himself as he made his way deeper into the caves. He noticed something odd... That's strange... it looks like somepony has been through here recently... There were tracks leading further into the cave, it looked like a semi well worn path but... who could be down here? He started sneaking around carefully nullifying any and all sound his hooves produces and utilizing as much cover as possible. Then he saw a light. "Scootaloo, why can't you just let bygones be bygones and come visit me in Manehatten? I haven't seen you since you abandoned the Cutie Mark Crusaders and left Ponyville!" A white mare with a purplish mane said to a very disgruntled Orange mare with a very purple mane. Assumedly "Scootaloo."
"How'd you even find me!?" This "Scootaloo" Shouted back.
"I got a letter from a friend of mine whom you forced to break into a vault telling me you'd be here."
"I don't even see why you came..."
"Scoot, we were best friends, the three of us... well and Babs too... We wanted to still be friends even though you hadn't gotten you cutie mark yet! I understand things got a little tense after Applebloom got hers but we worked through it. Please just give us another shot." Luckily their conversation had bought him enough time to slip past and through and open manhole into Cantorlot itself...

> Chapter 15: Chasing a Dream
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 15: Chasing A Dream
"So I says to her, there is no way that anypony would evah attack Equestria afta those Changeawhateva's attack failed. Nopony gonna do nothin'! There's no war in the North or anytin' like that." A very, very annoying voice could be heard just a few feet from where Snowchaser exited the manhole. "An you know what she says ta me? You know what she says ta me?"
"That would be why you're the one telling the story right?" A very, very annoyed voice replied.
"No need to get snippy! I come here for the converstin' not just cause I like your oats so much. I could go ova down the road, but nah I come here so yah gonna listen! She says ta me, But The PWINCESS says that's why the taxes went up! I'm all nah, nah they rose dem jusa keep us poorer Cantorlotions outta the big leagues. That's what their there fo'! She got so mad that she..." The voice droned on and on as Snow slipped past the shop toward an Inn.
It was a dark Inn despite the candles scattered about the tap room. Snowchaser hadn't had a cooked meal for weeks, only cold rations. He checked his pack, the few bits he lifted off that pony Fluttershy's house and that one weird cave in the Everfree Forest would be more than enough to feed him for a week or two, if he was smart with it that is. But he also needed a place to stay for the night, if he slept outside and a guard threw him in the jail, they'd find the Element... even if just some random thief found it he'd be doomed for sure. With all the money he had he'd only last a few days, no matter how smart he was. He sat at the bar next to a pony in a dark blue cloak. The barkeep trotted over to him after he finished discussing the weather with one of the other six ponies in the room. "Rather busy for this late isn't it?" Snow asked.
"Not anymore than usual I suppose, we often have late arrivals from all over Equestria... So what can I get you? A Room? A drink?" The pony offered.
"I'd like to get something to eat actually, long day on the road. A room too. How much would that be?"
"Well that depends some ponies out here only want the finest fair, they're only interested in cakes and the like. But, if you don't mind the cheap stuff, I could fill your belly for only six bits. The room would be twelve..."
Snow felt a weird tingling from his pack, he looked back... no pony was picking his pocket...	
"Actually, I've been rather busy so I'll make rent fine. You seem a tired and poor traveler, how about six bits? Half off."
Is he serious? Twelve bits is a steal as is! "Yes of course!" He stuttered, surprised by how nice he was being. The barkeep walked into the kitchen behind the bar and came back with a plate of food and a mug of cider.
"Normally this is the expensive stuff, but it's gonna go bad soon, so this ones on the house."
"Thank you!" He drank up. "So, what are your views on the war?" Snow asked.
"Oh, well... that. Nasty business war is. I'm just an innkeeper but there was a time I wanted to be a solider... Foolish stuff that. Before the Princesses showed up, legend says war was common. They taught us we can all get along under a steady hoof. But the wind speaks of another rising, and I'm afraid. I like what we have going, taxes are usually low, peace is kept, and at worst outside threats take over for a few hours. But those were always either individuals or different creatures... When a pony faces a changeling... it's simple I guess. They may look like somepony you love but, they are just love sucking bugs... When a pony faces a pony... it's complicated. It's nice to just imagine we can reason with them and all just be happy in our own little ways or if they won't listen blast them with the elements and when they realize what they've done they'll beg for forgiveness. But it can't be that simple. When Nightmare Moon came back from exile, she was nothing but hate... When she got hit that wasn't removed. She just saw what we saw. We saw what she had become and she agreed that it was wrong, that maybe night was just meant for sleep for many and play for few. But no matter how much she hated that fact, she realized that it wasn't Celestia's fault. She realized how much pain the Princess went through to banish her and she understood. But what if this new power doesn't? Or won't? What if when we make it understand why things must be what they are... will they even care? Will any of them care? Because if it can raise an army based off a belief... It may prove too strong for us to disprove. What then? We fight to preserve our way of life? But if we just defend ourselves, won't they just recoup and try again? How many times do they strike us before we strike back? War is so foolish... It's just many ponies trying to force the world to think the way they do. It is caused when ponies can't accept that there are others out there that disagree with what they do. And there are! I've disagreed many times with what Celestia has done. But I know that she knows more than I do, and I respect that. I've lived on this earth for over four-hundred moons and yet I still know that she has lived far longer. I respect her decisions and don't question them immediately. I lost my job in the mines when we tried once again to plunder the Cantorlot Caves. Because she banned it! I was so mad at her for the longest time but as  I grew older I saw what she saw. I sat atop this very roof and looked down at the city below. It was gorgeous until I saw it. A section is sinking. Right where we were mining! Soon after she had to send in engineers to fix it... It cost her more than all the gems we mined out will ever pay for. She paid for it all out of pocket too. Not one bit of the tax payer's money was used! She took her own Royal gems that she had collected over the years as she rose the sun, and paid for it. She paid my tab. War? War are those who were like me. Foolish, young, and stupid. How many ponies will die because they won't take the years to understand just how foolish this is? Too many. You've listened to an old innkeeper long enough, what's your opinion... sorry for rambling..."
"I wanted to fight to, but... I had a group of ponies with me one day. We were set out to retrieve these items, kind of a... treasure hunt... Anyways I do my part, I follow orders but the leader of the whole thing doesn't like me much and when I get stuck he left me behind. I've just been thinking of the best way to get back at him since, but now... I want it for different reasons... I guess wanting the right things, for the wrong reasons... is still a wrong thing." Snow thought aloud.
"I'll buy him another round..." The pony in the blue cloak coughed.
Snow turned to him in surprise, "Thank you." Snow's heart almost stopped. He realized... That was the first time I actually meant it...
***
"Th-th-the Elements... are missing?" Fluttershy panicked. "What are we going to do!? This is terrible!" She sobbed.
"We are going to bring you six to Princess Celestia and all will be well." Auto assured.
"Auto, once we get to Cantorlot, we will need to make a bit of a detour, I need to stop by my parents home. I need to pick something up." Twilight whispered.
"I know you understand just how important getting to Celestia is. Why do you need to make a delay such as that?" Auto inquired.
"Well, I just have too. I'd rather not say." Twilight explained. "But I assure you it is of the utmost importance."
"Fine, but we must hurry then! Cantorlot is a long ways away and not everypony can fly." Auto explained.
"Why can't we just take the Friendship Express in Pony Ville?" Rarity asked, "I've walked quite far already."
"Oh, well I guess none of you would know... After somepony thought it would be funny to put a fake cow made of straw and whipped cream on the tracks they've been under repair." Anti sighed.
"How'd that do so much damage to the train!?" Applejack asked in shock.
"Ah, well you see what they didn't realize is that trains can't really slow down so of course the train smacked right into it and got hay and whipped cream in all of its delicate instruments and now the train won't run. On top of that the section of track after the hit before the train could stop got destroyed when the metal struts used for legs got caught in the front of the train and got dragged through the wooden supports in the middle of the track." James explained in a very tired of the world voice. "Someponies..."
"Well girls it seems like we are gonna have to hoof it to Cantorlot! Let's go!" Rainbowdash yelled.
"Slow down! If we do not take time to gather supplies, your smile will turn into a frown! Unless you want to eat the grass by the side of the road... but Nopony wants to bear that load!" Zecora warned her.
***
"We have finished my Lady, the armies need your command to march." Absol bowed before her.
"Good, they have my blessings. First strike will be swift and sure, decisive and quick. They need to not know we have begun until after we are deep within their lines. You know what to do so do it. I will continue to gather from the well and when the Princesses come to do battle they shall meet their doom. Now go..." She watched him leave and right as the door closed behind him muttered. "Absol... I'm so sorry for what I've done to you..." She stared into the well, allowing it's power and corruption to seep deep within her.
***
Snowchaser was running... from what he did not know, all he knew is that if he stopped he'd be doomed. Over creek and brook, across field and plain he sprinted. He tripped upon a stone but could not get up. He looked at his hoof. It was caught in the stone... But it wasn't a stone... It was a necklace... He looked up and saw what he fled The Princesses stood behind a wall of soldiers that quickly surrounded him. "I came to you in good faith!" He yelled.
"You came as a spy! You brought a single element in order to get closer to us so you could report our plans to Evendra!" They yelled together.
The wall of swords and spears came closer and closer... "No... You have to listen! No! NOOOO!"
***
Snow woke up in a cold sweat. He spun about looking across the room in a panic... He was still in the Inn. It was still late. He laid back down and tried to fall back asleep. He laid there for hours pondering what he was about to do. What if his worst fear was realized? Would they really accept him? The questions were once again left unanswered as he fell back into a dream. He was in a dark field... the one from his last dream but there were no swords. No spears. Only the light of the moon and the babbling of a brook. He took this time to ponder aloud his queries... "I was their enemy... Why would they trust that I just up and had a change of heart? Why would they? They at best would think that I am only trying to save my own skin. They'd never let me help. But that doesn't matter. I have an element and it must be returned whether or not I'm allowed to stay. Even if I'm locked in a dungeon for a few years... Or forever." He thought of the barkeep, "Cantorlot will be the main target... he'd most likely be killed or hurt... At minimum everything he owns would be destroyed. I can't stand for that. Nopony has ever, ever been that kind to me before."
"It would seem you've made your decision." A voice sounded from above. "But do you really believe that after hearing that honesty and conviction that any would doubt you?"
"Who are you!? Where are you!?"
"Nopony lies intentionally while dreaming alone. Go to the them and you will be well received."
"Who are you!?"
"Come now you must know that anypony who genuinely needs help in Equestria and wants it can subconsciously call out to me in their dreams. As Princess of the Night it is my duty to visit those dreams and offer my wisdom."
"Luna?"
She appeared before him. "Yes, but remember dreams are short, we haven't much time. The final decision is yours. I do not know why you must do what you must do, or what it is, but I know you will never rest easy until you face your fear. Snowchaser is an interesting name, I don't think we've met... If you ever make it up to the castle just tell a guard "Nocte elegit me" and you will be granted swift access to me. The dream is breaking apart... I bid thee ado." She left and Snow woke up.
***
This is it. Snowchaser thought to himself. This moment would change his future forever. He approached the gate into the castle itself. It was truly beautiful. Two guards stood by the gate. Before they could speak Snow said, "Nocte elegit me." They nodded and the door opened. One went in and went towards the throne room.
A few minutes later the guard returned. "She will see you within the hour, until then please wait in the throne room."
"Thank you." Snow answered as he was led in. No turning back now.
The throne room was grand and decorated with tapestries and some glass memorials. He waited not even twenty minutes when a door was thrust open by a pony carrying some strange metallic apparatus. Covered with wires and buttons. They teetered from one side to the other before Snow galloped up and caught on side. "Oh thank you, thank you... Oh! You're new! I'm Swift Code, who are you?"
They carried the device over to a cart Snow had failed to notice by the wall and put it carefully there. "I'm Snowchaser, I'm here to see the Princess... Why are you here? You don't seem like a solider..."
A visual reaction to Snow's name shuddered through this pony's face, "H-how v-very astute of you. I-I'm Nopony really... I just keep things clean..." Swift Code slowly backed away until he bumped into Princess Luna. He spun about and whispered something to her hastily. Pony Feathers! How'd this pony know him? Snowchaser cursed in his head.
"Princess Luna? Nocte elegit me." Snow said with conviction.
"Snowchaser, why'd you come here? When I walked your dreams I thought you only a citizen of Equestria who'd stolen something from a store or something silly like that and you wanted to return it but were afraid. But, according to Swift here... You're a high ranking member of the Freezer military. Why did you come here?" She approached threateningly.
"The truth is... I don't know why... At first my motivation was clear but now... I was a part of the team that stole the Elements. I followed my orders but was abandoned because I threatened Absol's leadership... When I resolved to come here it was to get revenge on him for that. Now I'm not so sure, I met a bartender in the city and asked him his opinion on the war. He gave a meal a drink and a room for less than the meal had cost. He told me how foolish this war is. He made me see what I had been a part of and what I'd been apart from. I used to hate you, not because I disagreed with what you did. But because my parents hated you. And theirs before them. I guess I came for forgiveness and, to return that of which does not belong to me." He opened his saddle bag and left the Element of Kindness at the feet of the Princess. "Now that I have done that, I offer you my services and if you can't trust me then lock me up. I am now at peace."
"Pick that up," Luna commanded, "We have work to do. I have a squad I feel could use you, but until they arrive, I have paperwork that I need a hoof in filling out." Snow scrambled to obey; glad he wasn't clapped in irons.
***
"Okay so, let's go over this again. I need to focus more on the aura than the object?" Flash asked, dumbfounded.
"Of course, focusing on the object can cause damage to it, or in your case ignition. This is magic kindergarten stuff!" Twilight groaned, flabbergasted that such a talented unicorn could not know this.
"Hey, when I'm from we didn't even know you could focus on the aura!" He rebutted.
"Well where are you from then... wait, did you just say "WHEN" you're from?" She asked shocked.
"Well, yeah." Flash
"When were you born then? You don't look any older than I do."
"Thank you! I do look good for my age."
"Which is?"
"Well, I'm not sure, you see Discord was defeated almost immediately after the event but then Luna was banished sometime after that. If I knew how far apart those two events were I'd tell you outright but by my assumption, over one-thousand-one-hundred years from my first birthday." Flash smiled.
"No really, how old are you?" Twilight scoffed.
"I just told you." He assured her.
"But that's impossible!"
Auto interjected, "That's what I thought, but Discord backed up his story."
"How'd it happen?" She asked.
"Chaos magic, Twi, stinkin' Discord's chaos magic." Flash grumbled.

> Chapter 16: Alone
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 16: Alone
Spike walked into back into Ponyville after walking all the way to Cantorlot because his train hit a fake cow. The package wasn't too heavy though, Twilight must've gotten back by now. He walked into the library and called out, "Twilight I'm home!" There was no reply. Huh, maybe it took longer than she thought, or she's just out. He continued inside and decided to read his favorite book, How to bake with Gems for the Dragon in your life, he walked over by where it should have been. Something was wrong. He looked at all the books... They were all in the wrong places! What happened? There is no way Twilight has gotten home yet, she'd have organized it by now... Wait if she wasn't in here who was?
"Who?"	
Exactly... who could it be?
"Who?"
Yes that is the question.
"Who?"
"Oh, it's you Owlicous, thought I was thinking to myself for a second. Where's Twilight?"
"Who?"
"Twilight, you know, pretty purple princess of platonic relationships , good at magic... An Alicorn..."
"Who?"
"Okay then, do you know who reorganized the library?"
"Who?"
"Owlicous you are truly useless, you know that?"
"Who?"
"Gah!"
***
"I still think we should've continue straight to Cantorlot." Anti grumbled.
"Twilight says she "Needs  Spike" so we have to stop here, beside, now we get to try some of Applejack's Apples fresh from the tree." James told her. "Might as well enjoy the one day supply stop."
"I guess you're right, HEY SHADOW!!! WHAT'S FOR BREAKFAST TOMMOROW!?" Anti yelled across the trail to Shadow who was all the way in the back.
"OH IS IT MY TURN!? I THOUGHT IT WAS PINKIE'S!?" Shadow called back.
"WHAT!?" Pinkie yelled.
"IS IT YOUR TURN TO COOK BREAKFAST!?" Anti yelled.
"YES! WE ARE HAVING CUPCAKES!" She yelled back.
"Well that answers that." Shadow shrugged.
"No wait a second... WHAT KIND OF CUPCAKES!?" James yelled.
"VANILLA AND CHOCOLATE!!! I'M SO EXCITED!!!" Pinkie yelled back.
"FROM NOW ON IF YOU WANT TO TALK TO SOMEPONY WALK UP TO THEM FOR THE SAKE OF SANITY!!!" Twilight screamed.
Flash trotted up to them, "Don't mind Twilight, she's having difficulty coping."
"Coping with what?" Applejack, who was right next to James this whole time, asked.
"That I'm from over a thousand years in the past but was sent to this time by Discord when I was just a wee little colt."
"What in the hay? You're from the past?" She scoffed.
"Yeah, pretty much." Flash affirmed. James nodded as did Anti.
"It's not that hard to believe!" Pinkie appeared beside them.
"Oh my goodness!" Flash rapidly inhaled, "Pinkie... You snuck up on me. How long have you been there?"
"Few seconds." She giggled. They heard shouting ahead. "Oooooo we should be close to Ponyville!"
"What's all the shouting about?" James asked. The answer to the question became apparent when the source was discovered. A small Purple Green Dragon jumped on Twilight and wrapped her in a huge hug.
"Twilight! How'd the search for the Staff go?" Spike asked, his excitement beaming from his cheery face. Then he saw Captain Auto Tomaton, "Who's the Guard? One of Shining Armor's friends?"
"Greetings Spike, I am Captain Auto Tomaton. You haven't seen much of current events, have you?"
"Well, no... I've been on the road for a long while..."
"Oh my Celestia, Luna, Mi Amore Cadenza, Rogue, and Twilight Sparkle! IS THAT A DRAGON!?" Flash screamed as he bowled over Auto Tomaton to get a better look. "Another Master of the Flame! Just like me! I often felt an attunement to Dragons! Well, I've never met one... but still! How do you control your fire!? I have difficulty with mine... Oh this is so cool! I'm Flash!"
"This one reminds me of when I first met Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie... but kinda mixed..." Spike whispered to Twilight, who giggled at the comparison. "Hi I'm Spike! I never have had problems controlling my fire... it has always seemed natural to me..." Twilight coughed subtly, "Well okay maybe not... I did ruin a book once but that was because I sneezed! Wait... I thought Flash was a pegasus..."
Twilight blushed, "Different Flash..." She whispered.
"I've had the same problem! Only instead of a book... it was a hou... nevermind!" After a small awkward pause, "Okay, this is gonna bug me for some time if I don't ask... Where are your wings?"
"I can't believe you just asked that..." James groaned.
"We have more important things to discuss, Flash. Spike, have you heard of the rumors of War in the North?" He nodded, "They are not rumors, we are soon to be attacked and with Twilight and her friends busy beyond the Everfree Celestia commissioned me to allocate other talented individuals. Who you see around you are either already known to you, or those chosen by me and tested by Celestia. I shall introduce them." He pointed to each in turn. "Flashburn, an eccentric Unicorn who has incredible Pyromancy, Rogue, an Alicorn who was a recluse until I found her, she has mastered the nature of the Everfree and has the best aim with a bow I have ever seen, James, a ground pony of exceptional cunning, you may have seen a few wanted posters with one of his names on them, Shadowfax, a ground pony that has the quickest blade I have ever seen and a mind to match, Anti-Freeze, a ground pony and one of the Princesses intelligence officers, she has better knowledge of the enemy than anypony else and the training to infiltrate and monitor any enemy force, Last of all, there is I, a Pegasi, Captain Auto Tomaton of the Royal Cantorlot Guard, at your service. Now we must hurry to Cantorlot to inform Celestia of Twilight's escape and get orders."
"Wait... You want to walk all the way to Cantorlot to tell Celestia that and get orders?" Spike asked.
Auto replied, "Of course. I was told to rescue Twilight and return to Cantorlot for further instructions."
"You're not used to having a Dragon around are you?" Spike chuckled. "Write a letter and I'll send it, then she'll reply with new orders. We'll probably just zap them with the Elements of Harmony and leave. Where's Rarity?"
"Well we would... If we still had them..." Flash mumbled.
"Th-th-the Elemen... the Elemen... THE ELEMENTS ARE GONE!?" Spike guffawed.
"Yep." Pinkie chirped. Spike wobbled a bit, looked from pony to pony before finally his eyes glossed over and he fell unconscious.
Spike awoke to an angelic voice calling his name..."...ikey Wikey okay? He's been out for too long! He should get Nurse Redheart over here to check him out!" The sweet Rarity worriedly complained. He slowly opened his eyes and found himself back in the tree house in his own bed.
"He'll be fine, he was just shocked is all! He'll wake up in a few hours, or even minutes, and be embarrassed that he fainted in front of all of us!" Auto assured her.
Spike looked around the room without moving, and that guard was right! He felt terrible because he fainted, but not because it was in front of them! What does Rarity think? He pondered.
"Is somepony watching me? I feel like I'm being watched. More than usual that is. Somepony is watching me I know it!" Flash twitched. "Who's watching me!? Is it you!?"
"What are you talking about, Flash?" Rogue asked, nervous now herself. "Surely you're mistaken!"
At this Pinkies left forehoof began to wobble and her right third eyelash made a small curl. "No, no! He's right! Somepony is watching us!" Pinkie panicked. "Oh, it's Spike!" The eyelash remained curled and her left forehoof kept wobbling, unbeknownst to her, or any in her company as they are busy with Spike.
"Spikey Wikey! You're okay! Thank Celestia!"
"And Luna, Mi Amore Cadenza, Rogue, as well as Twilight... there are more than one Alicorn Princess you know..." Flashburn whispered under his breath.
Rogue heard this and pulled him aside and whispered. "Shh, it is a common expression caused by mine and Luna's absence, you aren't one of those New Lunar Republic wakos are you Flashburn? Who think Luna should have divided the kingdom during the resulting crisis's after Discord was removed from power? I understand it would have prevented a lot of heartache but you must realize how much weaker the resulting kingdoms would be."
"What? New Lunar... I'm from over a thousand years ago I hope you realize! Besides, I just think that ponies need to remember that other Princesses exist is all. New Lunar Republic," Flashburn scoffed, "That sounds like a load of garbage! Luna may be a tad bit more rash than her level headed sister, but come on. Seriously?"
"Do you not recall when she, as Nightmare Moon, tried such a thing?"
"Say what now?"
"You cannot honestly have not heard about that!"
"I've lived the majority of my life on a boat in agony at the fact that everypony I have ever known has died, literally running from the past, and you are surprised I wasn't caught up in current events!? Literally one week before my recruitment I found out that Luna was banished! I had no idea why!"
"Seriously Flash, you confuse me. You can know so much random knowledge about so many things, yet know next to nothing about common knowledge." Rogue shook her head in bewilderment.
Pinkie appeared from nowhere, "Wait! How old were you on the boat!?"
"Gah!!!!" Flash screamed in shock as a burst of flame shot from his horn striking a chandelier lighting each and every candle. "Pinkie, please promise me you'll avoid doing that in the future."
"I promise not to sneak up on you. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!" She Pinkie Promised.
"To answer your question I was no older than a colt, the memories are kinda blurred... I don't even remember my birthday." Flash shrugged.
"You don't remember your own birthday!?" Pinkie gasped. "When do you party!?"
"Well, I used to have a teleported into the future party, but Nopony usually knew what to do at them, so I kinda stopped."
"That sounds terrible! Alone on a boat barely tolerated and unable to celebrate even the smallest thing while being crushed on the inside by an intangible guilt that Nopony around you could ever comprehend? On top of that, the age of a colt." Pinkie frowned.
Flash frowned as well, "I guess that's why I'm so happy all the time. I know it can't get any worse." He slowly walked out the door.
Pinkies hair seemed slightly flatter when Twilight, who had heard the whole thing patted her on the shoulder. "He seemed so happy, until now." Pinkie sniffled.
"That's because he is either stronger than we can understand, or on the verge of insanity. Unfortunately I think there isn't much hope for the former. Being raised in that environment? Let alone with what else he lived through." Twilight sighed. "The best we can do for him is help him find a new home in this time. Cheer up Pinkie, things may seem dark now but, we are all together. And as I said when we entered the maze with Discord, "Together, we are unstoppable!" It's still true you know." Slowly Pinkie's eyelash uncurled and her left forehoof became still.
***
"I... I never knew that others could know what it feels like to be utterly alone." Luna cried as she viewed the monitor before her. Data Core tried to move the Satellite toward the next target as Luna contemplated this new information. A thousand years in exile and all I did was grow angrier. He lives in exile every day and yet faces the world fresh with hope... How foolish I was. I'm glad one so driven is with us.
***
The Element of Magic's crackling energy slowly ceased as Evendra closed the viewing portal. "I never knew that another could understand what being truly alone could mean. He is strong, I'd be glad to have one so driven with us, make it so Absol. Do not fail me in this. Using the Element of Magic I shall grant unto you the powers of the Changelings. Win him over and bring him here and you shall be forgiven for your oversight with the Element of Kindness."
"Yes, Nightwarden." Absol stepped forward into the swirling light as his pelt grew darker, his skin crawled as it moved to form holes in his arms and legs. The excess flesh became wings and a horn. A thirst grew in him. I thirst for love. "Thank you, Nightwarden." Absol hissed as he exited the chamber morphing to assume his old appearance. He leaned heavily against the wall by the now shut door. "You were never alone Eve..." He sobbed. "Why will you never notice all I have done for you?" He straightened himself and wiped away his tears. He hardened his exterior as he readied to brave his own troops. He walked forward. Now not only my strength is an illusion, but my entire being. Eve, when this is finally over... can we be a family again? Or will it be too late?

> Chapter 17: Luna's Orders
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 17: Luna's Orders
It was a calm, quite day. The northern villagers were just waking up and going about their daily chores. None amongst them noticed anything out of the ordinary except that a seemingly random influx of guards have brought a ton of business and they prospered because of it. Parents walked their fillies and colts to the school at the top of the hill. A small colt was amongst them, his name was Dusk Fall. He clutched tight to his favorite toy as his mother and father led him to his very first day. He didn't have his cutie mark yet and school frightened him. His mother assured him everything was going to be alright and that almost everypony had gone to school around his age. He hoped he would make friends. He was a bit of a shut in, preferring the company of books and he preferred the calm night to the busy day. He assumed his cutiemark would have something to do with keeping the streets clear and safe at night, like his father, Quite Knight or maybe something in the library like his mother, Pagedrop. He wondered if somehow he could do both. As the doors to the school house closed he looked out to see a final glimpse of his parents smiling faces as they waved at him. He held his Starswirl the Bearded limited edition plushy he bought from a traveling salespony close to his heart as the teacher introduced first himself and the other students.
***
Data Core sprinted towards Luna's study only to find that she wasn't there. He spun about and ran to the throne room and saw her sleeping atop a pile of papers awaiting her approval. "Princess! I have urgent news!"
"Mmph... How did Celestia do it *yawn* I can barely handle even my half of the paperwork and she would do it all alone? What is it Power hacks? Wait... no... your Data Code right?" She yawned.
"Not important! Princess, they have struck! Several Northern Villages have fallen!"
"WHAT!? NO! What do I do? I don't know what to do... I must ask her." Luna resolved. She flew toward the Solar Tower, where Celestia made her home. She landed and walked in. She shuddered when she saw the state of the room. Burn marks covered the roof and all the furniture, well, the furniture that was still intact. She shook her head and ventured down the stairs. It was dark, even for her as the winding staircase reached the landing of the Solar Sanctum. She unlocked the magically sealed door and went in. It had been a long time since she last entered here, Her Sanctum had been kept clean for a thousand years but Celestia had taken those years to decorate hers. A shelf stocked with Celestia's favorite books lined an entire wall. Everywhere the walls were plastered with pictures of her friends, currant and old. There was a great bed at the back wall, golden in color and the headrest had the photo's or paintings of all of her students. Including the ever changing picture. It was ever changing because every student Celestia had ever taught was featured and thus it needed reworking every century or so. It was odd to see how many lives she changed while Luna has gone. How many disasters she faced and would have faced alone were it not for those individuals. The bed glowed with a slightly golden red hue. Slowly the red would disappear and Celestia would regain her strength, normally the corruption of the Alicorn Amulet took a long time to take hold and is completely removed by simply removing the amulet, but there was a reason it was called the "Alicorn" Amulet. In them, the corruption was swift and lingered. Removing it took all the will Celestia could muster and left her in a coma. Luna hoped now she was awake enough to speak and offer council. Luna approached the bed she noticed a letter next to the bed but paid it no heed, "Sister? Are you awake? I need you now more than ever..." No answer came forthwith as Luna noticed upon closer inspection. "Celest... I promised I would never do this, but I need council. It was at this point Luna entered the dreams of her Sister, breaking her first oath.
***
Flashburn let out a huge sigh of relief when finally they marched through the gates of Cantorlot. "It is good to be back! Say Spike, where's that donut shop at?"
"Shouldn't we see the Princess as soon as possible?" Rainbowdash shamed him.
"Well... yeah... but, Auto and Twilight are really the only ones who need to hear all the orders... I'm sure they'll tell us where we're going! If it's anything like normal then we will be traveling for at least a couple a' weeks." Flash tried to convince her.
"What if it is something super-duper important and we delay it because they need to search for us?" Rainbowdash asked in a rather aggressive manner.
After a few seconds of think Flash replied, "Your logic is irrefutable! Let's hurry!" The ran through the streets until they reached the gate of the actual castle.
"HALT! Just where do you suppose you're going? The castle has been closed to visitors until further notice! Oh, and yes that includes the gardens." A very stressed out looking Pegaguard glared at them. That was, until he spotted -> PRINCESS <- Twilight Sparkle. "My apologies your highness and retinue, I knew not you were coming, please... wait in the throne room, Luna is unavailable at the moment but when she is finished in the tower she will be glad to see you I'm sure!"
This irked Twilight Sparkle in a weird way, in but a few moments she went from excited to see her teacher to incredibly nervous. "Why would we see Luna? It's the middle of the day, Celestia should be awake and Luna asleep. Why is Luna awake?"
"I'm sorry, I have not a true answer... but none have seen Celestia for several weeks since the outburst and Luna has been facilitating control over day and night. To the best of my knowledge she sleeps maybe two hours a night and her days and nights are filled with paperwork, strategizing and other duties. So none have asked her as she hasn't the time to answer. We do know that certain members of the castle staff have sworn an oath of secrecy over something though..." The guard responded.
"What, "Outburst"?" Twilight inquired, on the edge of panic.
"Well, I was on garden patrol one day when there was a great flash of light and great explosions were heard. I thought I heard a voice cackling the cruelest and most evil things I can imagine before it was silenced and a great white orb, that looked much like the moon exited the throne room with Luna behind it. The orb went up into the tower and the explosions resumed, but from the tower. Several blasts of light seared across the sky from its entry but those too ceased. With time."
"Thank you Sir, you have been very helpful, now could you try to bring Luna here?"
"Your will be done, Highness." He bowed before flying off.
***
Luna was above a dark castle... she recognized it, it was their old castle. In what is now the Everfree Forest... What could Celestia be dreaming of? Luna could recognize a nightmare. This was one. Lightning shined and she heard a voice... I voice all too familiar... one she used for far too long. "The Spark didn't work! The Elements are destroyed! Now Night will reign eternal!" Luna flew down and looked in from a window. She saw Twilight and her friends vainly trying to stop her, Nightmare Moon, and she looked to where she knew Celestia was imprisoned by chains of darkness, in her eyes such terror and sadness that took the heart of Her.
She could hear Celestia's thoughts as if they were screamed aloud. "No! Luna, it does not have to be this way! You can come back! You can restore balance!"
Nightmare Moon became bored with the struggles of Twilight, "What? Am I not royal enough for you? Be gone foal!" The Nightmare became shadow and surrounded them. When she reformed, they were gone.
"NO! LUNA!"
"It is clear those here will never bow to me willingly. Perhaps those in Saddlearabia? You may have your precious kingdom back Celestia. Come searching for me and more than just your pathetic sentimental allies will die."
"Luna..."
Luna had seen enough, she moved in and destroyed the nightmare, Nightmare. Standing in its place she called out. "Celestia!" The chains faded away into nothingness. She could feel the dream begin to falter, "It is nothing more than a dream."
"If this is a dream then so are you, Luna swore never to enter my dreams." Celestia sobbed. Tears streaming down her face.
Luna was dying on the inside, she had made her own sister's worst fear come true, "The need is dire, you will not awake and I need your council. The Northern villages have fallen, What do I do!?"
"Sombra's blade must be remade." Celestia fought through her tears. "If the Elements cannot be found the Sword of Sacrifice may be our only hope."
"But that artifact can do naught but evil! You saw what it did to his people!"
"Did it? His kingdom's primary defense was the Crystal Heart which when powered by love, joy, love, hope, love, and LOVE creates a barrier of LOVE that keeps danger away. His people were attacked by the Changelings! Their Crystal Heart only fed the Changelings more! If Shining Armor's shield ran off of love longer than just to repel them for an instant they would have broken through ten times as quickly and have been twice as powerful! Back in those days the Changelings were at the peak of their power and numbered tenfold. Sombra sacrificed his place in history and the happiness of his people to weaken and hide from the changelings, if not for that the Changelings would've devoured his people and from them, gained the power to take the world. Through him, we survived  and the Changelings almost starved. This action twisted him in the end. He went mad and his blade was broken. That, dear sister is where we came in. Now tell me, removing all love is evil and that is the sacrifice the sword made, but was it truly evil? The sword only takes what you give it freely. The wielder is all that matters."
"Time is running short... I have one more question. A Freezer came to me with the Element of Kindness asking for forgiveness and I accepted him into our ranks. Should I send him with Auto to fight in the North or keep him close in my gaze? Lest he betray us?" It was at this point the dream collapses began to repel Luna.
"I think that Auto can handl..." And the dream collapsed.
***
Twilight turned around to see a mixed group of reactions from her "retinue" ranging from panic to worry to joy. "What do you think that outburst thing was?" Auto asked Twilight.
"I think I know!" Flash blurted. "I used to have them all the time! Things typically go like that when somepony tries a spell too out of their league or when having more power than they can control or even begin to understand! I didn't get to see Luna last time I was here! Obviously Celestia tried to summon something very powerful but it was too much for her to control and she failed. I'm glad we decided not to wait for a response to our letter!"
"That's not very likely." Twilight scoffed. "I've failed plenty of spells before and at worst a single laser flies of in a random direction."
"Oh but it does! Think about it! What spell did you fail?" Flash inquired.
"An age spell, only castable by the highest level of Unicorn." She said, still doubting.
"Oh, very powerful, unheard of in my time, but think about it. Your special talent is magic and that gives you an advantage, but you can't be older than early twenties." Flash continued.
"Never guess a mare's age Flash..." James face hoofed.
"Now Celestia has been around for thousands of years. One scoffs to think of a spell difficult enough for her to fail. Or the ramifications of the failure. Besides if she almost succeeded a summoning spell but failed at the very end, a different, unintended creature may arrive for a few seconds. Hence the cackling at the beginning but not in the end. Either that or the guard was just too far away to hear it anymore... but that's my theory. Do any of you have a better one?" They all looked about at each other and shrugged. "So, until we have an answer, let's act as if that is true but keep looking for things to disprove it! Like a scientist!" It was at this time some secretary pony ran through the room with a stack of papers floating in front of him... He was bluish and had a snowflake for his cutiemark... Flash had seen it before but he didn't remember where... Anti-Freeze did though.
"YOU!" She yelled as she drew her blade and charged him.
It was at this time Flash remembered as well. "THAT SON OF A MULE!" Flash turned, "No offence."
"None taken." The mule carrying burnt bedding to be thrown out. Flash spun about and sprinted after Anti.
She had slid into a wall because of the now ice covered floor and dropped her dagger which upon clattering to the ground became stuck fast as it too was covered in ice. Flash used the now much less dangerous, thanks to Twilight's tutoring, teleport spell to get in front of the knave that froze him and Anti solid. "Nowhere to run. Now drop the paper and I swear to Celestia, Luna, Mi Amore Cadenza, Twilight Sparkle and Rogue, if your horn starts to glow even the slightest bit I will give you a serious burn!"
The knave dropped the papers as the rest of the group slid in and began to speak, "Allow me to explain myself."
A voice came from behind Flash, but he didn't turn as he had learned not to be distracted when you're the only one with a weapon trained on a pony like that one. "You don't need to explain yourself, Snow, We, err, I will." That sounded like Luna! Maybe it was just the use of the royal "We" that he was used to but confound it all, that sounded like the Luna he saw a thousand years ago! A bit older though... He wanted to turn around to see but none of the others turned to watch the treacherous pony in front of him so he couldn't. "Snow is my version, of you Flash. A mage of great power, here to aid us. To aid you and Auto and your friends, lower your horn. We have much work to do.
"I just have one thing to say." Flash growled.
"What?" Snow asked timidly.
"Sorry for calling you a son of a mule!" Flash broke into a smile and brohoofed him. "No offence." Flash looked around, "Where'd he go?" They looked around for the mule but he was nowhere to be seen.
***
A mule sitting atop a pile of burnt bed sheets shoveled down ice cream as he sobbed, "I say none taken when really it hurts me deep inside! I didn't choose this!"
***
"Wait so you're actually just going to trust me? Just like that? After what I did and where I came from?" Snow was truly perplexed.
"Well, that's just me..." Flash sighed, "They may take some time, but the way I look at it is, we all have come from terrible situations before this! I won't gossip about the others, but when I was recruited I had twelve active warrants ranging from petty to major arson. Not my fault by the way, I lost control. Before that though I burned down my entire village and was sent spiraling into this time by Discord as a foal." Flash squeed leaned forward and smiled.
"How much of that is true?" Snow asked skeptically.
"All of it, trust us. Discord himself confirmed it." Auto sighed, "Even though it makes next to no sense. Now that we are all acquainted, Princess, how is he your version of Flash?"
Princess Luna cleared her voice and after several seconds spoke only the truth, "I thought of that on the spot. You see Celestia had you recruit him, a pyromancer. Sun, Fire, get it? Well then I recruited him, Moon, Ice, see? And with Celestia's blessing he will be journeying with one of you when you sneak into Freezer territory to steal back the Elements. Oh by the way your mission is to divide into groups of two and sneak into the forts and bring the elements back. Now you may be counting your numbers right now, fourteen divided by two equals seven. Funny how there are five elements huh to take huh? Well three of you must stay behind to guard the Northern Villages that have yet to fall and reclaim those that have. Flash you must stay."
Flash's world collapsed in on itself. Left... Left behind? Again? To face wave on wave of Freezers!? "Bu-bu-but WHY!?"
"Evendra has recruited Windigos, creatures of hate and cold that I feel you can best repel, what with your, excuse me, blind optimism and fire magic." Luna explained.
"Nononononononononono... I do not want to be left behind again! Not after last time! Who knows what will happen!" Flash panicked.
Luna leaned over to Auto and whispered, "What's he talking about?"
Auto hastily whispered back, "He got dragged into the Everfree by a giant spider, we assumed him dead and so continued our journey."
"Yikes. Drama bomb." Luna straightened herself, "Worry not Flash, two others will accompany you. I thought Twilight and Rogue would be the best choices as both are excellent strategists and skilled in combat, also they are both Alicorns and thus could never hide in the Freezer ranks.
Flash sat down and stared at a wall, then in a monotone voice replied, "Yes, I guess this is the wisest course of action."
"Now I have decided the most logical teams would consist of..." Luna went on as a shadow slipped from the windowsill into the gardens below.
***
Absol smirked and thought, If this Flashburn is left behind my mission will be both easier and more difficult. I need only observe a bit more, from the way he acted around the others he seems to trust that Pegasus Guard completely... I can use that. Absol looked closely at the Pegasus, analyzing every feature and movement so as to better disguise himself. Flash will be mine Sister, he... will... be... mine...
***
Shining Armor looked at his Crystal Guard with pride, any of them would gladly give their life for the Empire. "You are all volunteers and so I give you this final chance to back out, but before you make the decision remember what Equestria did for us! They may not have called for aid yet but we will come to it none the less. Several Northern Villages have fallen already and if we stand idly by, more are sure to follow. Evandra made a mistake by attacking Equestria with us at her next door! Now those who do not wish to stay exit and the rest stallion up and follow me! FOR THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE!" He then turned and led those who were following toward the first target, a small fort still under Equestrian control that was about to be struck by the Freezer's vanguard.
***
"Sir!" A wildly distressed scout ran up to the Sapphire Mountain Fort Captain of Operations and yelled, "Evandra intends to strike here next with over a hundred soldiers!"
"Celestia save us..." The Captain knew that his squad numbering only thirty-five had no hope of survival but he knew his duty. "Ready the defenses! We fight. The longer we hold the longer the Princesses have!"
"Aye, Captain..."

> Chapter 18: War Rises
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 18: War Rises
Shining Armor learned something that day. Crystal Ponies do not bleed, they crack. They Shatter. None of his training could prepare him for the horrors of war. He'd been in battles before, he had even faced Sombra one on one. But never was blood drawn, never were bones broken... Never had he heard the sounds or smelled the smells of War. His spear, soaked in the blood of his enemies did little to comfort him. When they had arrived the Fort was already under siege but with his help the Freezers were driven back. Little did he notice the devastation until he looked back. When he did he wanted nothing more than to turn forward, to find some excuse that would lead him and the survivors away. But he knew he could not. Wounded needed treatment, corpses needed burying, friends... needed mourning. As he walked around the battlefield the blood, the fires, the terror, it all gripped him at once. This was his doing. His "Victory." Sure the Freezers would have attacked either way, but... He brought the Crystal Soldiers here. His own little Crystal Guard. He had trained them well and they fought furiously, not one retreated. Not one gave ground. Not one gave quarter. What were they fighting for? Their lands were safe and, in the foreseeable future would remain so. He looked at the shattered remains of a young colt. "Did I bring you here?" He mused aloud. "Did you come simply because I called for you? Because of my speech?" He shook the thoughts out of his head. "Survivors report!" He called out into the haze. A few scattered replies penetrated the gloom. "Those who can, search for wounded and bring them to the Infirmary! If you are wounded, Freezer or not, and can call out do so! We will treat you the same as one of our own! You will likely need medical attention!" Was he right to do so? Offer medical attention to the enemy? What would Twilight do? He thought for a moment. He knew that he had to help them. Peace and harmony could only be achieved by helping one another.
A voice at his hoof coughed up at him, "As... As... if you'd really treat us as one of your own!" It spat at him. He looked down and saw a Freezer with a stab wound through the chest. A young Pegasi that glared at him. "Th... This is war! You'll do what we were ordered to do... You'll either kill me immediately or kill me while interrogating me! Well... Do what you will!" Shining Armor kneeled down to check the wound. It wasn't fatal but if left unattended much longer it would be. He wrapped the wound and carried her to the Infirmary. "What are you *cough* DOING!"
"You are wounded. I'm taking you to the Infirmary." The adrenaline was wearing off... He was becoming giddy to be alive. "Medic! We have a wounded mare over here that needs a more practiced hoof!"
A medic ran up then slowed when he saw who the injured one was. "Sir, it may have escaped your notice, but that's a Freezer."
"I noticed, now please take her... I'm feeling rather faint and she is getting heavier." When the medic did not move, Shining order barked. "Move! We have other wounded that will need your attention so the sooner you're done here the better! That's an order!"
"Oh yeah? From who?" The medic rebutted.
"High General of the Crystal Empire, former Captain of the Guard in Cantorlot, and brother to the Princess Twilight Sparkle! Now Go! Help her!"
"But she's the Enemy!"
"And you were her enemy! She was only following orders! If you will break your Hippocratic oath, then find me a Doctor who won't!"
"I'll treat her, but know this... She will get what's coming to her, even if not at my hooves."
Shining Armor laid her down on a mat. "I've looked over the wound, I know it isn't fatal. If she dies, I'll have you Court Marshaled for murder." He swayed to the left and caught himself on a rock.
"Sir!?" The medic yelled. "Get help! I can't leave her under his orders but he nee..." And Shining Armor blacked out.
***
His head hurt. It really, really hurt. His eyes were closed. What was going on? He decided to try to open his eyes but right as they were about to part he felt a terrible pain and so he shut them once more. What happened... He remembered running... and fighting... and... a mare... Suddenly he remembered all that had happened and his eyes shot open. He was in a bed... He tried leaning up but he was restrained. "Hhh... Hhh... Hello?" He called out weakly, his very voice paining him. He heard a rather large commotion outside as shadows darted around the light from under the door.
"He's awake!" A muffled voice called out, "Bring me some water! And some food! What do you mean what kind of food!? Soft food you idiot! Like applesauce!" The voice grew louder as it approached the door. The door opened, and in front of him stood a mare in Equestrian military uniform. "Hello General, I am now the commanding officer here, you suffered a head wound in the battle, what do you remember?"
"Too much... I remember the carnage... The blood... The screams... The surviving Freezers! What happened to them!?"
"Well, thanks to your troops and your orders, around three received treatment but alas, only one survived. A mare pegasus who's convinced we'll kill her through interrogation."
"I'd like to see her if I can."
"Sir, I'm sorry to say this, but you are too wounded to do anything even close to that stressful for at least a few days."
"And during those days? What will happen to her?"
"We'll keep her in a cell, feed her, and give her water. Until you are well enough to deal with her. We are lucky any survived, Freezers usually fight to the death... I guess now we know why. They have convinced their troops we are the same monsters they are. To think they actually believe we'd torture them."
"Why is that so strange to you? We believe they'd torture us. Is that any different?"
"I guess not. Well, I have work to do and you need your rest, I'll come back later with a full casualty report."
"Thank you, miss..?"
"Lieutenant Quicken Bolt, your food will be in here shortly. Goodbye." She exited.
***
Flashburn trudged next to a distraught Twilight who would not stop her worried chatter about Celestia and the Elements, "Oh, but what if they can't get one!? Or they can't get it in time!? What if Celestia doesn't get better!?" Flash had, had enough.
He spun about, venom in his voice, "Well, then all this mindless prater wouldn't change a thing now would it!? Now for the love of all that is Harmonious! Shut. Up. About. That. Which. We. All. Are. Worried. It changes nothing! We need only to act! I trust my friends completely! It's yours who worry me."
"You do realize I'm a Princess right? What do you mean my friends worry you?!" Twilight snapped back.
Flashburn was seething in annoyed anger, "Oh! Where do I begin? How about with Rainbow? She's so headstrong her Element may actually hinder her! What if she must betray us to complete the mission!? Oh then there's honest Applejack! Yeah, Honesty! Great thing for a spy to have, huh?! Rarity... Actually she might do really well..." After a short pause, "Fluttershy! She won't be able to pass as a bloodthirsty Freezer! My only worry with Pinkie is that she blows her cover with some stupid joke. Not one of my friends have these problems! They can lie well, they can act bloodthirsty, they can stay in character! They will do what's necessary to complete the mission!"
Twilight was taken aback by his logic... Her friends were not warriors, or spies, or even had the slightest training. Anger boiled up in her until her genius mind came up with the most hurtful rebuttal imaginable, "Like how Auto found it necessary to leave you to the Spider!?" All anger drained from Flashes face in an instant and instead filled with sorrow, and deep in his eyes... she saw fear. Pure, raw, un-tempered fear.
"You're right." He turned back around and hid in his hat. Looking down he noticed something. "I neemaobblr..." He mumbled.
"What?" Rogue asked, extremely worried for the normally cheery Flash.
He looked up to her as a child to a mother, asking for their security blanket, "I need a cobbler." He begged.
"Where is the nearest town, Twilight?" Rogue asked.
"According to the map it's called "Marenville" why?" She asked.
"Let's hope they have what we need."
***	
"YES THE BOOTS HAVE TO BE NEON GREEN! Fireproof is optional, BUT THEY MUST BE NEON GREEN!" Flash told the cobbler for the fifth time.
"But that's so out of style... so out, I don't think it's ever been in to tell the truth." The cobbler Tapadillo, complained.
"Please... I NEED them. I don't care what's in style or not. Just... please."
"Alright, I'll have to make them from scratch, It'll take two days."
Twilight turned to Rogue, "We don't have two days!"
"I got this!" Spike quipped cheerily. "Excuse me, but do you have a bottle we can borrow?"
"Um... sure? Here you go." She handed him and old gray empty bottle with a cork.
Spike spat fire into the bottle and sealed it. "When those boots are done open the bottle pointed at them! We'll get them, and pay in advance..." He looked at the surprised expressions around him and responded, "What? You guys really have to get used to the fact I'm a dragon who can send small inanimate objects through space with my fire breath."
Twilight shook her head and sighed, "But Spike, you've only ever sent letters before!"
"Fine, we can test it out!" He looked around a found a pair-pair of dirty boots with holes in them, waiting for the cobbler to mend them. He opened the bottle which released the magical fire unto the shoes, which disappeared. Then Spike belched and low and behold, four clean holey boots fell to the ground at his feet. "Huh, I guess it cleans them... Well, we learn something new every day don't we?" He refilled the bottle and they returned to the path towards the base.
***
Auto looked at those around him, soon they would be divided, each group going to separate fortresses. The six groups were as follows, Alpha squad, designation name "Defense" consisted of Flash, Twilight Sparkle, and Rogue. They were going a different way and were already split from the party. Bronco squad's name was "Magic" and it consisted of Himself, Wildpaw, and Snow. They needed the top operatives and Snow could get them in smoothly. Colt squad's name was "Loyalty" It contained Rainbowdash and James. Delta squad was called "Laughter" It held Pinkamena Diane Pie as well as Shadowfax. Echo was named "Honesty" and it consisted of Applejack and Fluttershy, they were the closest to the border so help could be sent if either Fluttershy got too intimidated and revealed herself or if Applejack couldn't keep a secret. The Final group was squad Foaltrot, It would be the furthest in and thusly was given over to Anti-Freeze and Rarity, it's designation, "Generosity." Each group had the bearer of the Element it was meant to capture, except "Magic" as Twilight could not even get close to the capital and "Defense" as they weren't after an element. As he gazed he wondered, What if one should fail? What then? Even one missing Element completely negated their powers. Are we doing the right thing? What alternatives are there? He knew not one.
***
Twilight, Spike, Rogue and Flash arrived at the forward garrison, here the Windigos had begun their icy attacks. The ground was slick with ice and ahead they heard the howling gale while feeling the biting wind. That was not all they heard, but also, fighting. "We need to hurry!" Twilight yelled over the wind at them.
"You two fly there now! Take Spikey! They need your help right now! I'll make it on hoof!" Flash told them, "Go! Your magic and bow can turn the tide of a battle! If you wait for me or carry me, you may be too slow! I'll start countering the Windigos from here! Now go!" When it looked like Rogue and Twilight were going to disagree, he yelled louder, "I'll be safe, but every second you delay our armies are dying! GO!" Rogue nodded at Twilight and off they flew with Spike, now Flash was once more, truly alone. Or so he thought...
***
Twilight had never actually fought another pony before, sure she had read several books on the subject, from self defense help guides, to Sun Tshooves "Art of Combat on a Mass Scale". But nothing prepared her for this, she thought she was prepared for any test, but no, she was not prepared for this. The Equestrian military was better trained but at a huge disadvantage due to the ice, where as the Freezers grew up and lived on it their whole lives. Blood slickened the already slick ice. A pony would fall and in only a matter of seconds be coated in a frozen tomb. Twilight blasted with her weapon of choice, consciousness nullification ray, she had made a few alterations to the spell so now it would be more aptly named the Life nullification ray, but as the now red rays blasted from her horn and the screams of both joy from the Equestrian armies at seeing two Princesses join them in battle and of terror from the Freezers who saw the tide turn on them. Slowly even the weather turned on them as the ice melted, the gales ceased, and the clouds evaporated. Twilight looked back and saw a red glow from behind the hill and knew that Flash was playing his part well. "Push them back! Get them off the walls!" As the ice ramps leading up to the walls began to melt and their reinforcements were cut off, the Freezers began leaping off the walls to retreat. Hoping the ice would still hold their weight and hadn't melted too far down. Twilight turned and saw Rogue in action. Here hooves were a blur as she used both magic and her hooves to pull out and shoot arrows at incredible speeds each striking with deadly accuracy... It was terrifying. Twilight used her magic to replicate one of her brother's spells. It created a wall that blocked enemy arrows but not her allies. The Freezers were in full rout and the battle was won.
Rogue landed on the rampart and called out, "We need to find all of those who are wounded and get them to medical care as soon as possible!"
A resounding "Yes My lady!" Followed from the soldiers as they scrambled about the battlefield hoping against hope all their friends had survived.
***
Several hours later Rogue and Twilight stood next to each other doing their best to help their patients. "Stay with me sergeant Meadowlark!" Rogue screamed as she pressed a bandage into the wound on the frail pegasus. "Meadowlark! Stay awake!" The blood welled up as Meadowlark lost consciousness. "No! You stay with me!" The bleeding stopped. Rogue listened for a heartbeat. Bump... Bump... Bump... She was still alive!
Twilight looked at her own patient, a unicorn that as of yet had no identification. The wounds were fatal and his heartbeat had just faded away. "He didn't make it..." A thought bashed its way into her head as a chilly breeze streamed in, "He didn't make it! Have you seen Flash yet?"
"No, I haven't... He probably is helping with other patients..." Rogue sighed. She looked around, "Looks like we are out of patients... I'm sure more will be brought in soon... Let's take this opportunity to rest." She laid back on an empty cot and closed her eyes. Not sleeping but simply seeking respite from the horrors she had seen that day. It was short lived though as at that moment two ponies bearing a stretcher bursted in, followed by a Stallion covered in bandages.
"We have another wounded!" He yelled. "I seek audience with one of the Alicorns. I am the commanding officer here!"
"Twi, you talk to him, I'm no good with ponies... I'll handle the wounded one." Rogue beseeched the Princess.
"All right, Hello! I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle, I've been sent by Princess Luna with two others to aid in your defense." She curtsied.
"Well excuse me, Princess!" He sarcastically grimaced when one of his bandages tightened. "But as long as I am here I expect my orders to be followed! I will not bow down to some random Pony Princess who's playing at War Commander! I'm here to keep my troops safe and if for even a second I see you trying to disobey my orders and thusly risk the lives of your fellows, I will have you court marshaled! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR!?" He screamed.
"Crystal Sir, I only seek to aid you." The more than slightly intimidated Twilight squeaked.
"You will start by telling me all the assets in our arsenal! The Elements, The Staff of Starswirl, anything! You also said there were two others. I need to know all personnel in this fight so I can identify spies... Well? Give me answers!" He roared.
"We have no objects of power with us! Once they are located and recovered they will be brought for our defense, but as of yet, we have access to none. The two that came with me are named Rogue, and Flashburn. Rogue is over there with the patient, Flashburn was the one that pushed back the storm. I have yet to see him since the battle..." Twilight answered, slightly more confident.
"I need a description so we can send out a search party to check the field, the morgue, and the infirmary. If he was uninjured, he'd have been detained by now and I haven't heard anything." The Commanding Officer answered slightly saddened.
"He is a purple Unicorn stallion, a bit darker in color than me, with a brown mane. His cutiemark looks like two fiery lightning bolts that form a "V", and he wears a neon green cloak and a blue stereotypical sorcerer's hat. Also, he is wearing three boots of the same color of the cloak. He... is slightly off... peculiar one might say. Discord sent him into this time period from over a thousand years in the past. He is incredibly powerful and should be treated with respect. If he snaps... I don't know what will happen."
"So let me get this straight... We are have a barely sane time traveling mage who controls immense power that could do incredible, unfathomable damage... and we lost him!?" The Commander was furious. "Now he is a threat! What might set him off? What makes him... Emotional?"
"I have observed that after he was forced to abandon his people... He fears abandonment more than anything else in the world... even death." Twilight murmured.
"Oh that's just great! The one thing that makes the Psycho more emotional is abandonment and YOU LOST HIM!? FROM HIS POINT OF VIEW HE MUST'VE BEEN ABANDONED!" He took a moment to collect himself. "You are tired..." He sighed, clearly exhausted from his wounds and situation. "Once you are done here go to the keep, I'll have a room prepared. Sleep and in the morning we will strategize. If you need me sooner, then ask for Commander... You know what? Just ask for the Commander. Soldiers die so often I'd hate for you to get attached to a name." And he left, without a word.
"Rogue," Twilight began to cry, "We have to find him."
***
Flashburn whistled to himself as he started his fire. A sad tune from back home, in his own time. The fire started he began to pitch his tent. He thought about all that had happened... He and the Princesses had gone in to save the defense and the rest of his friends journeyed North to spy on the Freezers... Yet, the battle was lost! The Keep fell, his friends got captured! Now he had only one goal. Travel north and save his friends. He turned and smiled and the battered and bruised, yet alive form of his friend who told him his new orders. "Come on, it's almost time for breakfast! You gotta wake up, Cap! Now do want extra oats in your pancake?"
The captain slowly got up and smiled back at Flash with a few broken teeth. "Sssure..."

> Chapter 19: Shadowy Fury Pink Cotton Candy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 19:Shadowy Fury Pink Cotton Candy
"Are you excited? Cause I'm excited! I've never been so excited! Well, maybe except for the time Twilight came into town and I went Huaaaaaaaaah! Oh and this time when Celestia came to Ponyville but was replaced with Nightmare Moon... Honestly what could top that!?" Pinkie blabbered.
"Pinkamena Diane Pie!" Shadow scolder her, "This is serious! We are only a few miles from a Freezer recruitment center!"
"Oh I know! I'm just excited to get my Element back!"
"And you will, but remember not to mention that once we are in, now... do you have the disguise kits?" Shadow asked.
"Right herey werey!" Pinkie pulled a couple boxes out of her pack and handed one to Shadow. "I'm ready for this you know... Many people doubt me because of how I act... they think I can't take things seriously but trust me... I know the difference. I make light of things to brighten everyponies day! After all, if you can face a problem with a smile, why face it with a frown?"
"I know, but we need to look angry. Angry enough to volunteer to go to war." Shadow reminded her. "Now, let's cover up your cutiemark okay?" Shadow grabbed some pink water-proof makeup and smeared it over until the three balloons disappeared. "Now, what was your cover name again?"
"It was Cotton Candace right?" Pinkie err Cotton asked.
"Yes, and it is of utmost importance you remember that. While I put a fake cutiemark on you need to brush out your mane with the hair dye brush." Shadow began drawing the picture of a cotton candy to replace "Cotton's" now missing cutiemark.
"Oaky Dokey Loki!" She hummed as she brushed her mane into a straight dull brown. Shadow got back up. "Alright, time for me to disguise your cutiemark, Fury Swipes teehee." Pink... Cotton giggled.
"Yeah..." She took out her brush and changed her mane to a fiery red. It was a far cry from her usual white so it would disguise her quite well. She thought it was all that was necessary but Auto had been insistent about how she needed to change her mane's style. That's when she got an idea. Quickly she brushed her mane in a way she had always wanted to try but couldn't because she had to look presentable.
"Alrighty Aphrodite! Your cutiemark is now a different sword!" Pinkie looked up and saw Fury's mane. "Bwahahahaha! A Mohawk! That's priceless! You have to see yourself! Look there's a frozen pond over there go take a look!"
Fury trotted over to the pond and saw herself... She did look funny. Actually the red mane was quite flattering, as it went really well with her white coat... Then she really noticed something. She just looked funny. She looked over at Cotton. "Cotton?"
Cotton answered in a scraggly voice, "Yeh?"
"I can still tell who we are. The disguises will fail." A thought brushed up against her mind. A terrible idea. A wonderfully terrible idea. It would work. "I know what we must do." Every Freezer they had passed had been battered and bruised. How'd they expect to fit in unharmed? She drew her blade.
"F-F-Fury? Sh... Fury what are you doing?" Cotton asked, her voice edging into fear.
"Every Freezer we've seen had been covered in injuries, we must look the same." At the end of her sentence she bashed the hilt into her left eye. Then she smashed her cheek. She sliced her forehoof and winced. She looked back into the water and the eyes that stared back into hers seemed foreign. "Cotton... Either our back story needs a change... or you need to do this yourself."
***
"Halt!" A guard yelled at a nameless fortress as Fury Swipes and Cotton Candy approached. "State your business!"
"Cotton Candace, daughter of the former CEO of the Cotton industry in Equestria. This is my bodyguard, Fury Swipes. Where I go, she goes. We are here to take up arms against the Princess Celestia who's unjust taxes caused my father to be banished for smuggling!" Cotton called out in her prepared Manehatten accent. "It took a lot of effort to get across the border! I hope this is a recruitment center?"
The guard grinned, "That it is little Filly, but have you even seen battle?"
"I have not, but I know armies require more than that. I am an excellent cook who will give our troops the food to have the energy to fight but, Fury here has successfully slain a patrol of six Equestrian armed forces soldiers single hoofedly. As I said, it took a lot of effort to get across the border." Cotton grinned back.
"The fort here has a few openings, but to prove yourself you must have that little punk fight me. If I win, you both die. If I die, you both get hunted down and killed. If you disarm or render me unconscious then you both will gain entrance." He frowned as he drew his jagged blade.
Fury drew her blade and slowly they circled each other. She had a bad feeling about this. He lunged forward and Fury swiped her slender blade into his sword hoof and his blade clattered to the ground. "Oh, you think your good then Missy? Well let's see you handle this!" He drew two hidden daggers and leapt at her. Fury had fought this in training a thousand times, some inexperienced dualist pulling two blades to try to out maneuver her quick rapier. She simply deflected one, caught the his other hoof with hers and head-butted him in the snout. He went back reeling from the blow. Blood spurting from his now broken muzzle.
"Why you little ****! You broke my sleeting nose!" He charged her with blood streaming down his face. She simply drew her own parrying dagger and spread his defenses and bashed his forehead with the hits of her blades. Thud, thud, thud. And he fell to the ground his blades skittering away. His hoof went into a small pouch and he pulled out a hand crossbow, "Take this you foal!" As he pulled the trigger Fury threw her dagger into the weapon and it fired too far to left.
Fury heard a squeak to her left but refused to drop her gaze from this tenacious opponent. She leapt up and using her momentum cracked her hilt against his head. He was knocked out cold. Finally Fury turned around to see where the bolt had landed and was put into a terror when she saw Pinkie on the ground. "Pi... COTTON!" She dashed over to her side and saw tears streaming down cottons face as she held her left shoulder.
"I... I'm fine... It didn't hit anything important..." The pain caused Cotton to vomit.
"We need to get that bolt out now." Fury said calmly. "Look at me, not the bolt." Slowly Fury moved her hoof toward the wound. "Just keep looking at me no matter what." She grabbed the bolt in her teeth and Cotton winced in pain. "There is just no way around it, it has to come out. Look into my eyes." Fury grabbed a stick. "Bite into this." Cotton nodded as she stared into Fury's eyes. She bit into the stick. "Like a sticky bandage." Fury quickly yanked the bolt out. Luckily it wasn't barbed. Cotton bite the stick in half and went strangely pale and limp, but still awake and alive.
"Ugh... Behimdu!" Cotton weakly yelled.
Fury knew what this meant immediately and spun about blade in hoof. She was looking directly at three Freezers holding full size crossbows. Her blade clattered to the icy floor. "Welcome to the Freezers, Fury Swipes and Cotton Candace." One said smoothly.
***
"Welcome to Fort Cold Breeze. You two are the only new initiates we've had in over a month. You, Cadet Fury Swipes, will be taking the wall shifts at night until you've earned a bit more respect. You, Cotton Candace, you will be preparing the meals of breakfast and desert, as well as rations. Cadet, you will report to Captain Corad and you Cotton will report to head Chef Gruel. Know that even though it seems we don't do much more than train, we serve an incredibly important function. That will be all. Report to your stations tomorrow after you have rested." The Captain of the Fort, known as Captain McGore briefed them. He smiled at them as they left.
They walked together, Cotton leaning on Fury's side to avoid putting pressure on her wound, in silence. As they opened the door to the barracks a bucket of water dumped onto Fury's head.
"Bwahahahahaha! Oh wow! I can't believe we got you with that one!" A pony watching from a bunk laughed at them. Cotton started weakly giggling as well. Slowly the entire room was laughing including Fury. None harder than the pony in the bunk. "Oh, that was a good one! I'm called Swifty! I'm the Head Vault Guard! I spend most my time down there but I'm sure we can hang more later!"
The door slammed open. "SILENCE! YOU NEED TO SLEEP SO YOU'LL HAVE ENERGY FOR LAPS TOMMOROW! In fact, I think you just earned a few more!" A Pony in armor with authority yelled at them.
They all went quite after that, and stayed that way for the rest of the night. When morning came Cotton was among the last to wake up where as Fury was the very first. Cotton looked at Fury and spoke in a pained tone, "My shoulder really hurts..."
Fury sighed, "Wounds often do that Milady. If we are to be tolerated here, I fear you may have to deal with many more." Fury turned to find a soldier looking at her. "What do you want?"
"I thought I'd show you the way to training, seeing as it's your first day is all." He shrugged. Your friend Cotton will have an easy time finding the kitchen, but finding the guard station can be tricky."
"Thanks. I will attend to you later, mistress." Fury bowed then followed the Freezer out of the room. Cotton was alone in the barracks so decided rather than risk being late she'd try to find the kitchen! She wandered about until she found a staircase. She immediately pulled out her black jump suit and night vision goggles.
"Ooo night visiony..." Then jumped up to the roof and hid in the shadows. She creeped along the ceiling using sticky footpads, Silent Sticky Foot Pads! Until she reached the base of the stairs. She saw a pony patrolling in front of a heavy metal door... It was Swifty! A few other ponies were with him... This must be where her Element is stored! She counted the guards... about six or seven... She slunk back up the stairs and stowed away her gear. She had to find the kitchen quick so her absence wouldn't be noticed! She started wandering around trying to find the kitchen, when she smelled what she thought was food! Her stomach growled... I'm so hungry... She wandered about until she saw the double doors leading into them. She had first day jitters but she was excited that she had already found the Vault! Sha... err... Fury will be so proud! She walked into the kitchen... it was... filthy! Several pots and pans were sitting about the kitchen with crusted gruel moldering away on them... "Eww..." Cotton couldn't help but say aloud.
A heavily masculine female voice, obviously from Scoatsland responded with a gruff, "Ah so ye foind da perty don'tchya? Wheel ya say, Oi've been 'ere meself fer months! Feeding an army boy yerself taint easy! Oi 'aven't 'ad toime ta clean et meself! An then ye came along! Guess wut yell be doin'!"
Cotton tried to think of a clever response but then realized that may not be the best idea... "I'm here to do all that you wish of me, no job is too small or too big for Cotton to handle." She indicated her wound, "But your door guard did shoot me, so don't expect the big jobs to be done to quickly and I may need help lifting some things."
The voice was soon given a face as a warty old green mare with a four leaf clover sticking out of a pot as a cutiemark exited a back room. She laughed, "Alrighty then Missy! Dishes untell there done, an' when yur done wit that, we'll see. Maybe I ken make somin a little tastier for them soldiers,  'eh?"
"I'm on it, Chef!"
"Names Clover dear. Clover Gruel."
"I'm on it, Chef Clover Dear Clover Gruel!" They both laughed as Cotton stared at the work she had ahead. It was a nightmare...
***
Fury sat at attention as her designated personal trainer explained the complexities of standing on a wall at night. He just went on and on, "... and should you ever get too tired and you feel like you're going to fall asleep, wave your hoof over the fire, if it hurts for a second, you'll wake up! If it doesn't, well, then report immediately to your shift Captain as you may have developed Hypothermia..." and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on... "I think that's about it really... Well, now that that's done, it's time for the best part of the day! Combat training! Now be warned Master Nicked Blade will try to break you early, he'll just keep throwing ponies at you until you lose so it's best to lose early."
"Thanks for the advice, but I will give it my all no matter how difficult." Fury affirmed.
"Alright but I warned you." He shrugged as he lead her towards a circular tent structure in the keeps central plaza. "Alright I'll let the Master know we have a new recruit. He'll be excited!" Her trainer bolted off giggling. Fury had a bad feeling about this.
"Fury Swipes!!!" A voice yelled from within the tent. She trotted in quickly. A pony in a black tunic with metal studs stared at her, assessing her physical qualities. Analyzing her strengths and weaknesses. "You are new blood, and as new blood you are yet untested. We will temper you. As a blade. In the process of forging an unrefined lump of metal is first put under extreme heat, to make it malleable. That was the door guard. Then once it has been removed, it is beaten into the shape of a sword. That is where I come in. Enter the center ring. Now." She complied and entered a ring in the center of the tent. "Leave your weapons outside. And take instead this. It is enchanted so as to not kill, injure yes, but not kill." He handed her a blade similar to hers. She looked around, new blade in hoof. A single Freezer entered the ring, a similar blade in his hoof. "May the games, begin."
Fury dove onto the sand floor and quickly jabbed up into her opponents chest before he could even react. He fell to the ground moaning and was dragged out by to other Freezers who then, took his place. Two were more difficult than one. Especially seeing as how she caught the first off guard with her aggressive attack. She needed to be more defensive this time. She waited for one of them to make a mistake. It was inevitable. One went high, the other low, she merely side-stepped to the right and rapped her blade upon the hoof of the one on the right. Who immediately collapsed in pain. Now facing only one she was able to push him back until she came upon a blade that fell from one of her opponents. Now, wielding two blades she easily disarmed and took out her opponent. They too, were dragged away, this time, by three. They entered the ring to replace their fellows. They circled around and despite her best efforts managed to surround her. This was going to end quickly, either for them, or her. She feinted a lapse of concentration and the opponent behind her jumped on it as did the one to her left. she deflected ones blade high and the others blade into the other. One opponent down, she kicked the surprised Freezer in the leg and tapped his head with her blade. It was at this point she felt an incredibly sharp pain in her back. She felt a blade there. She spun around and brought her blade down across the face of her attacker, who fell onto the ground. She stood there in agony as the others were dragged away.
"Impressive..." She thought she heard the master mumble. "Most fall from a single touch."
Four Freezers entered the arena and this time she would not be so easily flanked. At this point, the blades were scattered about the floor and Fury remembered James's and Anti's knife throwing competition... She threw her blade straight and true and down went a target. The other flew less true and was deflected. But provided her the time to scoop up two more swords. She charged the most isolated one and beat at his defenses before kicking sand up into his eyes and spinning around to face the now too close two Freezers. They swung simultaneously and her right arm blocked, but her left hoof slipped and was disarmed. As she felt the blade touch her face she fell to the ground, but as she did, she took out one more target with a sneak attack before losing her grip on reality.
***
Cotton was exhausted by the time she was allowed to return to her bunk. She looked over towards Fury's and saw her staring at the ceiling. Cotton got a spurt of energy at seeing her friend and whispered, "Hey, you found anything?"
Fury slowly moved her head to look at Cotton, "I learned that I need to work on my left hoof grip. What about you?"
"I found the vault where the Element is stored."
Fury yawned, "That's great... I'm sorry Cotton, but I'm really tired, I need to sleep now."
"I understand completely. I need to catch some Z's myself." She yawned and they both fell asleep.
***
Their routine continued thusly for several days until Fury got promoted to a vault guard, in the exact words of the Master, "Only the best of our fighters are allowed to guard the Vault. It is a shame to lose you in training, but there is nothing I can teach you, in fact, if you started a fencing school, I'd enroll!" News flooded in from all over the lands of Evandra, some good, most bad. Word was that Cantorlot itself had fallen! They also heard rumors that a new power had joined the Freezer army and had led to the razing of entire towns... They also heard the one of the forts had a break in, and something valuable had been stolen, but they knew not what. In response to one vault falling, the guards on theirs doubled in size.
Cotton sat down at the lunch table, the Chef had taken over today's lunch in place of Cotton doing Dinner the next three nights. "Soooo... Fury..." She whispered to her friend who sat at the small two pony table with her, Did you get the shift change you wanted?"
"Yes, I am on the day shift, the very smallest. Only about six guards excluding me. They shouldn't be a problem, they are all fools. Actually that was the argument that got me the job... do you have our escape ready?"
"Yes, I made sure that the repairs to the drainage system under the oven won't be done for another few days so there still is that hole to the cave system, and as long as we go left, left, right, left, right, right, forward, forward, forward, left, right, forward, left, we'll get out before the next vault shift even wakes up. So, when do we do it?"
"Tonight is the only night we can Candy..."
"Alright, see you in a fews Zeus." And Cotton finished her gruel and trotted back to work.
"See ya then Cott..." Fury sighed... If this was to all go to plan accordingly they needed to take out the guards quietly and quickly... Six guards... Could they do it? No sense worrying about it, it's gonna happen soon anyway... She thought to herself. She looked around the crowded mess hall at all the laughing Ponies... She didn't notice it at first but even she was having difficulty not laughing at some of the dumb joke... Which was strange... Especially for her... Being around soldiers typically reminder her of her brother... Why was she so ready to laugh?
***
"It's been a little to quite over there, don't you think?" Fury pointed out to her fellow vault guards, usually you could hear the snores from the nearby barracks where the night guard slept but today Cotton had stuffed blankets under all the doors to stop noise. "Why don't one of you come with me to check it out?"
"I'm kinda bored... I'll go." A Freezer hopped up and followed Fury into the dark hallway.
They passed a door and the Freezer noticed one of the blankets. Fury quickly quipped, "You go on ahead I'll clear this... But keep an ear out, this may be a prank but it may be an attack..." She drew her sword. "Go on... I got this." He turned to look at the next door. He heard a soft squelching noise and saw a peculiar sight... A red metal stick poked out from his nose... He tried to breathe, but couldn't draw breathe. He tried to scream but no sound came out. He closed his eyes to blink... and they never opened again.
Fury walked back towards the entrance of the hallway. "Hey, can we get one more? A doors jammed and we need somepony to keep watch while we force it open."
"Fine..." A slightly agitated Freezer got up and trotted into the trap. He trotted in and saw the figure on the ground. "Come on man, get up we have to open that door." It was strange... He wasn't moving... Unfortunately he never did find out why his friend wasn't moving.
Fury wiped her blade on one of their cloaks and sheathed it before trotting back in. "It was just a prank, those two are clearing it now." She looked for the blade they had pre set for one of the Freezers to carry. "Dude... what's with your sword?"
The Freezer sighed and laughed a bit. "Somepony thought it'd be funny to swap out my sword for a wooden one, unfortunately the armory shut down before I realized."
Fury laughed, "Well is it at least sharp?"
"Nope, blunt as your jokes I'm afraid." He laughed.
"Oh ha ha," Fury shot back, "Well, we can't have you running around with a blunt blade, come on I'll show you how to get an extra fine point." She drew two daggers. "I'll sharpen one side while you sharpen the other." She walked over to where he sat next to his friend. "The trick is to lunge with both blades at the same time." She whispered as she quickly thrusted the blades in their throats. The other two would have raised alarm if Cotton hadn't dropped from the ceiling at that moment with two daggers of her own and ended them as well. Fury quickly grabbed the two keys and opened the vault. She galloped in and searched through stacks of paper and gold. "WHERE IS IT!?" Fury panicked.
"We can drop the accents now," Pinkie giggled. "I feel something..." Pinkie bounced over towards a chest. It was locked. "Bring me that guards axe." Shadow slipped outside and hoofed it to Pinkie. "Thanks..." Pinkie hacked the lock off and opened the chest. There, in a sea of packing peanuts laid the Element of Laughter. "We have it... Let's go!"
They stealthily ran through the keep towards the kitchen and there, as was planned, was their exit. The both slid through the drain that Pinkie had uncovered early during her dinner shift and fell into the caves, they ran going left, left, right, left, right, right, forward, forward, forward, left, right, forward, left and saw the skies through the cave entrance. Shadow looked at Pinkie, "Are you ready? We will have to run far to get to the boat Celestia sent."
"You know I am." Pinkie nodded. "I'm just glad to have this back!" She giggled. "They'll assume we chose to run south, it's a good thing the river is to the east hmm?" They galloped the rest of the night until the saw a black ship with around forty Cantorlot soldiers aboard sitting upon a silver slash across the land.
Fury and Pinkie turned to each other. "We made it!" They said simultaneously. They ran aboard the ship and sailed for Equestria.

> Chapter 20(% cooler): Sonic. Rain. Bloom?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 20(%cooler): Sonic. Rain. Bloom?
"Soooo, you're a thief right?" Rainbowdash asked James as they made their way North.
"Not just any thief, I was the ruthless leader of the Everfree Raiders! I had the longest record of remaining on the Cantorlot Guard's Most Wanted List the longest! In fact, I'd still be there if it weren't for Flash." James answered.
"Hmph, you must hate him for that." Rainbow stated.
"You know, I did at first. Now I realize what I was, and what I can become. If it weren't for his blind luck I'd still be in the Forest... I'd have simply kept going until I either died or got caught... Now because of him I can be something greater... It's strange... How having something you loved taken from you can end up make you stronger. Happier you know?"
"I think your right. I was once offered a chance at joining a flight team called the Shadowbolts but my friends needed me... If I hadn't had them... I can only imagine what it would be like now." Rainbow thought aloud.
"Oh, I'll spell it out for you. It would have resulted in eternal night followed by eternal chaos followed by eternal misery once Sombra took over the Empire... Oh yeah and Cantorlot would have become a loveless wasteland."
"Imagine what the world would be like if it weren't for your friends... We'd still be locked in the Changeling Prison!"
"Ha Ha! I guess you're right!" They entered a canyon. "Alright this is the checkpoint. Time to disguise ourselves. Who were you supposed to be again?"
"Over Compensatia I think. Who are you?"
"I wrote it down somewhere..." James rooted around his bag until he found a piece of paper. "Ah, I am Bill. Wait... Bill!? What am I supposed to be? A disgruntled tax collector?"
"I guess you went from one thief to another," Rainbow guffawed, "Only this time, you're on the other side of the law!"
"Oh ha ha! You know, you could actually change your name to Over Compensatia and it would be totally believable!" James shot back.
Rainbow laughed hysterically, "Oh ho ho that was a good one! Now come on let's get all done up. My mane will be pink and my coat green... well... I guess I had to compensate for something... and you will be... cyan... wait a second... I'm cyan!"
"Not anymore! You're green!" James laughed.
"Fine..." They began disguising each other. Over's cutiemark became a really cool chariot and Bills became a knapsack full of gold. "This... Isn't right... my hair is so... Boring! One color sucks!"
"Yeah, yeah... Cyan is just such an obtrusive color! How am I supposed to sneak around like this!?"
"Hey............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Cyan..............................is......................................................................................at least 23.46589% cooler than GREEN!" Rainbowdash declared. "And so it shall be, now and forever."
"So what you're saying is... I'm cooler right now?" Bill grinned evilly.
"Oh, shut up." Over angrily huffed.
***
They approached the fort at dawn the next day, it looked quite intimidating. Black spires loomed above a steely portcullis. Four guards stood at rigid attention, not a muscle moving. They approached the gates and, as one, the guards moved forward and surrounded them spears held high pointed inwards. They spoke up as one, "State your business." It was strangely harmonic.
"I am here to serve," Bill bowed, "An enemy of Celestia is an ally of mine. I offer my blade in the fight to liberate Equestria from the tyrant sisters."
Over stood tall, "I wish to prove myself to my family and my peers. I am no coward. May my spear be yours."
They spoke once again in sync, "The test must be passed. Follow Thibbles to the Commandant's chamber, where the test shall be administered." One turned upon his heels and briskly marched through the portcullis as it rose. Both Over and Bill rushed through as it slammed close behind him.
"This way and hurry, he does not wish to be kept waiting. He is expecting you." Thibbles informed them in a monotone voice as he briskly sped through a maze of halls. Over and Bill glanced at each other in disbelief, How could he possibly already be expecting them? They've been here for little over a minute! Their guide, Thibbles, stopped immediately in front of a heavy wooden door. Without turning he informed them, "Through this door." Then immediately sped back from whence he came.
They looked at each other for reassurance. Then nodded at each other for good luck and entered together. The room was dark and lit with only a single candle in the center of the room. It was a study of some sort, book shelves lined the walls and an obscenely old Purple Unicorn sat in a high back chair. He sat there staring at them as they entered. He clutched his cane as he began to speak... "So, you are here at last, James. You know cyan really doesn't fit you."
James drew his dagger and leapt towards the old stallion who drew forth a blade from his cane and parried the thrust. "How do you know who I am!?"
Screw it, their cover is blown, Rainbow shut the door and spoke coldly, "Better answer him old man." She readied her spear for a charge.
He laughed, "I think the more accurate question would be, how do you not recognize me? Alas, for I cannot tell you. Now this though, without my aid, you shall fail to reclaim the Element or defeat the Freezers. Even with my word of approval you will be discovered in only a few days. There is something you must know of the Elements. They are damaged... They are leaking influence. The ponies here are intensely loyal, no matter what you try, without me you will not even be able to find the vault without arousing incredible suspicion! Now if you don't mind. Drop, your, dagger." James found him oddly familiar... he trusted him for some strange reason. He dropped his dagger. The older gent replaced his sword into his cane. "Well, that was the hard part wasn't it? Now we haven't much time. I'm gonna create a distraction, wear these badges and follow this map it'll take you to the vault. Oh, and I put the keys to the vault under a conspicuous welcome mat right next to it. Now hurry! Oh and be careful above the la..."
"Wait... what's your distraction gonna be?" Rainbowdash interrupted.
"Let's see, we have me, the Commandant, an old frail stallion, in a room with only one entrance, with highly flammable dry books and single candle, in a fort filled with insanely loyal ponies... Accidents happen, they'll have to save me. Now go!"
Rainbowdash and James glanced at each other once again in disbelief. They spun about and sprinted into the hallway map held by Rainbow with her wings so she could lead the way. A magical alarm went off and doors burst open. Screams of "Fire!" and "Check the Commandant!" could be heard all over. They reached a metal vault, which was guarded by four heavily armored Freezers. Upon seeing the two run at them they readied themselves. Until they saw the badges, they called out to them. "The fire is truly bad enough to warrant movement of the Element?"
Bill quickly explained in a condescending tone, "Of course! Why else would we be here! Now you are needed to fight the fires! Go!" The freezers ran off as Over unlocked the vault. And jumped inside.
"I found it!" She called out as smoke began to flow into the vault chamber. "We have to dash!" They sprinted down the hallways and corridors until they reached a courtyard, "We can get out now!" Rainbow flew up and out.
"Ponyfeathers! You forgot me!" He yelled at her as he scrambled up to the roof. He looked east to west, north to south but she was already gone. "Greeeeeeat...." He heard a large exposion from above and saw a great green circle spread across the sky, slowly it turned into a rainbow as a green streak flew towards Bill. "What in the Name of Sweet Celestia is that!?" It quickly changed in color and he was struck by it. He looked at what was holding him as he was swept off his feet at hyper sonic speeds. "Rainbow!?"
"It's a sonic, Rain, BOOM!" She gleefully yelled back at him as they skyrocketed south. After about three minutes her wings ceased moving. "Oh, wow I'm tired." James looked down as they fell. They were only few feet from the ground but their forward momentum kept them up for a few more seconds before they crashed into a lake. They skipped across the surface several times before James finally stopped floating only a few feet from the shore.
James, upon regaining his senses, made his way to shore. He looked around for Rainbow but didn't see her, or the Element. He began to look franticly until he saw an odd stump... It looked rather fresh... He saw a crater behind it. "Oh no..." Of course he'd stop before she did! What with him being heavier and less aerodynamic! "Dash! Dash!" He galloped over towards the crater and he heard a moan. She sat there completely still, she had a gash across her forehead and he left side was really scratched up... but her wings... they were severely broken in several places and her spear had pierced her right back leg. "Rainbow..." He shivered. He looked at his soaked self and the snow around him. "I'll be right back." He first checked her bag, the Element was undamaged and her fire starting kits were undamaged. He ran out into the forest and returned with enough firewood to last them through the night. Strange, there was a lot of fresh wood scattered about...
***
Rainbowdash opened her eyes and immediately felt woozy, she hurt all over. She tried to get up and screamed in pain. She felt back for her wings and immediately regretted it once she touched one. They were in splints. She heard a pony galloping up to her, "Rainbow! Your awake! Finally." He sighed in relief. "I thought you had slipped into a coma and we don't have the supplies to keep you alive out here."
"Two questions, how long was I out and what happened?"
"Two days and one night." James stopped her before she could interrupt him. "As to the what happened, you did something called the Sonic Rainboom and pulled us from the roof of the keep then only a few minutes later fell asleep mid air. I landed in a lake, you landed through a tree."
Rainbow looked around them, they were on a barren mesa, "What lake? What tree?"
"You always look up, maybe looking down will help." James gestured at what she was sitting on.
She looked down and saw that she was laying on a litter made of wooden straps and bushes. "Oh, wait... did you drag me all this way!? How far from the lake are we?"
"Only a few miles, after the first day passed I was worried you wouldn't wake up so I was trying to get back to Equestria so you could get medical attention. Now, if you don't mind, I have a question. Why. In. The. Name. Of. Celestia. Did. You. Just. Stop. Flying!?"
"I don't know! Did you see anything unusual about me?"
"Well let's see! You were trailing a rainbow, glowing gold, and traveling..."
"Wait!" Rainbow interrupted him, "I... I don't glow gold when I do the Rainboom... Somepony cast a spell on me!"
"Well, that makes sense... you did create a giant rainbow over a Freezer Fortress..."
"Maybe it was that old stallion?"
"Maybe... It could have been a trap! How could we be such foals! Why did we trust him?"
"Didn't he say something about the element leaking influence? Maybe it made us more loyal to him?"
"He wanted us to take it, knowing you could do the Sonic Rain Bloom,"
"Rainboom."
"Whatever, long story short, he knew you'd do that to escape so her could paralyze you mid air, he had probably hoped to kill or incapacitate us. After all, we can't use the Elements without the bearers. Can you move? We need to get out of here before we are found, they are bound to notice that we aren't in the crater very soon, if they haven't already."
"I... I can try." Rainbowdash slowly rose her upper body. "Okay... woo... that's halfway..." She rolled over and got her hind legs under her. The right hind leg couldn't hold any weight. She stood and limped slowly forward. "I... I can walk a bit." She looked at her wings, they were expertly wrapped but the pain that radiated from them told her much. "How bad are my wings?"
"Rainbow, I'm an Earth Pony. As far as I know, you'll be flying in a week. Or maybe never again. Do the heal like legs? Or faster? Slower?"
"Same, or maybe a bit faster."
"If I saw the same injury on a leg I'd say a couple months, but know that I learned how to do this in the Everfree Raiders and we never had any medicine or healing magic. Maybe when we get back to Equestria we can find a doctor who can help."
"Couple of months!? Might as well be a couple of years..."
"Hey, I'll never get to fly again so count your blessings. Seriously... I never complain about not being able to walk for a week in front of a cripple, please never complain about not being able to fly in front of me."
"What do you mean again?"
"Well, you see. There's this guy Discord. He temporarily gave Auto and his retinue wings. I gotta say, flying may be the most freeing thing I've ever done."
"I understand completely! Flying is the number one most awesome thing ever!"
"You failed to see the point..."
"No I saw it, I just don't care. I'm in a lot of pain right now so STEP OFF and  let me complain about what I want to complain about!"
***
They walked agonizingly slow for an hour, Rainbow using a stick and James as support when necessary, before they had to stop when Rainbow's wounds reopened. "Alright Dash, you sit on the litter, we still have to go a ways but you can't walk any farther."
"I can still walk!"
"Not with that leg you can't!"
"But I can't let you just drag me through hostile territory!"
"We haven't a choice..."
"We do. You have to leave me."
"Oh, ha ha. I aint leaving you behind Dash."
"Just give me two days supplies and sprint for the border! Come back with help!"
"Even if I made it to the border, help might not be there and it could take me as long as a week to get to the nearest fort! If the forts are even still standing!"
"It isn't your decision. Is it?"
"I... can't leave you here."
"It's my choice."
"I won't be fast enough!" James snapped. "I wasn't before and I won't be now!"
"Before?"
"When Flash got taken by Shakarok, I was in the cave only a few feet away. If I hadn't grabbed my sword, and instead grabbed just my dagger I'd have gotten out sooner and maybe... just maybe he'd have less abandonment issues... I wasn't fast enough and he paid for it. I cannot, will not allow you to pay for that as well. Besides, I could use the exercise." He Forced her to sit on the litter and began dragging it up the hill. Rainbow saw the pain his story had caused him and fell silent.
They got to the top of a hill and James fell to the ground panting. "We... We... still need to go... farther tonight..." James huffed.
"We can't." Rainbow sighed then looked around... slowly a plan formulated in her head. "Actually we might be able to..." She spotted a low flying cloud. "Can you carry me a short ways?"
"Where to?" James asked.
"See the cloud that's floating right under the tree?"
"Yea. What about it?"
"Toss me onto it. It'll be more comfy for me and easier for you if I sit on that."
James thought for a moment, "Rainbow... I thought you were supposed to be the dumb one who was obsessed with sports! This is genius!"
"Hey! What gave you the idea that I was dumb!?"
"I put it together, you see, every group has a few idiots and I ruled out Pinkie because she's really smart under the crazy. I then thought... "Gee, who has the dumbest element?" I figured honesty was pretty dumb, but, well, after being in the Raiders for so long... I found my loyalist Raiders were idiots... So I assumed you were the same, you know? Unquestioning of anything around you? Never doubting the words of your friends... I figured the only Loyalty was blind loyalty... That kind of thing."
"I once had to learn to not judge the book by the cover, quite literally! I was actually judging all book reading as being an egg head thing... I think I may of been what you're talking about before Twilight came along, but not anymore."
"Sorry, I guess I was trying to control everything again, now... I'm gonna toss you. It might hurt... like a lot. You ready?"
"Ready!"
He threw her and she landed squarely on the cloud. She hissed but the forth coming, "I'm okay!" Stopped James from being too worried. He tossed her a rope and once again began their trek towards Equestria.
***
"Rainbow... Wake up..." James whispered at the edge of panic.
Rainbow dashed awake and glanced around, worried about what had James in such a terrified mood. She looked down and saw that the cloud had floated higher since she fell asleep! "Oh no! When the sun came up it must have lightened the cloud!" It was tugging at the rope James had tied to a tree.
"We have to get you down! The branch won't last much longer and I can't hold it back myself!" James informed her, "So, how are we gonna do that?"
"How am I supposed to know!?" Rainbow yelled down at him.
"Having you up there was your idea in the first place!" James thought for a bit. "Maybe... I don't know... I could put something heavy up there?"
"No good, I'd have to hold it up and if it was heavy enough to make a difference we'd risk pulling me through the cloud."
"There must be something! Wait... Pegasi make a living busting clouds right?"
"Yeah... So?" Rainbow asked.
"Can you like... partially bust that cloud?"
"I can try... be ready to catch me!" Rainbow lifted up her hoof and brought it smashing down on the edge of the cloud. A section broke loose and she began to slowly descended. "Oh, I thought it would go a lot worse." About halfway through another chunk flew off and she accelerated... at an alarming rate. Another chunk flew of, and another, and another! Quickly the cloud broke apart and she came tumbling towards the earth. James caught her and the fell into a pile. "Ow..."
"Are you okay?" James helped her up. "Can you walk?"
"I think so... about how farther do you think we are?"
"In your condition... about a week."
"Then we'd best get to it then."
***
Rainbow crouched behind the boulder while she waited for James to return. They had made a canoe to pass a river and just when they were ready to launch a large commotion from hidden soldiers interrupted them.
James trotted back towards her and whispered. "I see a river, there is a boat on the other side with what seems to be Equestrian armed forces... but I see some Freezers on our shore... I thought I saw Pinkie and Shadow near the boat, but I can't be sure. It's now or never, we have to get to them, it will cut a few days out of our travel time and guarantee you and the Element's safe return. I can't promise that if you stay."
"Well then let's go!" Rainbow hurriedly got up and began pushing the canoe toward the water. When James remained seated she turned and asked, "Why are you sitting down? We need to hurry!"
"Rainbow," James began, "You have to understand that this is necessary..."
"What do you mean?" Rainbow asked rhetorically, she knew what he'd say next.
"I can't go with you. The Freezers will spot you on the way over and so will the Equestrian armed forces, when you identify yourself one side will shoot! I need to stay here to draw the Freezer's attention."
"I can't let you do that!"
"Rainbow, if you don't take this opportunity than me dragging you over enemy territory will have been for naught, this is non-negotiable, just... don't make this sacrifice in vain."
Rainbow hated the idea of abandoning a friend like this, but she couldn't see any alternative! "Don't worry, I'll tell her about this and how you felt. You know of whom I speak." James blushed and began to lie, claiming not to know what she was talking about, she interrupted by saying, "I saw how you've looked at her on the way here. She'll know. Now  have to go." She jumped in the canoe and began paddling, leaving James feeling confused.
He began calmly walking down the shore line, slowly dismantling the left over fire making kits, "Flash, you did teach me one thing..." He began sprinting as he yelled, "Come at me you Freezer sons of mules!" He leapt into the air and hefted the newly crafted firebomb into the face of the Freezer patrol pony that thought he was so well hidden.
***
Rainbow paddled as fast as she could. She quickly got out into the open water. The river, being only one hundred feet across, wouldn't have normally been a problem but with its small size she knew she'd have to identify herself quickly. A mere twenty feet from the shore she called out, "Hey! Equestrian Armed Forces! It's me! Rainbowdash a wielder of an element of harmony! Help me out!" She heard a small explosion behind her as James created his distraction. She held up a piece of lumber with one hoof and paddled with the other. After she had made it halfway across the river a few arrows thudded into her makeshift shield . They began to rain once she reached the three quarter point, at which point a spear with a rope tied to it pierced the front of her canoe and the Equestrian Armed Forces pulled her to safety.
"State once more your name and rank." A soldier commanded her as they pulled her onto the boat.
"Rainbowdash, wielder of the Element of Loyalty." She confirmed.
"We were sent to bring in Pinkie and Shadow, not you. They will confirm your identity." He guided her into the bowels of the ship.
Rainbow had hardly entered the room when a resounding call of, "DASHIE!" pierced the relative peace of the ship interior. Pinkie tackled her in a huge hug. "OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSH! I thought I wouldn't see you in like, a month!" She saw Rainbow cringing. "What's wrong!? Are you not happy to see me?"
"It's not that, I got hurt."
Shadow trotted up, "Good to see you Rainbowdash, where is James?"
Rainbowdash sighed in disgrace, shame, and regret. "I had to leave him behind. The other side of the river is crawling with Freezers, he needed to make a distraction so I could make it here. I'm sorry, but he gave me no choice..."

> Chapter 21: What's mine is Mine
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter21:What's mine is Mine
"So, you've acted before?" Anti-Freeze asked Rarity. As they trotted down a hillside in Freezer territory, neither were very worried about running into Freezers. Rarity had deflected three patrols with her charm already!
"More or less darling, I did a stint with the Hearth's Warming Eve Pageant that's worth mentioning, as well as a bit of training. Most of it just comes naturally to me." Rarity explained.
"Well, you handle yourself well in crisis situations! I thought we'd have to fight our way out of the first one, but after the second one? Pfft! I knew I could trust you."
"Thank you darling! But you mustn't down play your part! You handle every back story I improvise like a pro!"
"That's because I am! I'm a spy under the orders of Celestia herself, or I was before Auto recruited me. You know, you have a knack for this kind of thing. Have you ever considered espionage?"
"I could never leave my friends or my fashion career behind, sorry, and spies often get... well... they often have to fight or whisk away  in the dark of night into the murk of the *gulp* wilderness."
"Wilderness? If you don't like it out here that much why aren't you more fussy?"
"Oh trust me if it weren't for the dire need of our mission I wouldn't be caught dead out here."
"Then why'd you go in search of Starswirl the Bearded's staff? In the middle of the jungle?"
"Well, I wasn't supposed to! I went to study foreign styles and decided to wait outside for the rest of them to come out. If I hadn't done that, why, who knows what would've happened?" They saw a pillar of smoke in front of them. "Oh, looks like we are here! Now, I am... Diamond! The mine supervisor!"
"As I am Pix, a miner at your mine which is in the Crystal Mountains and,"	
"When the Empire returned Celestia turned over my mining rights to the Crystal Ponies."
"Correct! You are here find a new mine for the metal they will need for weapons and I'm here to start it once you do."
"And all of this is under the orders of General Absol." They nodded. "Now, let's get to the makeovers! I've always wanted to try a light blue coat! I guess now I can!" Diamond giggled. "I don't think I'll like the new style of mane, or the white color... I still can't believe Shadow keeps her mane that color, I swear if she went purple it would be much better!"
"Well, you're lucky! I have to have," She reached into her pack and pulled out a note, "A short, spiky, pink mane and I'm bright red..."
"Hmph, I guess you're right dear. Well, let's get started then!" They dyed each other's manes and coats. And Diamond helped Pix cut her mane. "Snip by snip, clipping your mane..."
"What are you doing?" Anti asked her, slightly creeped out.
"Why, singing dear."
"Why?"
"I... didn't realize I was doing it..."
"Odd... You might want to stop, we are rather close to an enemy encampment."
"Alright then, I think you're ready now."
"Thank you. Now, are you ready?"
"To sleep indoors? You know it! Now, let's get to it!" Diamond trotted off and Pix followed her towards the rather large encampment. It consisted of a wooden wall around a stone building over a mine. "I think I know why they chose these aliases. Luckily I know a few spells that will make me seem like a miner! Have I told you how I got my cutiemark?"
"I don't believe you have." Pix admitted.
"How to begin? Ah! There was a play going on at my school and I was making all the costumes, but no matter what I tried they just never seemed quite right. I had almost considered giving up on being the Fashion Queen I am today, but one day, just before the performance my horn pulled me out into the mountains. Literally it pulled me. I was excited because I knew Unicorn magic didn't act on its own for just anything! It was my destiny! After a little while I got quite bored but finally it stopped. In front of a huge boulder! Now you must understand how this upset me. I thought it was leading me to my destiny and I got a rock! It was all made clear though when what I now know as Rainbow's Sonic Rainboom shattered the boulder revealing it to be filled with gems! I returned and fixed the costumes with the gems! During the performance I got my cutiemark. I've since refined the spell and can use it at will to detect nearby gems and jewels."
"Interesting story! I guess finding gems and jewels will come in handy when we get in!"
"Oh it will be simply smashing!" The trotted towards the fort's wooden gate. "Excuse me! Excuse me are there any soldiers on duty here!?" Diamond called out.
A face appeared as a hidden window opened up in the door. "Hello Miss, how can we be of service?" A smiling young gentlecolt recited.
"We are here to survey the area for a mine under the command of General Absol." Pix grunted.
"Oh, here on business I see! Well, let me open these gates right on up for you! The Overseer will want to see you!" The door closed and a scuffling sound could be heard as with a crack the doors swung open. The young gentlecolt reappeared and bowed, saying, "Follow me, Milady." He turned and walked into the big building. Diamond winked at Pix who smiled back as the followed a step behind.
***
"... So you see, we move our operation up here, and you get weapons faster!" Diamond finished her proposal with a flourish.
The Overseer laughed and nodded, "Why yes it all does make sense! I suggest we make a move on this immediately! But you must be tired after your journey from the Crystal Mountains, why don't you rest while I have my ponies prepare a bit hmm?"
"That would be lovely, but unfortunately our tent got damaged in a storm, could we maybe get a room?" Diamond asked politely.
"Of course! Whatever you need we shall facilitate! Please, umm, Private!" An armored unicorn trotted in the room and bowed. "Take them to the... ah... the Element room!" The soldier nodded as the Overseer went on, "We are currently guarding an Element of Harmony and the room next to it basks in its glow! A single night there rejuvenates even the most tired. Please stay there as long as it takes to find the ore you are looking for!" He gestured for them to follow the unicorn.
"This way Milady." The mare instructed them. "If you ever need anything just ask, most here are really free with their things. Our motto went from we mine the mine to what's mine is yours." She chuckled. "I used to be a stickler and hated giving others things freely but after spending some time here... I see the value of sharing. Ah the room is on your left. Now I recommend that you move your beds to the back right wall, it's the closest to the Element and you get the best rest there. Now, if you'd pardon me, I have duties I must return to."
"See you later!" Pix waved. The shut the door. "So... I guess we should try to get through that wall."
"Oh look at how luxurious this room is! Feather beds! Soft carpet! And even a mint on the pillow of each bed! Oh it's just like the suite I once had in Cantorlot!" Diamond fawned.
"We need to get to the Element."
Diamond chuckled embarrassedly, "Oh yes... of course. So, shall we take shifts?" She smiled.
"Alright, since I'm more used to this life I'm probably not as tired. I'll take the first shift." Pix shivered.
"Thank you dear, but you seem a bit cold. Are you alright? It's kind of warm in here for me."
"Sorry, ever since I got frozen solid and almost died I'll get these occasional flashes of cold. Almost as if I'm still frozen you know?"
"No... Sorry, I've never experienced anything like that. I try to live a peaceful life..."
"It's fine, just go to sleep I'll wake you up later, okay?"
"Alright, whatever you say, Pix."
***
Diamond was finally asleep when Pix finally start chiseling away at the wall under the bed. She stifled a sneeze as dust began to flow in the air. Her head felt hot. She made sure to chisel slowly to keep the noise down so nopony could hear her. Slowly small chunks of wall began to fall away. At this rate they'd be lucky to crack through the wall by the time they were expected to return to the train station. Her head felt hot. She held the chisel in the other hoof and rolled over to get a better angle. This mission was what she was trained for, but the first of its kind that she had, had to deal with. It was one thing to read and be told what to do and do so in the training ground and another to actually look into a ponies eyes and lie to them about your very identity. Her head felt hot. As she chipped away at the stone slowly time began to pass. A few minutes passed... or maybe a few hours? She looked at her work... there was no way she could have done that in just a few minutes... her head felt hot... She coughed a bit. She covered her mouth with her hoof and when she pulled her hoof away it had blood on it. She stared at her hoof for a minute... or was it an hour? Her head felt hot. She looked down. The ground was getting closer. Her face touched the nice smooth, cool, white carpet and she shut her eyes. Her head was hot...
***
Diamond slowly opened her eyes and sighed. What a beautiful way to wake up... She rolled over feeling well rested. Hmm I guess the Element really does make you feel more rested! She thought then slowly a troubling thought edged at the back of her mind. Shouldn't Anti have woken me up by now? I shouldn't have slept long enough to feel like this! She sat straight up and glanced around the room. She couldn't hear any scraping! If Anti hadn't woken her up she'd still be chiseling! "Pix?" She whispered worriedly, "Pix?" She got out of the bed and stepped on something soft. She looked down A pair of legs were sticking out from under the bed. They weren't moving. "Pix!" She dragged Pix out from under the bed and checked her for signs of life. She was breathing but only shallowly. She was covered in dust from under the bed and from the stone wall. Diamond quickly cleaned her of dust to remove suspicion and then called for help. "Somepony! Anypony! Help! My friend Pix collapsed and isn't breathing right!"
A commotion broke out down the hall as a nearby patrolpony galloped to help. He yelled out to her, "Help me take her to the medic's room!" He and Diamond lifted Pix up and the galloped down the corridor.
"Oh, I hope she's okay!" Diamond cried in frustration. She knew something had been wrong! She should've forced Pix to sleep first! The rounded a corner and almost bowled over a pony that was running towards the commotion. "Keep the hallway clear in front of us!" Diamond screamed at her.
"Yes Ma'am! Make way!" The pony ran in front of them. They made it to the infirmary and threw the door open. "We have a sick pony here! Help!"
A dodgy looking older pony with a red heart for a cutie mark hopped out of a cot in the corner. And yawned, "Always while I'm asleep... What do you know?" He checked for a pulse and felt her head.
"Well, she was recently frozen during a false alarm in our travels..." Diamond began, "And she's been mining recently."
"Hmph, well then. I think I'll have to put a stop to that! Her lungs were damaged in the ice and by inhaling dust she aggravated the wounds. She will need bed rest and to take some medicine." He scratched his head with his wing, "Yes... I think I have some here. Believe it or not the "Freezers," as the Equestrians have been calling us, have experienced this sort of thing before." He began shuffling through a cabinet. "Ah, here we go! Give her a few drops of this for a few days and she'll be able to do light work for about a week and then she can go back to heavier lifting. I wouldn't recommend her doing any mining for at least two moons though. Maybe three." He opened Pix's mouth a dripped three drops of the medicine into her mouth. "I want her to stay in here until she wakes up just to be on the safe side." He glared at Diamond, "And next time somepony get's frozen on the job you take them to a doctor immediately!"
"Yes Sir..." Diamond resigned. "You think she'll be alright?"
"She won't die but she may have lifelong difficulties breathing when dust or other small particles are around. You may have to be prepared to move her to a desk job in your mining company. Either that or fire her. This is for her safety." Upon seeing Diamonds incredibly sad and worried face he amended his statement, "But that is not a guarantee, she may come out unhindered and with no permanent side effects!"
"Thank you doctor."
***
That night Diamond attacked the wall with abandon. She moved the bed so as to increase airflow and soundproofed the door with blankets. She used her spell, she could feel her element's gem calling out to her. She was getting closer... For Anti.
***
"Dad?" Anti whispered as she slowly opened her eyes and saw the face of an old stallion looking over her.
A raspy voice replied. "Sorry but no, I'm not your father. I wish I was though. To have kept pushing through the illness and to keep it hidden this long? While working like that? Hmph, I wish my kin were that strong."
"Where am I?" She asked.
"You are in Fort Iron. More specifically you are in the infirmary, more broadly you are North of Equestria. In the unclaimed almost unlivable North."
Anti remembered it all at once and immediately got back into character. "How long was I out?"
"A few days, but I must ask you a few things." He pulled out kit of medical tools including a small chart with letters that got progressively smaller "What does the chart say?"
"A E D F G H Q W L T J M N N L Y N T G Y P R S T U V... W Maybe another V?"
"Alright vision's good. Now can you tell me how many times you here the bell?" He rang a bell from behind a piece of cloth four times.
"Four."
"Hearings good."
"Ow!"
The doctor showed her a small needle and laughed. "Okay you're feelings returned. Can you smell what this is?" He put a covered plate in front of her.
"It smells like... Freshly picked flowers."
"It's your dinner! And as it would seem, two tests in one! Sample it and tell me if it tastes normal." He uncovered the flowers. "By the way I think you may have also had a minor allergic reaction to the dye you used on your coat. You youngsters... Always changing with the newest fad." He laughed. "Now, I've been watching you for far too long for my weary bones. If you need anything just wake me up, I may be a bit cranky but I'll help."
"Thank you." Pix was worried. If he noticed she died her coat he may have told others! She wondered if Diamond was okay. How much progress had she made on the hole? Was she having difficulty maintaining her persona? Had they been discovered and this was just some sick joke? She shook the thoughts from her head. Worrying wouldn't make a lick of difference. The old doctor was just settling in when Pix asked a question, "Can I go back to my room? No offence but the beds are more comfortable in there!"
"Of course! As always if you have any questions for me, just come and find me! By the way if you just keep taking left turns you'll find your room."
"Thank you!" She slowly got out of the bed, she was still a little woozy, and made her way back to the room. She passed a few guards and made small talk, apparently her getting sick was the most interesting thing that had happened in weeks! She got to her room and tried the door only to find it locked.
"Give me a minute! I'll open that door right up! I was just going over some paper work!" A voice from the other side of the door called out. Sounds of furniture being moved could be heard and then a soft sound of blankets being levitated away. "I've already told I can't seem to find a spot that still has a rich enough..." She opened the door and saw Pix standing there. "Oh! It's you! You're better! Come in! Come in!" As soon as Pix got into the room Diamond used her magic to cover the cracks around the door with blankets and move the bed where they were digging out of the way. "I've made quite a bit of progress as you can see, but I have a feeling our cover won't last very long. This place was emptied of minerals a long time ago and no new ones have grown. How are you doing by the way?"
"I'm fine, sorry for passing out like that."
"You should have told me! I swear sometimes you're as stubborn as Rainbow or Apple. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to digging and you have to rest. Go on, sleep. Now."
"Alright but don't think I'm useless just because I passed out. I still plan on digging."
"I will hear none of that! The doctor told me that you shouldn't be doing that for a few moons! Besides as I get closer I need to make sure the guards on the other side of the vault can't hear anything. Alright?"
Pix yawned, "Yeah... Alright... I just want to be useful..."
"Oh you are sti," Pix snoring interrupted Diamond, "ll useful... Wow you are in need of rest." Diamond giggled as she began chipping away at the stone again. She felt her element more than ever. She would have it by tomorrow.
***
Pix wandered the halls making small talk until she finally made her way to the door of the vault. A stallion trotted up to her and said, "Sorry, but this area is restricted. But maybe if you tell me where you are headed I can point you n the right direction!"
"Oh, I'm just wandering. The Doctor told me to rest and walk so my lungs can get better faster. I'm Pix by the way, who are you?"
"I'm Swifty the Head of the Vault Guard! Wait... You're the one who got sick? Please sit down! You must be pretty tired! Are you hungry? You can have some of my rations!"
"No thank you. So Vault guard huh? That sounds fun. Anything interesting happen recently?"
"Not really. I mean late last night I heard a scratching noise but it was probably just a rat. Really I just sit here all day. Telling ponies this is a restricted area. Speaking of..." He shrugged.
"Ha ha, I got the hint." Pix laughed as she walked back towards her room.
***
Diamond sat in the meeting she had been trying to avoid for a few days. The Overseer went on, "So, none of our mineral claims are large enough?"
"I'm afraid so. I still have a few more to check though, who knows. It will probably be the last place we check."
"I guess sometimes that's how the world works. Alright, I'll give you another day, but it should be known that there is another place that may need your company. Another fort only a few miles away. I've heard they are mining over there and you could probably speedup the process considerably."
"Thank you, now if I am to be ready to depart the day after tomorrow I simply must get to my room and begin packing."
"Ah! An early packer! I'm the same way. Do you need any help? I'd be glad to relegate some ponies to help."
"Oh no thank you, I have a very particular system and everything must be just so. I'm sure you understand."
"Completely! Well, then I guess I'll let you go now."
"Thank you once again." Diamond got up a hurried to her room.
***
Swifty's plan was coming together nicely... Soon he'd save the day! Nopony would expect it until it was too late. The enchantment he put on it was too strong! Everypony would think him a hero no matter who won!
***
Pix waited patiently in the room for Diamond to return. She looked at the wall. It pained her that they were so close but she couldn't do anything to help. Why did she get these problems? There was always something wasn't there? Whenever she was around her allies for long it seemed like something went wrong. If it wasn't her family it was her friends, or her. She sighed and tapped the top of the footboard on her bed. She picked up a dagger and threw it into a target she had set up earlier. "Bulls eye... again..." She got up and pulled the daggers from it again. Maybe practice was the way to go. She threw four daggers at once and each hit the target, then another three, she spun around and threw two into the headboard and her last flew straight into the bulls eye. She gathered her blades again and this time set up a punching bag and went about conditioning herself.
There was a knock at the door as the voice of Diamond flowed in, "Pix? It's me dear." Pix went and unlocked the door. "We have to hurry! We haven't time to waste, tonight is the night. We leave the day after tomorrow."
"Finally! While you dig I'll get things ready!"
"Are you sure you don't want to rest?" It was at this time Diamond saw the "target" that Pix had practiced on. "What have you been doing? And is that my... it its!!! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY MISSION SCARF!?"
"I... um... got bored. So I sort of used it for target practice..."
"You're lucky we have work to do." Diamond huffed as she sound proofed the room and began chipping through the wall.
"We won't make it at this rate!"
"Then what do you propose we do? We don't have much time to do anything else!"
"Well, I do have a plan B..." Pix pulled a sledge hammer out from under her bed. "I "borrowed" one from the supply closet in the mine."
"That will be far too loud!"
"Not if we mask the sound!"
"How do you mean?"
"I talked to the Vault Guard Swifty, and their life down there is really boring so I thought I'd liven it up a bit." She pulled out some miniature explosives. "I'll start by showing one or two at a time and then pull out this one." She pulled out a few dozen that had been tied together. "After you hear three little explosions wait exactly ten seconds. That would be one, one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand and so on and so forth."
"Where did you get those!?"
"Same place as the sledge hammer. Mine supply closets kinda rock."
"It's risky but your right. Give me the hammer."
"You only have one shot so put all your strength in one swing alright?"
"You can count on it."
***
"Hey Swifty!" Pix called out. "I have a surprise for you and the Vault guards! You know, because you don't have much to do..."
"What is it?" He asked.
"I got some mining explosives! I thought we could blow them up for fun!"
"I don't know... that's kinda risky..."
"What are you chicken?" She raised her eyebrows. "I'm leaving soon, but if you don't wanna hang out with me..." She made puppy dog eyes.
"Fine."
"Sweet!" She pulled out a little one, lit it and tossed it a short distance. A loud pop and a flash of light filled the room. She pulled out two that were tied together, lit them and a huge bang and glare of light went off.
"Can I toss one?" Swifty asked.
"Sure!" She tossed him three that were tied together and he lit it then threw it, a forthcoming satisfying explosion echoed down the halls.
"Hehehe this is fun!"
"I know right!?" She pulled out the big one. Eight one thousand, nine one thousand. She lit it, "Time for the big one!" She tossed it and a defining blast and blinding light filled the room. She was knocked off her hooves! She got up laughing and shook soot from her coat. "Wow! That was bigger than I thought!" An alarm went off. "Oh... Well then.. I'd best be going!"
"Hurry! Go I'll explain!" Swifty laughed.
She Dashed back to the room laughing the whole way. She hoped Rarity had taken advantage...
***
Pix knocked on the door, "It's me, Pix open up!"
The door was flung open and there stood Diamond, wearing a beautiful necklace. "It worked dear."
Pix moved into the room and shut the door, "Wonderful! Is that the Element?"
"This!? Of course not! This is just something else I found in there. I figured we're stealing the Element... might as well take some other things too..." Pix sighed in disbelief and Diamond went on, "Oh come on! Look at it! They had this beauty stashed in a cold vault. It should be worn and showed off!"
"Alright... I'll begin patching up the hole in the wall."
***
The deed done Diamond told the Overseer that a large deposit had been found and that she needed to go get her company. She convinced him that a letter would be insufficient as they were still in Equestria. Upon hearing this he offered to have her flown there and after a day of sitting in an air chariot they were dropped off back in Equestria and, after bidding their pilots farewell, they began their journey to the rendezvous point. They noticed that winter seemed to have arrived earlier than usual this far south... As they got closer they saw a pillar of black smoke rising high in the sky. Anti looked worriedly over at Rarity who had fear in her eyes. They hurried to climb the last hill and, as they reached its peak, they saw the most terrible sight imaginable...
"We... we... we were too la... There is still time Rarity! Follow me!" And they galloped towards the secondary rendezvous point. "The others will be there I'm sure of it!"
> Khabter2two: CeareL Braund Puns Ha Ha!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you so much for reading an...

Oh silly Flashburn, did you really think You could write about me and get away with it?

Oh no... You switched the story and the author notes? That's against the rules Discord!

Like I care! ha ha ha!

Oh I hope they don't take this down...
> Chapter 23: Twilight's Crown
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter23: Twilight's Crown
Auto sat before it, the city of the Freezers. Even though the frozen north had never been very wealthy the castle that served as their capital now was beautiful in a terrifying way. The that wall encircled the city was tall and hewn from the obsidian of the mountain, it's ramparts were jagged and menacing. At the gate of the city were two large statues of creatures Auto had never heard of. They looked similar to centipedes but had the maw of a crocodile under a large spike that auto assumed was for bashing through ice. The walls were decorated with ice, beautiful and fragile sculptures  sat upon them. All were of the same figure, Night Mare Moon. The gate, which stood open as a steady traffic of old farmers slowly dredged into the city to sell their wares, had an insignia emblazoned upon it. It depicted the moon shining bright and the sun covered in ice. This truly was the dragons den. Auto looked at his two companions, Snowchaser, a former Freezer and a stout ally but still Auto had difficulty trusting him, and Wildpaw, the niece of Rogue, he feared for her safety more than usual as she was a forest hopper and they never took to the same company and often dodged out on storms and winter by moving. She looked like she was taking the cold well, but her eyes told another tale. One of misery. He hoped they could find the crown and be done with it as soon as possible. He wish he had Flash with him, he'd make them all comfortable. He kept his head down as they passed under the gate.
"Psst!" Snow whispered to Auto, "Modify your trot... Military ponies have a serious gait about them and these guards will recognize it. Try being a bit more light hearted. Smile, chat with me about how our crops are doing, but don't overdo it."
Auto nodded and straightened himself and said just loud enough to be overheard, "I don't know, sometimes having the Frost Plum harvest later in the year means more."
Wildpaw interjected with a scoff and, "You say that now, but in a few weeks when we don't have any because they all rotted on the branch you'll see I was right! Sometimes I think the boss is dense! We should've harvested a week ago!"
An old farmer in front of them turned and scolded her, "Now listen here Missy, you keep quiet about your boss bein' dense! He must know something you don't and you ought to respect that! I swear the youth of today have no concept of experience and wisdom."
His friend laughed and replied, "Ah common, you know we were the same when we were youngsters! In fact, I remember you getting in a shouting match with RussetBranch about the Winterberry harvest!" The two farmers turned left and Auto and his group found themselves alone on an empty street.
"Most are away to war, you see, the Queen imposed a draft. All Mares and Stallions able to fight were sent away to train. Only the young and the old were left to keep the farms going. Now follow me to the keep, Evandra and the crown will be there."
"I may have never been here before so correct me if I'm wrong... but... would the keep happen to be  the giant dome atop the hill?" Wildpaw raised an eyebrow.
"Well... Yes..." Snow laughed. "Come, we must hurry!"
They galloped through narrow alleys and over frozen bridges through the nearly empty town. Everywhere they looked signs of decay and neglect greeted them. They finally reached their destination. An abandoned house at the foot of the hill. Snow slid to a stop before the door, lifted up a loose stone in the road and removed a hidden key. He unlocked the door and the three bustled in. The door now shut behind them, Auto and Wildpaw began to take in their surroundings. It was run down but at one point must have been very nice. Snow opened an empty closet and lifted up a loose floorboard and removed a package of smokeless firewood.
Snow sighed, "There's not as much here as I remember, but it will do for now. Auto, would you please get a fire going? I have other supplies hidden around the house. The fireplace is in the sitting room off to the left."
"This is more than I was expecting. Why do you have all this hidden away?" Auto asked as he set to warming the building.
"When you live in a harsh land of eternal winter where food can be scarce and warmth is the difference between life and death... you spend some time preparing. Especially when you know many do not prepare and are willing to go to great lengths to procure yours." Snow explained. He returned a few minutes later holding several small crates with his magic. Alright, we have a survival suit, enough food to last the three of us a week, a few daggers, enough smokeless wood to last us three days, and blankets. I also found a coupon for 4 bits off our next purchase at Sofas and Quills. But it expired a month ago. Other than that, we have a bed, a couch, a very comfy chair, some cooking utensils and some medical supplies... Basically all we'll need for our stay."
"Why only one survival suit?" Wildpaw asked.
"Well... I lived alone after my family passed. I never thought I'd need another. Unfortunately for you though, neither of you can wear it."
"And why is that?" Wildpaw huffed.
"Well, I bought it for me."
"So?"
"So it doesn't have a place for wings... Although it does have a nice horn cozy..." He explained rather passive aggressively.
"Oh..."
Auto got up from the fire that was now lighting the room, the windows were boarded up and covered with a thick cloth so no light, or heat, would escape. "Alright," Auto began, "We should rest up. We will have a long day tomorrow and will need all our strength about us." He yawned. "Besides, we've been marching over three days. I wish we could have just gotten teleported here."
"You heard Luna, the greater the distance, the more the strain. We couldn't risk even one of our Unicorns being unable to use magic for a while. But I do agree with about the sleeping part." Wildpaw yawned as well.
***
Auto observed the keep from a crack the upstairs window. It would be hard to get in. The roof was electrified so Pegasi couldn't just fly in a window and the hill offered no cover all the way up. He saw what appeared to be a flaw though. A single drain leading from the castle to the base of the hill, where it joined the rest of the city's main sewer. It appeared guarded though. He spent an entire day memorizing the guard's shifts and he found a gap. No longer than a few minutes when one guard passed paperwork to the other, but maybe enough time to slip in. He re-evaluated the hill. It yielded no better results. Auto hurried down the stairs and informed them of his plan.
Snow shook his head, "It's risky but... I can't think of an alternative. I'm not skilled enough to teleport all three of us in there without losing my magic for a few days and there is no other way in."
"How soon can we go?" Wildpaw asked.
"Tonight. We can't afford a delay."
***
Auto watched the guard from the shadow of the sewer. It smelled terrible. The pipeline was big enough for maintenance ponies to go in and out and this section was open air. Still set ten feet under ground level but a half pipe and surrounded by a catwalk where the guards would patrol with lanterns. He saw the guard get up grab a stack of papers and walk toward the gate where the next shift was waiting to receive. "Go, go, go!" Auto whispered to Wildpaw and Snow. The hurried down the pathway and into the depths of the castle sewers.
"Alright Snow, which way to the throne room?" Auto asked Snow.
"This way."
"Do we even know what we are walking into?" Wildpaw asked.
"There is no way to know, but as a wild guess maybe you'll know. What can be there Snow?" Auto inquired.
"Absol might be there as well as Evandra and her head advisor Levity. He is a diehard Nightmare Moon worshiper  and a powerful Unicorn. When I met Evandra she had only four guards with her but each are rumored to be amongst the best fighters in the world. If we hope to succeed then I recommend we grab the crown and sneak out quietly."
"Her elite guards, what are they?"
"All ground, she found that the ground ponies natural resilience to magic made them more useful in a castle where hallways limit a pegasus's mobility."
"True, how much further?"
"I've never been down here before. It's like a maze. I feel we should try to get topside as soon as possible."
"Aye. Look, over there... a ladder. Maybe it goes to a servants quarters?"
"Maybe..."
***
Auto pushed against a stone slab at the top of the ladder and it budged slightly. He slowly lifted it a crack and peered through. He saw... A wall. He peered the other way and saw what appeared to be a tapestry. He set the stone to the side and climbed up. He stopped halfway up. He heard breathing! He slowly continued and looked around. By Celestia! I'm behind the Throne! He realized in a panic that the breathing would be none other than Evandra! He silently moved up the back of the stone seat and looked down upon her. She was looking over a report and wearing the element of magic! Auto slunk back down and climbed back down into the sewer. 
After sealing it and going a few feet away he finally whispered to Snow and Wildpaw, "This is no servant's entrance. This is the royal escape route. That ladder puts us right behind the throne! Evandra is there and wearing the Element!"
"What do we do now?" Wildpaw panicked.
Auto drew a dagger from his belt. "End this war. One blow may not do it. We need to strike together." They all nodded. The slunk one at a time up the ladder and slowly moved around the throne. Auto above with his mace and a dagger. Snow to the right with his spells and a short sword and Wildpaw to the left with an arrow notched. Auto gave the signal and brought his mace down with his dagger upon her head. Snow spun around and stabbed while blasting with ice and Wildpaw flew up and shot. Auto's mace clanged against the stone of the throne as would his dagger, if it were it not frozen to it. Wildpaw's arrow bounced off stone and Snow's sword bounced off Auto's mace. Evandra continued reading as if nothing had happened. Then she turned red... bright red. Auto heard a scratching noise and spun about to see the tunnel sealed itself!
"Oh no... We've been bamboozled! She's an illusion!" Auto told them as he smashed free of the ice.
"And a good one at that, if I don't say so myself." A voice laughed as a door slammed open. "I knew that somepony would come looking for the crown," They looked up and saw a green unicorn in a black starry robe flanked by four heavily armored guards, "So I convinced Evandra to lead the armies herself so I could set this little trap for Celestia's precious little student. It appears I was wrong about who she would send though. I don't recognize any of you to tell the truth. Except maybe the one on the left... he looks familiar." He laughed. "But who cares!? I've won! Oh, but how rude of me! I haven't introduced myself!"
"Sir, shouldn't we arrest them?" One of the guards interjected.
"And ruin the moment!?" He snapped back. "No! Now where was I? Ah yes... I am none other than her majesties Royal Advisor! Lord Levity! The most powerful Unicorn in the north!"
"But Sir, what if they try to escape?"
"Shut up! How could they escape!? The path is sealed and if that unicorn tries to teleport out I'll just interrupt his casting! Now no more interruptions! Wait by the door. That's an order!" He readjusted his robe, "Ah yes, there is no hope for you! I have taken the simplest of spells that any unicorn can cast and honed it into the most powerful of magic!" He spun about and barked at his guards, "No interfering! Evandra would never let me push the limits of my magic and now I can finally test my limits!" He spun back around and caught an arrow with magic only an inch from his head. "Foolish Pegasi and ground ponies. It can take you years or even lifetimes to master the bow or throwing knife. With my powers I can be more accurate and launch them far faster and it took me a week!" He laughed in delight and looked around the room. "Evandra sure can decorate... cobblestone walls..." He ripped a stone from the wall and flung it at Snow who barely rolled out of the way fast enough. "...and suits of armor." A suit of armor stood almost by itself and charged Auto it's glaive swinging. "Now how to deal with you?" He stared at Wildpaw. "Ah yes... You bring your own death." He grinned.
"Pony Feathers!" Wildpaw screamed as she threw her quiver to the ground as arrows tore through it in pursuit.
Auto caught the glaive with his shield, after dropping his dagger, and knocked the armor's head clean off with a side swipe. It flew across the room before floating back as the rest continued to fight Auto.
Snow ducked and dived as stones of varying size rained down upon him. The ground itself impeded his movement as a stone jumped up to block his path. He spun about and shot an ice spike that deflected the boulder. He dived and rolled to get a better view of Levity. He shot a blast of cold that would pin him to the floor but the floor rose up and absorbed the blast. "Drat! I can't hit him!"
Levity was laughing at the top of his lungs. "You can't defeat me! Evandra will cure Nightmare Moon of Luna and we shall rise to claim all of Equestria! Finally you in the Equestria will experience the crushing winters and long night of the North!" His horn was sparking and Snow knew what that meant.
"Hold on Auto, Hold on Wildpaw! He can't keep this up much longer!" If a Unicorn let out too much magical energy over too long of a period their horn will begin to heat up until it begins to sear the flesh around it. Snow jumped on top of a boulder and fired multiple blasts at the Advisor. Stone wrenched from the walls intercepted each one. But it meant more strain.
"I WILL NOT FALTER! YOU WILL DIE HERE!" Lord Levity laughed maniacally. As he sent more stones to pursue Snow and sped up the arrows that followed Wildpaw. He turned and saw another suit of armor, which he brought to life and sent after Auto, who was pressed to defend against even just one. Auto dropped his mace and was in dire straits with just a shield. He pulled another stone from the wall and section of the roof fell towards him. He coughed in surprise and the armor the fought Auto ceased movement as he redirected his energy to getting the roof from above him. Auto flew like a bullet towards Levity but the floor stopped him as it jutted up in front of him. "Back away knave!" Levity threw the massive section of roof at Auto and the room was filled with a terrible screaming. Auto took cover behind a pillar and the roof shattered around it. When the dust cleared nothing moved, Rogue stood panting above still arrows and Snow was pinned by his own ice as it held up a large rock. 
Auto picked up a glaive and flew towards the Advisor who laid upon the ground writhing in pain, "You have lost."
"So..." Levity panted, "Have you..." His horn glowed for a split second. And Auto heard a grunt behind him. He turned and saw Wildpaw fall to the ground punctured by several arrows. Levity slowly stood as he laughed through the pain.
Auto screamed in rage and pain and spun about bringing the edge of his shield across Levity's horn, shattering it. Levity backed against the wall screaming. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?"
"You will not harm anypony else!" Auto screamed as he drove the glaive into the heart of the Royal Advisor Levity, lifting him off the ground. Auto released and the glaive but it stayed there, pinning Levity to the wall. Auto fell to the floor crying in rage, frustration and grief.
"Get help! The Royal Advisors been killed!" One of the guards yelled as they charged in. A guard approached Auto from behind and lifted his sword to end the life before him. The Captain Auto Tomaton screamed in rage grabbed a splinter of horn and drove it through the armor around the guards neck. The guard fell to ground as Auto ran to Wildpaw. He picked her up as well as his mace and shattered the ice that pinned Snow.
"We have to get out! Now!" Snow nodded and they disappeared in a flash of light.
***
Auto shook his head and took in his surroundings. Realizing he was back in the house he scooped up Wildpaw and rushed her to the bed. He grabbed the medical supplies and carefully began extracting arrows and applying bandages. "You'll make it Wildpaw! You're strong!"
Snow limped up and looked for a pulse, "Auto..."
"Don't you worry Wildpaw you will be just fine."
"Auto..."
"After you get better we can journey back to Equestria and you can see Rogue again."
"Auto..."
"We will win the war and you can go back to your fores..."
"Auto Tomaton!" Auto stopped moving. "She has no pulse. She's gone. You and me are alive, but maybe not for long. My leg may be broken, I can't use magic, and your shield leg seems shattered! She's dead. We have to think of a plan! Or we might as well just go out there and fight Freezers until one strikes us down!"
"I know... here, let me check your leg..."
***
They prepared for travel. They knew that they couldn't stay long, the guard was busting down doors and dragging inhabitants out into the street to try to find them. Auto wouldn't leave Wildpaw's body for the rats or Freezers to find so they made a stretcher out of the bed. Auto's foreleg was broken in seven places and Snow's hind leg in three, but they carried her still. Snow led Auto to the wall and upon seeing the gate shut and guarded they knew they needed another way out. Auto could risk flying but he couldn't carry Snow and Wildpaw.
"It is without hope." Snow sighed.
"Never give up my friend there must be a way. If we could fly over the wall we'd have a chance."
"Well, there may be a way." Snow began, "It's a long shot but maybe... just maybe... a blimp enthusiast used to live here. Maybe he left one in his ware house?"
"It'd be slow... and any Unicorn or Pegasus could try to stop us... But it's our best option! Lead on Snow."
They hurried through back alleys and back gardens until they reached a large abandoned building. They creaked the door open and slinked in. They saws two ponies in armor standing impatiently in front of a door. Auto nodded to Snow and the slowly put down the stretcher. Auto with his mace, Snow with a beam of wood snuck up behind them. "How long will that pony be!?" One coughed. *Crack!* *Smash!* The two slumped down unconscious.
"What are they doing here?" Snow whispered to Auto.
Auto rifled through their bags and found a seal. "They are... Equipment Inspectors? Wait, this one is a pilot... They must be here to check on a blimp! This could luck out! If they were scheduled to test fly a blimp Nopony will try to stop us!"
"What about the third? They mentioned a third."
A voice emanated from the dark. "That'd be me! Are you the liberators! I knew you'd save me from this corrupt government!"
Auto and Snow spun about and saw a ground pony wearing goggles and wearing a heavy coat. "What are the "Liberators?" Auto whispered to Snow.
"An anarchist group in the north... They hate secrets... This must be the Blimp enthusiast..."
Auto straightened up and addressed the pony, "I am Captain Auto Tomaton of the Royal Equestrian Armed Forces. I was sent to retrieve an artifact of power from this city with my two squad mates Snowchaser and Wildpaw. We discovered it was not here, at the cost of Wildpaw's life, and are now attempting to escape. Maybe we can aid each other?"
"Wow... You do realize that if I were A Freezer at heart I'd only need call out and this building would be filled with guards, right?" He blinked.
"Yes." Auto said without even the slightest waiver in his voice.
"Follow me to my pride and joy... these two wanted to use it to carry supplies from here to the fight... like a beast of burden!" He scoffed indignantly. "Any how, they wanted to take a test flight today. Nopony will doubt us!"
He went through a door and beckoned them to follow. They picked up the stretcher and followed in.
***
It was magnificent. Even only half inflated it looked beautiful. The balloon looked like a whale and the ship underneath was a masterpiece of interwoven wood. It was large enough to carry thousands of pounds, no wonder they wanted to make use of it. The sky blue Blimp enthusiast turned and smiled at them, "Isn't it beaut... oh my Evandra what is that!?" He panicked as he saw Wildpaw.
"She is our comrade who fell today. Once we return to Equestria she will receive a proper burial." Auto explained.
"Alright... well... I'm Airmane... and welcome to Freedom Air... We will be taking off in a few minutes so please take your seats." He laughed as he pulled a lever that opened up the roof.
***
Auto stared in horror at the debacle before him. Smoke rose from Cantorlot and the solar and lunar banners were replaced with Freezer Flags. Half the city was frozen and the other, burnt to a crisp. "What happened to cause such devastation?" Auto breathed. "Redirect us Airmane! Take us to the river! There is a ship I wish to intercept!"
"Aye Captain!"
"Celestia's speed, my friends. May you have reached the Everfree rendezvous point..."

> Chapter 24: The Sun, Re-ignited
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter24: The Sun, Re-ignited
Twilight gave the order to retreat on the third day. Flash had vanished and the Windigos were too powerful for them to handle. They would make a stand at Cantorlot. They laid traps and burned fields as the fled, the Enemy would find no resources to hold a prolonged siege on Equestrian soil. Winter was only in a few days and as the days and nights grew colder, so did the Windigos power grow. The Freezers had grown in this ice, the Equestrian Armed Forces couldn't keep up. They were out-numbered and outponyed but fought all the braver. They fought of the Windigos every night at campfires by raising moral with tales of better days but the hate from the Freezers fueled them. Rogue led several squads on hit and run attacks to slow their pursuers and kept causalities low. Twilight admired her in many ways. She remembered the day she ordered the retreat...
"We cannot hold them here without Flash!" Twilight wept.
"I know, I've led search parties and even called upon the animals to help but there is not a trace." Rogue frowned. "Worry not though, he will return. He is not one to give up and he has uncanny luck. Why, this wouldn't be the first time I myself have declared him dead, he'll pull through."
"How do you remain so hopeful in times such as this?" Twilight asked.
"Twilight... We are leaders." Rogue explained. "It is our role to give hope to those who follow us, no matter what. Why just today I smiled at a wounded colt and said we would win without question and he smiled. We must give hope, even when we have none ourselves. It is our burden. I led a squad out yesterday and a mare began to panic and say free Equestria was doomed. I saw everyponie's hope fall away. I told her it was nonsense and that we would win if everypony fought for what was right. The spark relit and to a pony they fought bravely. If I had said nothing, or worse told the truth of how I felt... I don't know how many would flee... The truth is... I have often contemplated hiding in the Everfree until this is all over. I lose hope. But we can never be seen to do so, or we truly are doomed." Rogue sighed. "So the truth is... I don't remain hopeful. I can't. But I swear by all that I hold dear that Nopony under my command will ever know! I will not falter, so they won't."
"You are braver than I."
"You are braver than you know Twilight. You weren't born an Alicorn, you earned it. You have my respect and the respect of those who follow you. In truth... I believe if you had been there when Nightmare Moon had been banished instead of I... You'd have stayed where as I ran." Rogue placed a hoof on her shoulder, "Never doubt yourself Twilight, let others do that for you so you can surprise them, and you will, Twi, you will." Rogue grabbed her bow and exited the room.
Ever sense then Twilight had grown bolder in her decisions. She assured the ponies that the retreat was simply to buy time and stretch out the enemy supply lines so her brother could raid the caravans easier with his Crystal Guard. When in her heart she knew they were running, tail between their legs. Hopefully Celestia would be awake and ready to offer aid. As she looked upon Cantorlot from a distance she felt hope blossom in her once more.
***
Luna sat worried. Through her spyglass she saw Twilight atop a hill on the outskirts of Cantorlot followed by a battered army and snow. Data Core entered holding a screen.
"I was just checking the vaults your highness and it seems some items were missing, simple relics only. From Children's stories."
Luna stared at him in frustration, "You are staring at she who was Nightmare Moon, a children's story. If they earned a place in the vault then Celestia must have found them too powerful to leave the Castle, or too dangerous. What is missing?"
"The Spear of the Lightning Mare, The Rusty Horseshoe of The Olden Pony, The Solar Scepte..."
"THE SOLAR SCEPTER IS MISSING!?" Luna screamed.
"Yes? Why? Do you know of it?" Data inquired.
"Of course! Back before we had the Elements me and Celestia fought to keep harmony. I with the Luna Scepter and she with the Solar. They were half-staffs that in our hooves became blades. Mine the crescent of a waning moon and hers as straight as a ray of light. Only one could use it though..."
"Yes, it is us dear Sister." A voice, sounded from the balcony. It was Celestia in old dusty armor. "We have awoken from our healing to find our armor in disrepair and our Scepter hidden away. What is the meaning of this?"
Luna twitched. Celestia was using the Royal "We." She coughed and began, "Tia, what is the last thing you remember?"
"Why, we were about to raid an old crypt for some strange artifacts."
"They were the Elements of Harmony."
"Wait, you've already fetched them? What happened? How long was I out? WHY WAS I IN A HEALING CHAMBER!?" She fumed.
"Alright. Let me explain... Actually no... Let me sum up,
You've been asleep, for a few of a few months,
You cast a spell, that knocked you out.
So you sat to regain your mind without a pout.
Unfortunately you woke a tad bit early.
And lost a millennium of memory,
So here's what happened over those years!
I turned evil, Starswirl kinda died, which brought you to tears,
You ruled alone for a really long time!
Everything was going fine!
Twilight became your student and Discord your Friend,
thenanevilalicornbeganattackingandthat'stheend!"
Luna smiled, "I know, I'm a genius singer. I just adlibbed that. Heh heh heh... huh..." Celestia wasn't smiling.
"So wait a minute... You're evil, Our only friend is dead, We have a new student, Discord is good now, and we are being invaded? Is that everything?"
"Well, I'm good now... but pretty much... Oh and you made two more Alicorns. One named Cadence or Mia Amora Cadenza and the other, your student, Twilight Sparkle."
"Why are you talking as a peasant? And why did We cast such a spell!?"
"You know? I'm not sure why but you retired the royal "We" thing. You cast it to save a couple of Ponies named Captain Auto Tomaton and Flashburn. Your memories will return in time I'm sure. But, if you went back into the chamber it would be much faster."
"We refuse to! Fetch thy armor and Scepter Luna. Thee spoke of an invasion. We shall repel the invaders our self."
"Celestia no. Look at yourself. After you banished me you threw down your sword and swore never to raise it again. Our armies delay the enemy until the Elements are recovered. Once we have them it will all be better, I swear."
"We may not be as fit as we remember but our courage is renewed! We care not what we became. We were weak. If thou shall not aid us, then we march alone." Celestia leapt from the balcony is disgust.
"Data..." Luna turned, "An ancient evil has awoken. Fetch me my armor."
***
Twilight heard yelling from behind her and flew back to the rear guard to discover the commotion. Rogue met her in the air and shouted. "The Freezers have responded to our retreat! They are chasing us! We have been routed!"
Twilight nodded and called out, amplifying her volume with her magic. "Attention Equestrian Armed Forces remain in your ranks, the Freezers have taken chase sooner than anticipated and at our current pace will reach us before we reach the city. Those who are not designated to carry the wounded go double time. Attention all Unicorn regiments able to perform teleportation spells safely! You are to report at the injured column. We shall not abandon our allies! Any Pegasi able to carry an injured pony over the walls is also to report to the column! All others double time it to the city!"
Twilight descended to the injured column, "Worry not my friends, soon you will be safe in Cantorlot." Several unicorns circled the wagons and several pegasi floated above. "Pegasi grab the lightest and least injured and fly for Cantorlot. Unicorns teleport the heaviest and most injured straight there. Come on ponies we haven't much time!" Twilight led them in teleporting others away.
Rogue landed beside Twilight. "Excuse me Twilight. I'm leading a squad of volunteers to slow the Freezers. I just wanted to say goodbye. There is a high chance I won't be coming back."
"Celestia's speed Rogue," Twilight panted. "If you can... just... be careful... the others are rendezvousing at the hole in the river... meet them there if you make it. I fear Cantorlot may not hold."
"I know." Rogue shot into the air like an arrow and landed amongst a group of grim looking soldiers. "Today we fight for our families and friends in arms. Through our sacrifice may peace be attained! I won't sugarcoat it. The likelihood of survival is next to zero. But know we die with honor! For Equestria!"
"FOR EQUESTRIA!" Their resounding call rebounded off the hills and souls of all who heard.
***
Rogue and her vanguard laid in wait for only a few minutes before the rending gale and siren wail of the Windigo reached them. A mare next to Rogue could be heard to say, "For once... their call does not bring fear into my heart..."
"Hold until I fire." Rogue reminded the thirteen under her command. They were hiding in an outcropping of boulders right in the path of the Freezers. The thundering of the Freezer's hooves could be heard and shook the soil. Rogue readied her bow. "Time to give them such a day to be remembered for all eternity..." The Freezers broke around them like water on rock, above pegasi flew and Windigos shrieked. Rogue counted to three, then stepped out of her hiding and loosed a triad of arrows. Her squad leapt from hiding and created chaos. Magic flowed from their horns, they flew and shot with their bows and battered their weapons on the un-expecting enemy. Rogue fired with abandon and quickly emptied her quiver. She drew her sword and battered away the now aware Freezers. She called out with her magic and the trees leaned in, closeing off enemy Pegasi as the brambles rose to entangle her foes. Branches fell and rose as Timber wolves baying and charging to their doom at the Freezers. Rogue felt a hot pain as a spear grazed her flank. The Freezer who held it was tackled by her Timber wolf, Woof-Woof. She nodded and he jumped toward another victim. Rogue was in the calm eye of the storm. No Freezer dared engage an Alicorn in combat! She counted her remaining allies. She was alone. The tree's were blasted apart as a dark Alicorn calmly and agonizingly slowly sauntered towards her.
"Evandra..." Rogue spat.
"Yes... And you must be Rogue... The Fallen one. I had searched for you before this war began, but alas I was too late. You had already joined the Shadow of the Night and the Accursed Sun. Oh well, you haven't proved much of an obstacle." Evandra wore the Element of Magic and black armor that reminded Rogue of darker nights. The nights under the Nightmare.
"You play dress up to emulate Luna at her lowest."
"I wear the armor of she who was killed!" Evandra drew a slender blade, curved, as a waxing moon. It glimmered red for a few moments.
"You and your kind weren't there, you will never understand how wrong you are!"
"Really? Then why did you flee Celestia's side?" Evandra laughed as she circled Rogue.
"At the time I did not understand it myself."
Evandra snickered, "At the time!? Really? You banished yourself longer than Celestia banished Luna!"
Rogue growled, "Silence thy tongue witch!" Rogue charged Evandra and slashed.
Evandra caught the blade with hers. "Slipping into the old speech again are "We"?"
"You will not succeed on the field of battle today!" Rogue screeched as brambles wrapped themselves around Evandra.
Evandra sighed, "I'm happy to say, you are... sadly mistaken!" Evandra turned into shadow and flew behind Rouge. Her blade slid down Rogues side. Rogue cried out in pain as she fell to the ground. Eve stood above her and pressed her hoof into the wound. She raised her sword high above her head and yelled, "As you die, so does their hope!" Evandra was sent sprawling as a great light and explosion filled the clearing. Rogue used the last of her energy to have the brambles pull her to a timber wolf. Woof-Woof shouldered his master and sprinted through the forest towards the River as he knew she needed.
***
Celestia stood in what was left of the stones where Rogue had fought. Her scepter at her side. "Who dares defy the Our divine province!?" She boomed. "Who dares challenge Us!?"
"You know very well Celestia!" Evandra spat.
"Actually We do not..." Celestia retorted, "We were told We are suffering from Amnesia! We will rephrase the question, who art thou, Knave!?"
"Wait... really? Amnesia?"
"Yes! We cast a spell to save a Captain and a Flashburn! We don't even know why thee fight Us!"
"You never knew in the first place!"
"We care not why, you threaten our kingdom and must be eliminated! Die Cur!" Celestia lifted her scepter high and it caught the sunlight transforming in a warm glow into an eight-foot long bladed claymore. "May the void meet thy soul in peace!" She brought her blade hammering down into Evandra's. A normal blade would have shattered but these were Alicorn blades. Freezers hemmed in, their fear lessened after seeing Rogue defeated and their will strengthened by their leader's confidence. Celestia growled in rage. If she was in her prime as she remembered she'd have already defeated this foal. But years of cake and leadership and cake had sapped her form of its old power.
"What's a matter Celestia? Haven't needed to lift a sword for a while huh? Or have you just forgotten how to use one?" Evandra baited.
"Silence thy tongue foal! You are speaking to your God!" She swung her blade at the crowd of Freezers that surrounded her. The backed off. They stared into each other's eyes. The hate of an era long past mingling with the hate of years of training. "Our blade may not be as sharp, but our mind never left the whetstone!" The sun dimmed as Celestia drew power from it. She smirked at Evandra. "Now, thy shall feel the might of the cosmos!" She fired an ancient magic, uncontrolled and fearsome. It appeared as if molten lava spewed from her horn and with a mind of its own flew at Eve, who after dodging had to run from it as it turned and charged once more. The forest was bright with the flame of the sun.
Evandra laughed, "You may outmatch me alone, but unlike you, I came with minions! Windigos, Freezers, charge!" The forest grew dark once more as snow began to fall. The light that radiated from Celestia seemed choked at its limits.
Celestia blasted away the Freezers with a ray, and spun about only to see more! She used her claymore to deadly effect, and any Freezer that got near never lived long enough to strike. The Freezer's magic chilled Celestia to the bone and arrows peppered her magic shields slowly wearing them down. Ice formed around her shield and her cosmos fire failed. Windigos circled above, sapping her of her strength. Slowly her blade became too heavy and she collapsed. It reverted back into a scepter.
"Cease fire!" Evandra ordered. She calmly strutted up to Celestia's kneeling form. She lifted Celestia's chin up with the blunt of her single edged blade. "Oh how far, my "God" has fallen... Say hello to the void for me darling and get it ready for your sister Luna... Hmph." She slid her blade up Celestia's check and held it above her head for a moment. "Say hello to my parents you murdering filth!" She raised her blade and...
*** 
Luna summoned her elite and informed them of what needed to be done, "Celestia may have bitten off more than she can chew. Ready the chariot, we ride at once to save her!" She adjusted her armor and fiddled with her scepter as preparations were completed.
"Your highness! The delegate from the Misty Isles is here to speak with you about reinforcement from their small nation!" Powerhacks rushed in babbling, followed by a young pegasus knight.
"I beg your pardon, Sir North Star, but I am about to lead a rescue mission for my sister."
His eyes went wide, "The Princess Celestia is in danger!? We will discuss politics later, I lend you my sword to save her."
"Alright, you ride in the chariot with me and keep them off my back. Now, we must hurry!"
"Yes your highness!" He and Luna sprinted into the chariot as soon as the summoned bat ponies brought it around to them.
"That way!" Luna ordered the bat ponies pulling it and they flew off into the darkening day. "There! Bring us around the side!" Luna saw Celestia fall and her scepter drop. "Hurry!" Arrows rained in on them, but North Star used his blade and shield to deflect them.
***
Evandra glared down at that she had hated all those years of pain and exile. She wanted to look into her eyes as she died. She lifted Celestia's chin to stare into the still defiant glare they held. "Oh how far, my "God" has fallen... Say hello to the void for me darling and get it ready for your sister Luna... Hmph." She slid her blade up Celestia's check and held it above her head savoring the moment. "Say hello to my parents you murdering filth!" She lifted her blade high and as it reached its apex, was intrigued by how beautiful the cracks on the ice were. More so she was bewildered on how the ice had gotten there. She lifted her head from the ground and saw her army clambering about her.
"Milady! Are you alright!?" Some nameless cannon fodder asked, worried.
"What happened!?" She barked as a wracking pain slammed into her head.
***
"I can't believe you just did that." North guffawed. It had been beautiful! Celestia was staring down Evandra as the Chariot zoomed in, and, as the final blow was about to fall, Luna pulled up and rammed the base of the chariot into the dark Alicorn! Luna and North had then leapt off and, with the aid of the bat ponies, helped the wounded Celestia onto the chariot.
"Did what?" Luna asked.
"That move! You just wiped out that alicorn and saved Celestia!"
"Oh that? Well... I kinda don't have a license... I thought we were gonna crash land so I over-compensated and lost control of the chariot..."
"So it was an accident!?"
"You don't think my insurance will go up do you?" Luna panicked.
***
Twilight saw Luna and two other ponies fly in on a chariot and felt a little better as she stood atop the walls of Cantorlot. Her brother stood to her left and Spike to her right. The gate shut beneath them and see watched the Freezers march over the base of the mountain and Windigos flying high above them. She could see the ice crawl before their march. "BBBFF, I know you don't have to be here," She turned and looked him in the eyes, "Thank you."
"Oh Twilly, you know I couldn't just leave you here. We only need to last a few more days and Cadence will get here with the newly trained Crystal Army."
"If we last the first night, I predict an increase of at least twenty five percent in our chances of making it."
"What do you think are chances are?"
"As long as they don't have some new trick up their sleeves... I'd say about a sixty-five percent chance. If the Princess Celestia and Luna as well as Discord are able to help then I think we can take almost any curveball."
"Um, Twilight?" Spike pulled at her leg.
"What Spike?"
"What have they thrown at us before?"
"Ice ramps, Windigos, Arrow barrages and the occasional Ice Ram."
"Then I think we have a curveball..." He said as he looked through one of those tourist binocular stands.
"What!?"
"Just take a look over there." He pulled her down to look through the device which was set to his height.
"Oh no... We haven't dealt with that..."
***
Approaching from the North-West a red sphere flanked by several robbed freezers rolled towards the city. Leaving a trail of blackened destruction behind it. Absol stood in front of holding a spear that shot electricity into the sphere. He laughed, "Fueled by this you can keep up this spell indefinitely!"
A dark voice emanated from within the sphere, "I'm not even tired!" It laughed. "Time to burn them all!"

> Chapter 25: The Siege of Cantorlot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 25: The Siege of Cantorlot
"Unicorns to the towers! Archers to the walls! Guards to your posts!" Twilight ordered her troops. The Freezers were lined up, just out of range. The Windigos circled high above in the clouds. Her soldiers in place Twilight flew up to the throne room. "Princess Luna? Princess Celestia? The Freezers are on our doorstep, we need you down there." The room was dark and seemed empty.
"... so the reinforcements can't arrive for two more days, but, with luck, we will outnumber them. If only slightly." A voice emanated from a hallway.
"We are glad to hear it." Celestia coughed as she walked into the room.	
"Princess Celestia!" Twilight squeed. "Your better!"
"You are?" One confused monarch inquired.
Twilight's left eye twitched a bit as she explained, "Wh-why I'm Twilight Sparkle, don't you recognize me?"
"Twilight... Twilight... Oh, Our student! Luna told Us We had another under Our wing after Starswirl... Sorry, but due to a malfunction We lost some of Our memories."
"Oh..." Twilight noticed a pegasus next to Celestia in armor. "Hello, I'm Princess Twilight Sparkle, who are you?"
"I'm... I'm... North Star... your highness." He shied away from her offered hoof shake.
"You remind me of one of my friends..."
"Oh... well... I'm Fluttershy's cousin..."
"Ah, that explains it. Princess, the enemy has reached our wall. Just seeing you would be a great morale boost for the troops. Where is Princess Luna?"
"She had the same idea as thee. She is out there on her chariot raising spirits."
"I must get back, I hope your memories return soon, Highness."
"As do... I..." Celestia shivered. "That will take getting used to."
***
"Greetings Cantorlot!" Evandra called out from above her army. "I have no quarrel with you, We seek simply to release you from the tyranny of Celestia, and destroy the mockery of a once great Alicorn. Turn Celestia and Luna over, and we shall depart in peace! We give you thirty minutes to accept these terms before we destroy the entire city without hesitation! We will allow the young Twilight Sparkle to live, as well as the Draconiquis Discord, she cannot be held responsible for the misfortune of being raised by these terrible fiends and he is of no consequence! You have half an hour to bring out Celestia and Luna, not to decide to, and that time begins now!" She flew back to the safety of her Armies.
"Oh no... " Twilight breathed. She looked into the windows of the homes behind her, Nobles already were scurrying to betray their Princesses. Twilight knew what she had to do. She flew to where all could see her and amplified her voice, so all could hear. "Citizens of Cantorlot! In this time of crisis the bonds loyalty and friendship may seem secondary to the need to survive, but I swear to you that over the last few years, they were the avenue through which survival was possible! If we bend to this, terrorist, and relinquish or Princesses, we will be crippled when she turns on us! And she will! Think of all they have done to protect us! Who would we be to not protect them now? I bid thee fight! Ponies of Equestria! For Peace! For Harmony! For our Families and Friends! For Freedom! And for Equestria!" The armies cheered and the cowardly nobles hid themselves away into their homes. Twilight looked at those around her, they were going to fight simply because of what she had said. What if Evandra had been telling the truth? How many are now going to die, because of what she said? She hoped she made the right decision. And as she looked at the frozen tundra that was her home, she doubted she could have made the wrong choice. "Spike... hurry back to the throne room. They may need you there."
"But Twilight..." He whimpered.
Tears brimmed up in her eyes as she sent her number one assistant to relative safety. "Go Spike! You must hurry!" Her voice almost cracked and after his scaly form was out of sight she wondered if she would ever see him again...
***
Scootaloo sauntered through the refugee camp, all these ponies had fled the smaller towns to try and find safety here. How wrong they were. She sighed, too many had fled here. She saw a few familiar faces, Diamond Tiara, Pip, even Snips and Snails had thought they'd be safe here. None recognized her though, as she kept her hood low. She felt a hoof on her shoulder.
"Howdy Scoot!" She turned and saw AppleBloom sitting there in a chainmail shirt holding a sword and wearing a red cape. Smiling. At a time like this. "Sweetie! I foun' her! How ya been? I haven' seen you fer... years!"
"Life has been hard, but I survive."
"I cain unnerstan' that. Las' winter, we ran outta money and had ta borrow some from Twi. We had a slim harvest ya see. We tried to pay her back, but you know Twi. "I don't need the money, I get my expenses paid by Princess Celestia." an all that."
"Applebloom... what are you doing here?"
"Big Mac and I got some help after AJ had to leave, so we finished harvest early an' I heard about all that was happenin' here. So, I decided ta help."
"Wait... you enlisted! What were you thinking!?"
"Nah, I ain't much fer joinin'. They said I could volunteer an' leave whenever I wanted to, I kinda thought you might wanna too. Seein' how this is where you live an' all. I bumped into Sweetie an' Babs an' they agreed. Sweetie even made these capes."
"Screw that! I'm just gonna wait out the storm, calm and comfy in the caves thanks!"
Sweetie Belle and Babs Seed trotted up at that moment. They were attired in a similar fashion to Applebloom. Sweetie had an extra cloak, sword, and chainmail. "Hey! It looks like the gang all together again!" Babs laughed, "Hey Scoot, long time no see!"
"Hey Babs..."
"So, what's goin' on?" Babs asked.
Scootaloo was cut off by Applebloom who sadly said. "I was jus' tellin' her about our plan."
"So what do you think Scoot?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Cutie Mark Crusaders, Crusaders?"
Scootaloo was about to decline and inform them that they were all feather brained, when she thought back to all their adventures, and thought of them charging into battle without her... What if one of them got hurt and it was because she wasn't  there? Applebloom began to say, "She already said n..."
A little part of Scootaloo that she thought had died long ago was reborn and immediately forced her to speak up, "Of course! Hooves in! On three!"
Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Babs smiled as they hoof bumped and called out, "Cutie Mark Crusaders, Crusaders!"
***
"Your time is up! I guess you don't know what she's done! Her brainwashing must have been stronger than I thought... Very well, if you refused to be saved, you will be DESTROYED! BRING IN THE OUR GATE KEY!" Evandra laughed wickedly. The ball of fire rolled faster and faster until it collided into the gate.
Twilight stared in awe as the wood burnt and metal melted. She shook back into focus and yelled, "Unicorns! Archers! Stop that thing! Fire all you have!" She charged up and fired a blast but it was intercepted by a Freezer's spell. Most of her unicorn regiment's shots were blocked and those that did hit didn't do enough damage. The arrows were almost pointless as the burnt to a crisp before even penetrating the surface. Twilight glanced around looking for a solution. She saw a pony holding a spear that was shooting lightning into the orb... "That must be the power source..." She Shot a blast that ricocheted off a Freezer's shield and hit the spear from behind, knocking it into the orb which dissipated... too late though. The gate was destroyed.
Evandra laughed maniacally as her victory was at hoof, "Charge! Bring me Cantorlot! I want it razed to the ground!"
"Enough chatter..." Twilight shot a blast at Evandra, she dodged easily but it stopped her laughing at least. "Bro, we are going to need to get that spear. If they use it again... we may not be able to stop it."
"Follow me Twilly. I know a way to get down there without being seen." Twilight cocked her head in surprise. "Don't look so confused. I was Captain of the Royal Guard. Oh and I'd sneak out to see Cadence..." He smiled. "This way. I think I see where it may be going." They looked at a trail of smoke slashing through the city.
***
"Here we go!" Scootaloo screamed as the gate fell. She saw a figure in a green scarf pick up a spear and drop into the city, heading for the palace. "Crusaders, we need to fight toward that pony. They took down the gate and are headed for the palace!"
"A'right Scoot! Charge!" Applebloom bellowed as Freezers dropped through the hole in the gate. They fought their way to the other side of the courtyard, sometimes ducking friendly fire.
"I know we aren't in the same uniform but seriously!" Sweetie squeaked as a blast zinged right over her horn. A blade was about to strike Applebloom but Sweetie caught it and blasted them with a rough stun spell. "I'm not used to offensive magic!"
"Comon, we gotta hurry to the palace!" Babs urged them.
"I know a faster way!" Scootaloo told them as she lifted up a manhole.
"The sewers?" Sweetie frowned.
"Trust me!" Scootaloo jumped in and was followed by the rest. They landed on a strange board and Scootaloo stood holding on to a handle. "It's a bit bigger now, but I still got my Scooter!" She tossed them all some helmets. "Let's go!" And she buzzed them through the underground that she knew so well.
***
"Are you sure it can do all you claim?" Celestia doubted.
"Yes, we just don't have the magic to use it... well, you two do. But we don't." Data Core explained.
"We have used it once before Sister." Luna reassured her. "Ready the strike."
"We have a lock on the Freezer supply caravan. Fire at will." Powerhacks confirmed. Celestia nodded at Luna and they charged their horns together...
High above the planet, a satellite floated. Slowly a light grew on it until a beam of energy shot forth towards the ground. It struck a cart bearing fruits and vegetables with such a might that they exploded in a fiery display of epic proportions. "We have a hit!" Swift Code cheered. "Targeting the next cart!"
"This is quite tiring..." Celestia huffed, "But We must say, effective! Hurry! We haven't much time! We must destroy as much of their food as possible!" Spike patrolled outside the door, ready to warn them of enemy encroachments.
***
Twilight and Shining Armor dropped down from the wall into the garden where the Grand Galloping Gala had been held. "Seems like forever since I was here last..." Twilight mused.
"We have to hurry!" Shining Armor pushed her. "We don't have much time before that pony gets to the palace!" They galloped into the building and stopped in their tracks. Burn marks covered the walls and piles of ash littered the floor. Standing atop the staircase was a familiar form with a spear and green scarf flanked by two unfamiliar ones. "Stop! In the name of Celestia I challenge you to armed combat to the death!" Shining Armor screamed as he readied his spear.
"HAHAHA! You dare challenge the mighty Flashburn!? Freezer scum!?" Flashburn taunted in a dark voice. "You will die in an instant!" Flashburn unleashed a torrent of flame that smashed against Shining's shield. "Okay... maybe not an instant! But you will still die!"
"Twilly... please step in... I can't hold him forever..."
"This isn't like Flash..." She looked at his two companions, one was a tall dark ground pony with a claymore... he fit Absol's description.... but he seemed different somehow. The other was a unicorn who paid her no head. They were focused on a spell! Their horn was glowing blue... but what were they manipulating? She looked around until something odd about Flash caught her eye... His boots were metal greaves... and his eyes were glowing blue. "I know what I must do!" She grabbed her brother's spear and teleported behind the unicorn. "I'm sorry!" She plunged the spear through the unicorn's heart and, as her horn flickered... Flash stopped casting his spell.
"Pony feathers..." Absol cursed. He ran up to Flash and raised his sword high. Flash spun and and blasted him into the wall with lightning from the spear. "We were right! The spear really has Unlimited POWER!"
Shining Armor dropped his shield with a sigh of relief as Twilight said, "Flash... Am I glad you're back to normal..." She was caught off guard when Flash turned around with bright red eyes and laughed he raised the spear and blasted Shining with it. He shot Twilight with a burst if flame. In her surprised state she barely had time to block most of it, let alone fly. She tumbled down the stairs and looked up at Flash. "But... why?"
Flash laughed. "Now I can truly be free! They may have lied to me... maybe you aren't Freezers, and they were the whole time, but just like them you have done nothing, but hold... me... back..." He cackled madly. "Prepare to meet your doom!" He fired a sphere of fire that Twilight knew would finish her... and as she closed her eyes she just wished... she could have seen Spike, one more time. She sat there... but no burning sensation came.
"I will kill you if you touch her!" Twilight opened her eyes and there in front of her, where four little fillies she knew from a long time ago.
Flashburn laughed. "What is this? Scootaloo? Your petty thieves guild come to save the day?"
Applebloom, and Babs guffawed, "You run the Cantorlot Cutpurses!? I'm impressed" Babs complemented her.
"So not them, let's see... Sweetie Belle... Scootaloo... and two I don't know... This must be the Cutie Mark Crusaders! Only... Scoot... You're the only real member now, aren't you? Cutie Markless freak!" Flash laughed.
"Flash!" Scootaloo yelled as she charged. He met her ferocity with his own, blasting her into the wall.
"Scoot!" Applebloom cried. "Cutie Mark Crusaders Charge!" They three charged him but the power of the spear was too much and the fell down the stairs one at a time.
"Now Twilight, where were we? Oh yes... Time to die, Princess!" He charged up his horn and smirked.
***
Spike paced relentlessly when he felt a familiar sickening of his stomach. He couldn't help it... He belched up into the air and a small box fell before him. He opened it. Inside laid for green boots and a note. It read "The order of Four Custom Boots, As promised. And remember us for you're next cobbler need!" Spike smirked, they used the wrong your. Oh well... "Flash, if you're out there... you'd want these." He breathed fire unto them and the disappeared, magically floating towards their destination. "Good luck Flash."
***
"Now Twilight, where were we? Oh yes... Time to die, Princess!" Flash began to enact a true display of his talent. By destroying an Alicorn he would know great power! He began to laugh when four objects fell next to him. He looked at the ground and sitting there... were his boots! "MY BOOTS!" He ripped off his greaves to put on his lovely boo... "Oh..."
***
Flash had began to laugh again as Twilight once again accepted her fate. He stopped suddenly and yelled "MY BOOTS!" He ripped off his greaves and... just stopped. "Oh..." He sat down, and just stared.
Twilight got up and limped towards him. He sat there eyes wide, clutching the spear and his scarf. His eyes wide... and blank... without feeling or consciousness. "Flash?" He immediately turned toward her a tear rolling down his cheek.
"It will make them forget? It will make it all better?" His horn glowed a second and then he was gone. Twilight looked at the greave he had removed before he left, the only one not to follow him. Inside of it was a rusty horseshoe... It radiated a powerful dark magic.
"Oh Flash... No..." She heard an explosion and was reminded of not only the war but her wounded friends. She ran to the closest which happened to be Babs. "Are you okay?" She moved her so that any internal injuries would not be worsened by how she lay, then looked around... Absol was missing... she then rushed to Sweetie Belle, "Are you okay?"
Sweetie rolled over slightly and shakily stood up, "Yeah... he only hit me with a glancing blow... ugh... You go help Scootaloo, I'll help Shining Armor." She limped towards Shining who was already getting up. "Never mind, I'll check AppleBloom."
Twilight knelt by Scootaloo, "Are you okay?" She picked her up and began to check her wounds. Flash had hit her square on the chest, luckily her armor stopped most of the damage, but it was mainly her head Twilight was concerned about. She hit it rather hard against the wall and her mane was damp. "Scootaloo... Come on, I need you to wake up. Head injuries are tricky you need to wake up and stay up for at least twenty four hours while under supervision." Twilight charged her horn and cast a healing spell, not her expertise but something she had learned.
"Ow... my head..." Scootaloo groaned.
"Oh good, you're awake. Thank you Scootaloo, your efforts saved my and my brother's lives. But we are at war, it is not safe here can you stand?"
"I can try..." Scootaloo shakily got up. "Ow... my chest got burned bad... Well, knowing Flash it could have been worse..."
Twilight saw AppleBloom stand up, she had been hit directly but, due to her ground ponies tenacity and resistance to magic, had hardly a scratch on her. "You four need to find a way out of here, you are all too injured to fight. You've done your part. Thank you. Shining, we need to stop the Windigos, can your shield repel them?"
"In my current state only for a few hours."
"Now hold on jist a minute!" AppleBloom interrupted.
"A few hours is better than nothing, we need to get you to a tower."
"Ah said, hold on!"
"What is it AppleBloom?" Twilight asked.
"We aint Fillies no more! If yer stayin' we are too! Right Crusaders?"
"YEAH!" They all affirmed.
"But you are too heavily injured and there will be no way out!" Twilight scolded them.
"So are you." Scootaloo pointed out. As she wrapped her head with a bandage torn from her cloak. "Besides once that shield goes up you'll become a target. You'll need protecting."
Twilight saw their stubborn expressions, they wouldn't take no for an answer and she didn't have time to argue. "Fine... just be careful okay?" They nodded, except Scootaloo who would get a head ache if she did. They rushed up the stairs toward the peak of the tower and ran out to a balcony. The sight that met them was terrifying to behold, fire and smoke like a gash ran from the gate to the palace, Windigos dived through the streets leaving behind layers of ice and frost. Everywhere a Windigo went, the Equestrian Armed Forces lost ground as their hopes were drained. "Shining Armor, engage!"
"Yes... your Highness." He winked at her and cast his spell. A magical barrier repelled the Windigos blasting them back, but they charged back ferociously attacking the shield. "I can hold them for two hours at this rate... If Cadence could hold back Sombra, I can hold back Windigos!" It was at this point an arrow whizzed by and stuck fast into the wall beside them.
"Girls hold the stairs! I'll stop the arrows!" Twilight ordered. Twilight readied herself and created a barrier of her own. Three more arrows flew from the enemy below and clattered harmlessly away.
"I've been in this tower before..." Scootaloo whispered under her breath. She looked around and saw a familiar tapestry... she knew how they could all escape. "Alright, AB, what's the plan?"
"Well, we all have swords... Let's jus' fight anypony tha' comes up."
"Wait, I have a plan." Babs interjected. "See any furniture around?"
"There's a bench over by the Princess... why?" Sweetie asked.
"Alright, tous two, Squeaky and Apple," Babs began.
"It's Sweetie!" Sweetie Squeakily Squeaked.
"I knows, I was just givin' ya a cool name. Now Sweetie and Apple, you two hold the door, Scooter, I need you to help me lift the bench."
"Alright..."
As Babs and Scootaloo struggled with the heavy bench the first three Freezers charged up the stairs. Sweetie caught one's hoof as the stallion raised his blade too high and AppleBloom bucked him like an apple tree into the others. Then four more scampered up. "Um... Babs? We need help!" AppleBloom yelled.
"Now! Heave! Move AB and Sweets!" They barely had time to get out of the way as the heavy oak bench flew through the air and down the stairs landing on two of the Freezers who caught it before falling down the stairs under it.
Twilight looked at the battlefield before her... they were outnumbered, outponyed, and outmatched... whereas the Freezers had been training for generations, Equestria had lived in peace for centuries... Evandra flew up high and began turning her might against Shining Armors shield... Once the Windigos got in they'd be doomed... She knew what she must do.
She amplified her voice so all could hear, "Equestrian Armed Forces! Retreat! Retreat to the Palace!" She stopped her spell... "How can we get them all out?"
"I have a way Princess..." Scootaloo began. "I run with a group that know the Catacombs better than any else... There is an entry to them in the Palace, we could retreat through there. I doubt any Freezer even knows they exist!"
Twilight thought it over, "That's an excellent idea... I won't ask how you know of these Catacombs or who you run with. Just help me save my ponies." Twilight teleported them into the sealed section of the Palace where her armies waited.
***
"We are too tired to continue..." Celestia panted. "It is time to rejoin our forces in the Palace."
"Actually we have a way out." Data Core told them. "That is if it ready?"
"I finished it a few minutes ago. It should be safe for use." Power Hacks affirmed.
"Should?" Swift Code questioned.
"Well, I'm still iffy on how the inertia and G-Force will react... but it is definitely fast enough! No Freezer will be able to hit us!"
"What are you speaking of?" Luna asked.
"I've taken to calling it... pause for dramatic effect... Big Fire Can! But it will be renamed later... Follow me." Power Hacks led them into a chamber that looked out to the other side of the mountain through a long smooth cave like tunnel. Resting nearby was a large metal object with fins. It was semi conical but a little flat. "Get in." He smiled.
"Alright..." Both the Princesses stepped into the small door. Swift Code and Data Core loaded up their computer targeting system.
"We destroyed everything else so the Freezers won't get our tech, or notes. We'll have to start from scratch but... We'd rather that than have them get their grubby little hooves all over it!" Data Core sobbed.
"Thank you, all of you... I understand how difficult burning your life's work must've been." Clestia bowed to them.
"Strap in!" Power Hacks yelled from the front of the Fire Can. "We are going for a ride!" After seeing they had all buckled their harnesses he pulled a lever and the whole thing began to shake. "A bit of magic if you would Princesses? Just to kick start it, I found this new fuel that works great but it needs a spark to start 'er up!" Immediately after their horns glowed they shot forward faster than they thought possible. "YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"OH MY LUNA! LUNA! CAN I FORGET THIS TOO!?" Celestia screamed in panic.
"YOU SAID "I"! THAT'S GOOD PROGRESS!!! OH MY CELESTIA!!! Luna screamed in panic.
"THIS IS THE LAST TIME WE TRUST YOU WITH ANYTHING ALONE POWER HACKS!!!" Data Core screamed.
"IT WORKS AT LEAST!" He screamed back.
***
Twilight was the last to leave through the dark tunnel under the city, out of the thousand under her command, only two hundred survived. She heard a gigantic explosion coming from higher in the Palace, and the great doors being broken through. She sealed the doors as the clip clop of galloping soldiers could be heard.
***
Flashburn sat in the snow, unsure of what was real or not. He kicked of the heavy greaves and stared angrily out into the frozen wastes of Equestria... He clutched the spear Auto had given him... or had it been Absol? He didn't care... he just glared at the land before him. Angry at the world. Angry at himself. Angry at everypony. Then he screamed at the top of his lungs until his voice was hoarse. The he rage dispelled was replaced by a crushing sorrow. He cried longer than he cared to remember, until a large eruption from the city, miles away, snapped him out of it. He looked around and saw his boots. He smiled. "It's not so bad... At least I have my boots... If only I could find my hat... Why do I have a scarf!? Where's my cloak!?" He stopped. He needed to find Auto... He remembered their alternative rendezvous point! "I will make it all better! I swear!" He wondered if he actually believed it.
***
"Absol! You have failed me again!" Evandra yelled as sat angrily in her new throne never happy...

> Chapter 26: In Case of Fire...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 26: In Case of Fire...
The boat landed with a crunch as the crew hurriedly tied it to the shore. They had seen smoke over Cantorlot and the river was edged in frost. Rainbow dashed out with some of the supplies for making camp and began work. Pinkie hopped out to assist her while Shadow hung back, having not yet come to terms with James's death. She had been in disbelief at first, but after she saw the look on Rainbow's face she knew it was no lie. She had been mad at Rainbow and locked herself away in her room, slashing away at a wooden stake, she had lost soldiers before, but she had thought... she had thought Nopony in Auto's team would fall. Somehow they had seemed above reproach and no matter the odds they'd come through. She realized that Rainbow could have done nothing, and by her retelling, had even saved them from the center of the enemy fortress. She forgave Rainbowdash, but still his death troubled her. James was a wilily son of horseshoe. He may have survived. They should've gone back... It was too late now though. How would Rogue react? She had seen how those two looked at each other. She sighed and trotted out to help with the preparations, it was too late for them to journey towards the city tonight and they had only a few hours before the sun would fall.
***	
"Ms. Shadow! Wake up!" A hoof prodded her as she slept in her bedroll.
"Yes? What's the matter?" She shook into alertness.
"I'm sorry, I was unsure of your rank, you may be the highest rank here and thus the one to ask how we react to that." He pointed high into the sky where a Freezer marked Blimp slowly descended upon them.
"Pony Feathers! They must've seen the fires! Awake the rest of the crew! Get the Elements and their bearers into the boat with three guards! That leaves me and the other twelve to ambush. I want four in those trees, four over there, and me with the four surest swordsponies out there in the open. We will be bait. When I give the word, attack. That's the order of a former Captain."
"Yes Captain." He ran to the others giving out the commands.
Rainbowdash and Pinkie both ran up to her looking quite steamed. "I don't cotton with what you're doing here! It's making me furious! You know I'm good in a fight!" Pinkie huffed.
"I'm the fastest in Equestria! There's no way I'm going to just hide in the boat!" Rainbowdash fumed.
"I know," Shadow bowed. "But..." She looked both of them in the eyes, "I can neigh risk losing either of you to a stray arrow. We need the Elements if we seek a peaceful victory in the end. Now, I know neither of you would feel fine just sitting out, there are ballista on the boat. Those siege weapons would be a massive help and need at least four ponies to operate both of them. When you hear me yell "Attack" then launch a barrage at that ship, take it down so they can't just fly away and tell Evandra about us. This is a vital role that only happens to be out of the line of fire."
"Fine..."
"Oaky Dokey Loki!" Both zoomed towards the boat. Shadow sighed as she trotted into position with the others. They stood, blades drawn in the light of the fire pit. Any pony on the airship could see them.
"Land and lay down thy arms! Your ship is being commandeered for the use of the Equestrian Armed Forces! If you come into custody peacefully your lives shall be shared! If not, you will all be slain!"
A figure looked down at her and was followed by a voice that called down, "Oh yeah!? Bye you an' who's army!?" The figure was immediately pulled back and hushed, harsh voices seemed to chastise it.
Another voice called down, "What is the fourteenth sworn code of the Equestrian Armed Forces?"
"To never strike an innocent, unarmed, and or otherwise detainable suspect..." Shadow called back.
"We pass ourselves unto thy custody!" The voice replied as it landed softly in a nearby clearing. Shadow signaled her forces to circle the craft.
She peered through the gloom and saw a pegasus, Unicorn, and ground pony leaning against the ship. "Reveal yourself! Keep those hooves above your head!" She commanded.
"I'm not doing this in a threatening way, Airmane over here won't let us detach a lantern, says it'll mar the ship!" The unicorn yelled before his horn glowed bright whitish blue.
Shadow couldn't believe it! "Hold your fire! Somepony get Rainbow and Pinkie over here!" She galloped over towards the Pegasus, "Auto you old buffoon! We almost shot you out of the sky!" She wrapped him in a hug. "Glad to see a friendly face after all this time!"
"Shadow!? You made it!" He hugged her back, "Have any of the others?"
"Others?"
"Cantorlot has fallen. He must make for the alternate rendezvous point in the Forest."
"This is terrible... Are you sure the city is fallen? I can't imagine it's might crumbling so quickly..."
"It would appear they had help. Half the city was burning as the other froze. Freezers have never used flame magic before, we had no answer for it. We now are without a base, we must regroup and hope we can get the Elements to work."
"We have Loyalty and Laughter with us, have you recovered Magic?" Auto shook his head, "Pony Feathers! Do you know where it is?"
"Evandra has it still... and... Shadow... I have bad news..."
"What is it?" Shadow asked, worried.
"Wildpaw... she... didn't make it out..."
"Oh no... Rogue..."
"I know, she'll be devastated..."
"James didn't make it either! She'll be crushed!"
"He... no... James? He's... gone? I thought if any would make it back it would be him!"
"We must find the others... with Cantorlot fallen, how many other ponies will have lost their lives? Shoot, I don't even know if Rogue yet lives! We must go to the Forest as soon as possible! Dawn is too late, we must march sooner."
"No we don't, we must go now! The trek is to dangerous at night whilst on the ground, but... In this we can cover the vast distance easily. How many are in your company?"
"Fifteen."
"Airmane! How many can your ship hold?"
"Comfortably?"
"At max capacity!"
"Well, without any supplies I guess around forty three and a filly. Well, I don't guess. It was a test I ran."
"Are there any weapons on that thing?"
"None."
Shadow yelled out towards the one named Airmane, "Oi! Can we attach some Ballista to that thing?"
"What color are they!?"
Shadow looked at Auto who only shrugged, "Well, Purple and Gold! I think..."
"Well..." He thought, "I guess if we keep them more towards the Larboard it should be okay! We can repaint later!"
"Alright," Shadow sighed then turned toward her crew, "Ponies! Gather our supplies and get the Ballista over here! We fly in twenty!" Thirty minutes later the ship was floating high above Equestria drifting towards the Everfree Forest.
***
"So... this is where Rogue has been living all these years... quant." Celestia commented as she sat on the Rogue's couch next to a rather nice Timber Wolf. "Some of my memories are returning Loony! You were a bit of a jerk. You stinking shot me! Thug." She shook her head disappointedly. "Hey, Tree Dog thing. Get me that book. It's on my right hoof side." She lifted her broken right hoof slightly. "Wow... you are useless." She levitated it towards her and grabbed it with her left hoof. "Hey Da Ta!? What's that stuff you gave me called!?"
"Vicahorn... and Morphoof... for the pain."
"Well I like it! Can't feel a thing!"
Data Core turned to Power Hacks angrily, "I swear if you ever design anything without landing in mind I WILL kill you."
"Hey she stopped us at least!"
Swift Code whispered, "Maybe if we tire her out?" She then called out. "We have a bogey in the area! I've locked on to them! It's a blimp of some sort! I know Luna is asleep but maybe you can shoot it by yourself?"
Celestia put on some of Rogues reading glasses just so she could take them off when she said, "Challenge Accepted" Then said, "Challenge Accepted!"
***
"Speed up! Speed up now!" Airmane freaked out. "A laser is falling from the sky and will hit us any second if we don't speed up!" He pulled a lever that got the rotary engines to go into overdrive and the Pegasi that were pulling the ship put all their strength into it. The blast hit the back end of the balloon and the engines, absolutely destroying the propellers. "Put out that fire now! The balloon is compartmentalized so one hole won't cause it to crash, but it is NOT fireproof!"
"I got the balloon! You guys get the back of the ship!" Snowchaser called out as he climbed up the maintenance rope. He sprayed the flickering flame with a blast of icy cold wind mixed with water. The balloon stopped in mid air as its momentum ceased and the fires were put out.
"We've got nothing left..." a pegasus panted as he landed.
Auto landed and more fell than walked towards Airmane, "What... was that?" He panted.
"I don't know... and until we fix the engines and propellers we are dead in the air. And thus, vulnerable."
***
Celestia yawned and stretched out on the couch quickly falling to sleep, her good hoof wrapped around the slightly irritated yet immensely trained Timber Wolf.
"Oh thank Luna she is asleep." Data collapsed.
"You're welcome..." Luna snored in her sleep.
***
"I still don't see why the rendezvous point has to be here of all places!" Rarity complained. "It's so dark and icky!"
"Once you see Rogue's house you'll say otherwise I'm sure." Anti assured her.
"Why couldn't we just go to the Palace of the Two Sisters?"
"Too obvious."
"But Applejack and Fluttershy have Nopony in their group who've even been there! How are they supposed to find it?"
"We'll find them. I mean, it is a large forest, but Rogue has taken more control of it and her wards will hold strong as long as she does. The animals and monsters won't threaten us while we are here. Besides, I've never been there either."
"Wait, really?"
"Well, I got really detailed instructions about how to find it!"
"I can't believe we've been out her without a clue where we are going!"
"Hey! I can find it. In fact we should be only a couple dozen yards from the cleari..." A great explosion filled the air and Anti spun about, daggers drawn.
"What was that!?" Rarity panicked.
"I don't know... but it is time to find out... You stay here, I'll climb that tree and see if I can spot anything." Rarity nodded and Anti jumped up to the nearest tree. She made it to the top quickly and looked around the sky.
"Do you see anything dear?"
"Oh yes... Shh!" She shushed Rarity as she hopped down, "There is a Freezer blimp right above us. We must be silent in our search... now follow me. It should be near."
***
"Comon Shy! It's only a little ways to yer cottage, then ya kin see Angel again! I'll check up on the farm an' we kin be on our way to the forest!" Applejack told her.
"I can't wait to see Angel again! We had to leave in such a hurry last time I didn't even get to say goodbye! Oh I hope he isn't too upset... What if the ponies that took over his care didn't fluff his tail right?" She ran past Applejack toward Ponyville.
"That Fluttershy..." She shook her head slowly, smiling. "Wait up silly!" She ran after her.
The town was almost deserted with only a few ponies running around doing the errands they couldn't put off. Fluttershy was already down the road to her cottage so Applejack trotted back to her farm. She got there and was surprised to see that Big Mac and AppleBloom had already harvested! She trotted up the house and walked through the door, "I'm hom..." she had to duck as wood cutting axe imbedded itself in the doorframe next to her. "What in tarnation!"
"AJ?" Big Mac excitedly asked.
"Yeah it's me ya big lug!" She taunted back. "Why'd you try an' take my head off?"
"Sorry Sis, word is that the Freezer's are comin' an' I thought you were one."
"I understand. Where's AppleBloom?"
"She went to defend Cantorlot."
"She... she went to Cantorlot!?"
"Eeeeeyup. Left me here to guard the farm." He wrenched the axe from the door.
"Oh this is bad... Cantorlot fell Mac! The city was lost! That's why I'm here instead a there!"
Big Mac looked deeply troubled when he said, "AB wouldn't take Nope for an answer... She'll be fine. You need to find yer friends an' fix this! I'll let Caramel take over the farm fer now. I'm goin' with you until AB's home again.
"It's too dangerous Mac!"
"Nope! I'm not gonna potentially lose another Sister because I let her go while I stayed! Where're we goin'?"
Applejack almost lied so he'd have to stay, but she couldn't do that to him. "We are goin' to "Rendezvous" at this Alicorn, Rogue's house in the Everfree."
"If yer goin' there then you'll need mah help more than ever. 'Bout an hour ago a Freezer balloon flew past and there was a big explosion. Kinda why I swung this at ya." He held his axe aloft. "You get Fluttershy, I'll tell Caramel then you I'll meet you two by the Forest entrance."
"Alright Mac, alright..." She trotted towards Fluttershy's cottage wishing, for the first time in her life, that she hadn't gone home.
***
"Would you look at that... Such a nice blimp, slowly drifting down into the forest. Beautiful isn't it?" Data Core whispered to Swift Code as they sat on watch, hidden beside the cave.
"If it wasn't for the fact that it probably contains enemy soldiers that have come here to kill or capture us... well... It still is beautiful just... marred a bit I guess."
"Shh! I see movement... Ready the Ballista!"
"Where?"
"You're sitting at its control port..."
"No duh... I meant where do you see movement?"
"Over in that brush! Do not fire until we have confirmed it to be a hostile." Data Core ordered as he pulled out the flip book that had pictures of the allies that were supposed to come to the rendezvous point. He saw a light blue mare poke her head out from the brush and slowly trot forward with a dagger in her mouth.
"Target locked... Is she a listed friendly?"
"Give me a sec! Light blue... light blue... Does she have wings?"
"No, she is a ground pony."
"What's her cutie mark?"
"A heart."
"She might be Anti-Freeze, do you see a white mare with her?"
"Not yet... wait... I see movement... I see a purple mane... She's sticking to the bushes I can't tell if she's white or grey."
"So far it fits... I'm going to go in to talk to them."
"Be careful and stay out of the line of fire. I'm not too good at this, by Celestia I'm a technician not a soldier!"
"I wil," Data was caught off by a small burst of flame that emanated from a small hole in the ground. "Potential additional hostile! New plan! Observe the new threat and I'll keep an eye on the others."
"There is movement in the pit! I see a purple horn. Could it be Twilight? Wait... I see green boots... and a brown mane! Do any fit that description?"
"I think... Flashburn... but he was reported missing in action..."
"It's a stallion. He's spotted the blue mare!"
"She's spotted him as well..." The two ponies ran towards each other and wrapped the other in a hug as the mare with the purple mane slowly followed. "I think we have our allies! I'm going out!" Data ran out and spoke with them, then led them into the cave. Swift saw more movement and out of the brush strode none other than Captain Auto Tomaton, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbowdash, and a squad of other ponies.
"Looks like we all made it..." Swift Code laughed.
***
"Ugh..." Celestia slowly opened her eyes, she was in intense pain, especially her right foreleg. She slowly sat up from the couch she had been sleeping on. "Where am I?"
A form moved behind her, "Oh thank goodness you're awake!" Luna trotted up with a bowl of oats. "Hungry? You should be after all that happened."
"Which was what exactly?"
"Oh, well, Power Hacks built a thing but forgot to put in landing things so you flew out and stopped it with your magic right before it hit the ground but it was too heavy for your drained magic alone so you caught it with your bare hooves! It was quite heroic really. Long story short we lifted it off your hoof then shot you up with meds. You were kinda loopy after that."
"My head is pounding... Do we have word from the rest of Equestria? Do we have any clue where the parties you sent out are?"
"We have all the Elements but one back in our possession, and Equestria is being turned into the stage for the most terrifying Winter we've had yet. Windigos roam free, currently only in Cantorlot and the northern provinces but they will migrate down... We haven't much time! We need a plan!"
"I know... give me a day and I'll know what to do."
"Alright Sister, I trust you..."
***
Discord scoured Cantorlot for any signs that the Equestrians had escaped, but none could be found. He phased down to the caverns to mope a bit after changing some of the ice that clung to the city into grape jam and found a surprise. Hoof prints! They led to an exit Discord knew of so he snapped his fingers and he was there, sitting face to face with Twilight Dorkle. "Why hello Princess," He snapped his fingers and she was in a robe with a crown and holding her Twilicane, "Fancy finding you here."
"Discord! Where were you during the attack?" She shrugged off the cloak.
"Helping Shutterfly! I come back after only a few days and look at the place... I guess it's my fault you didn't have a plan in case of fire..." He pulled a rope that said in bright lights "Chapter 26: In Case of Fire..." "Well, no need to apologize, we really must hurry! Don't you think?"
"Yes, anything you can do to help would be nice, I need to get all these ponies out and away from here but Evandra won't allow the Sun to be lowered until she finds Celestia so we can't escape under the cover of darkness. Can you fix that?"
"Why of course!" He snapped his fingers and suddenly they all vanished.

> Chapter 27: Blurse is Best
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 27: Blurse is best
"I have a plan!" Celestia began. She sat there staring at those before her.
"And that plan would be?" Luna asked her.
"I'm still finalizing the details, but what I have is simple. Using the caves beneath Cantorlot we sneak in and ambush Evandra to gain the Element of Magic. Then, after finding Twilight, by using the Elements of Harmony we banish the evil in the hearts of the Freezers and drive them away using the help from with the reinforcements from the Crystal Empire, the Misty Isles and... well... the other kingdoms have just walled us off... No other help will be coming. Flash we need you to help with the Windigos this time for real. I fear we may not enough talent amongst us. If any of you have allies in Equestria that have yet to be called upon, now is the time."
"We could ask Daring Do!" Rainbowdash yelled.
"She's too busy with other things. I'm sure you'll read about it very soon."
Flashburn had an idea pop into his head, "I may know somepony... But I'd rather she not get involved."
"Flash, if you know somepony then you must speak up! Imagine how this pony will live in a Frozen Equestria?"
"Ohhhh! She said it!" Pinkie jumped up, "They've been close to it earlier but now they actually said it!"
"Pinkie! This is serious!" Twilight scolded her.
"Oh... sorry..."
Flashburn coughed, "Well, her name... Her name... She's Boomie. We kinda have a thing... but it never ends well... Similar to me, when she gets overly emotional, she loses control. For some reason I also seem to lose control around her and the results are... well... kinda... imagine a wonderful forest. Now imagine it on fire. That's me. Now imagine the ground randomly exploding. That's her. I always leave because... I'm afraid she'll get hurt. I don't want her to get hurt."
"It is a war. I cannot guarantee her safety but if we lose I can guarantee that she will suffer." Celestia told him.
"She lives in Fillydelphia... as a miner at a quarry. If you send a letter to Fillydelphia Rock and Granite Counter Tops Co. Then you should be able to reach her."
"Thank you Flashburn, any others?"
"Maybe one or two more." Auto began, "In my search for talent... I refused a few... Well I refused one, and never gave the option to another."
"You refused somepony!?" Celestia guffawed. "I had assumed you just took all you could!"
Flashburn raised an eyebrow, "Excuse me, but some of those ponies are no longer with us."
"Sorry. What were their names?"
"One, was this ground pony that is supposedly the strongest in Equestria. He went by the name Pwnicus. The second was a unicorn by the name of The Great and Powerful Trix..."
"You can stop right there!" Rainbowdash interrupted him. "We do not want her help. She can't really do anything, she just brags!"
"Hush Rainbow, any pony can be of use. Even her." Rarity calmed Rainbow.
"Do you know how we can reach them?" Celestia asked.
"Pwnicus should be in the construction district in Manehatten, I don't know where Trixie is." Auto admitted.
"Very well, luckily the garrison in Fillydelphia and the garrison in Manehatten both stand. Spike, send a letter to them, we wish for all troops to mass here in the Everfree and tell each city to contact those ponies, respectively. Flash you may want to write the letter to Sparkboom yourself."
Fluttershy had a weird feeling about Celestia. She had just lost her home where she had lived for over a thousand years, yet she was handling everything calm and collected, as if nothing had happened. "Umm, Princess... Can I talk to you... in private? You know, if that's okay."
"Of course Fluttershy, come outside with me." Celestia got up from Rogue's dining room table and led Fluttershy outside. "What do you wish to discuss?"
"I know it's not my place but... well... you've lost a lot recently but appear completely fine. Are you okay? If you need to talk about it I will listen." Fluttershy said with compassion dripping from her voice.
"Thank you Fluttershy, it is your place to offer such a thing and even though I don't need grief counseling some of the others might. Especially that Flashburn..."
"But you've been through so much recently. How are you able to bear losing your home and friends?"
"Fluttershy... You must understand, I come from a different time and have lost a millennium of memory. I am only now regaining some memories. To tell the truth I only remember living in Cantorlot a few years and most of my dear friends are now strangers. I see now why Luna told me the Element of Kindness chose you. As of yet the only pony that I have lost that I even remember is Rogue and... well... I remember the time before ponies united. The constant wars. Maybe after I recall a few more centuries I will need your help, but as of right now... My subjects need you more."
"Alright... sorry for bothering you."
Celestia laughed, "You were no bother, I'm glad you spoke to me. I am truly and deeply thankful." She smiled at Fluttershy who smiled back then trotted back inside. Celestia wondered where those feelings had come from. She felt like a parent speaking to a child. She got a splitting head ache. "Ugh... May this confounded headache and war find an end!"
***
"Sparkboom!" The forepony called her name as she sat down in the quarry.
"Always on my break... Yeah boss!?" She got up and trotted toward his voice. He was standing next to a guard.
"This stallion wants to see you. Remember Sparky, I can't employ anypony with a record! This had better be just a misdemeanor!"
"I don't recall doing anything illegal... Hello Sir!"
"Sparkboom?" He asked impatiently.
"That's my name." She confirmed. He nodded and handed her a scroll. It had the Royal Seal on it! She sat at a nearby table and unrolled it. She recognized Flashburn's messy penponyship! The note read,
Dear Boomie,
Remember how I joined the military? Of course you do! :D Well to get you 
caught up... I fought a bunch of Freezers and saved the Princess Twilight! She's cool
in person, but not as cool as you! Don't get any ideas... Then we went to get the 
Elements back! I got left behind to defend against Windigos but... Well... I was
Bamboozled! Tricked! Made a foal of! They used an illusion on me and a weird
Artifact... Oh! Back on topic! I kinda screwed over Cantorlot, but Twilight saved
me! Now we are planning on something big, but... we need help. They asked if
I knew anypony that was very talented and... I thought of you... I... I don't know
if I want you to risk your safety but... we need you. I know you have doubts about
"Celery" (see how clever I am? Now they don't know who I'm talking about!) but tr-
ust me! She's really nice in person. Follow the pony who gave you this scroll if you
want to help out. See you soon, or maybe not. Up to you! :D
Signed,
Flash ô̧ô
She put down the letter and thought for a while. She could finally she him again... sure it would be in a war... She wasn't really a joiner. She looked around her, snow had come early. It had confounded the pegasi in her crew, now she knew why. Cantorlot had fallen. She couldn't pretend it wasn't happening anymore. "Oi! Soldier boy! In this letter it says to follow you! Boss, I request a leave."
"We're under quota as is, you'd better a have a good excuse!" He barked at her.
She was about to respond with a snarky comeback but the soldier beat her to it, "With all due respect sir, she is leaving to save the world. Unless of course your granite is more important?"
His jaw dropped he struggled to regain his composure at hearing a soldier say something like that about her so he just said, "Well, what're you still doing here? Get out, now!"
"Aye sir! Away we go!" She ran off in the direction of town.
"That way Miss!" The soldier called out to her.
"I have something to get first!"
***
"What... did you do to us?" Twilight asked.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Discord taunted. "None will see you escape now, I swear you must be more grateful it wasn't easy!"
"Ponies! We make for Ponyville! Follow me!"
"Where are you?" Somepony asked.
"Oh sweet Celestia... Discord how can they follow me if they can't see me?" Twilight asked.
"That's your problem. Now if you don't mind, I need to go create chaos in the Freezers ranks." He snapped his fingers and Twilight assumed he vanished.
Twilight thought for a few seconds before an idea popped into her head, she picked up a rock but it vanished in her hoof. She levitated it away in anger. She heard a voice behind her go, "Did you see that? That light?" She knew what she must do.
She channeled her magic to levitate a stone and the glow from her horn lit up a small section of the cavern, "Eureka! Follow the light my little ponies!" She led her army and refugees to the relative safety of Ponyville.
***
Discord hovered through the streets of Cantorlot, the ice clung to the buildings and he thought fondly of the time he had created a frozen lake in Applejack's farm. He went to the walls where Freezers patrolled and had an idea. The Freezers had no idea what had befallen them until they had already fallen. They stared up at the top of the wall that turned into pop corn leaving an angle that was too steep for them to stand on. He then looked for some ants. Upon finding some he increased their size to that of a small dog and set them upon the food stores. Soon all the windows in the city were made of hard candy and the houseplants grew to become aggressive predators. "I love this new freedom! I'm just getting started Evandra! Wait for my full might!"
***
"Do we have any word on the location of the Equestrians?" Princess Nightwarden Evandra asked her brother Absol.
"I have just received a report. It would appear they have camped in the Forest outside of Ponyville. But we have more pressing concerns."
"There is nothing more pressing!" She screamed at him.
"With all due respect Nightwarden, the incidents are continuing! Our food stores are dangerously low and our supply line has been compromised! Only a few carts have made it and soon our troops will go hungry!"
"They can have their fill of hard candy and pop corn, after we march on that forest! Send word, we will empty the city of all but two hundred who will remain here, to guard me."
"Why are you not accompanying us?"
"All of the Elements of Harmony are now back in their hooves. All but the one I wear. I cannot risk them regaining it and I cannot entrust it unto another. You will lead this mission. I will accept nothing less than complete victory, do not fail me again General."
"Yes Princess Nightwarden Evandra. Your will be done." He exited the room and sighed in depression as soon as he was out of sight. Why couldn't she be happy?
***
"Princess!" A guard ran up to her command tent in a panic. "There is something strange coming!"
"What is it?" Luna asked calmly.
"A small light that seems to crush all behind it! The snow looks nice and fluffy before the light arrives then after it passes the snow gets packed down. The light itself is purple... I don't know of anything else that may be of importance. Is it a threat?"
"Take me to it, I will observe and determine if it is a threat."
"Yes Milady. This way. He lead her from the camp out to the edge of the forest and, sure as day, there was a light only a few hundred feet away.
"Hmm... Let me see just what this is..." She hunched over and turned into shadow, taking the form of a Timber Wolf. "Let's see how it will react to this..." She said in a low growl. She prowled towards it before showing herself to it. The light bobbed and went out. Then a blast of purple energy rocketed toward Luna, quickly she turned back to her form that could use magic and deflected it with a shield. "Show thyself!"
"Princess Luna!" A voice that sounded shockingly like Twilight Sparkle emanated from... somewhere. "I would if I knew how..."
"Twilight? Where are you?"
The light reappeared and her voice called from it, "I'm right here! Discord snuck us out of the city by making us invisible." She explained.
"Well, you are safe now. Reveal yourselves and come to the camp!"
"I... don't know how..."
"Oh great... How many do you have?"
"Two hundred and thirteen soldiers or volunteers and around three hundred civilians."
"We will need more tents... wait... so around six hundred ponies who are invisible? Can we use this?"
"I'm afraid not, walking alone is incredibly difficult. We need to cure this as soon as possible."
"Alright. Ponies! Follow me!" Luna led them into the forest, but right after she cleared the boundaries she heard a kerfuffle behind her and a call of joy.
"I can see me again! And I can see you!" Luna spun in place and saw several ponies standing there. Another appeared as soon as it crossed into the Everfree.
"Ponies! Once you enter the Everfree you are cured of your invisibility!" Luna called out in her Royal Cantorlot Voice. She smiled to herself as more and more of her subjects strode into the Forest and freed from Discord's... Blessing? Curse? Blurse? Cussing? Blurse... Blurse is best.
***
"Oh finally I'll be able to see myself again! Do you know how many times I've stubbed my hoof?" Sweetie sighed in relief, "A lot if you hadn't guessed it!"
"I know! I guess you never really notice how important sight is 'till it's taken away!" Applebloom laughed.
"I knows what ya mean! Seriously I think Sweetie has jabbed me with that horn a hers enuff for one outing!" Babs joked.
"I don't know what you guys are talking about! Being invisible ruled!" Scootaloo smirked, "I guess maybe I'm just better at it than you are." She laughed.
"Huh," Sweetie had a sudden realization and pulled Babs and Applebloom closer to whisper to them, "What if Scootaloo already has her Cutiemark? But she's really good at hiding and being invisible so the cutie mark is invisible?"
"I have the strangest feeling you meant to pull in Applebloom or Babs instead of me." Scootaloo coughed.
"Pony feathers!" Sweetie cursed.
"Curb your tongue ruffian!" Randomly generated Cantorlot Noble number three scolded them. "Just because we can't see each other doesn't mean we can't act civilized and seeing as how you are speaking of getting your Cutie Mark I think you are too young for that kind of language anyways! Now unhoof me!"
"Sorry! And sorry to you Scootaloo, I shouldn't have said anything."
"Do I care? I have a cutiemark now! Take that Diamond Spoon, or Silver Tiara, or whatever your names are!"
"You have a cutiemark!?" Babs and Applebloom guffawed.
***
A day past and everypony had finally settled down when word first reached them. The Freezers had found them. The armies were marching this way and the Windigos led the way. Help from the Empire was still a day away as was help from the Isles. A panic set in before Twilight, Celestia, and Luna rose to quell the crowds. Twilight glanced nervously at Celestia who looked nervously at Luna who smiled and nodded. Celestia, reassured put her faith in Twilight, as she was told she would normally. Twilight looked out unto the crowds of ponies, her friends amongst them.
"My friends. I would like to put your minds at rest. The rumor that spread like a wildfire through this camp, that the Freezers are marching this way, is completely true. They march to end any chance of resistance. We will meet them in the fields of honor as we must, even though it pains us to have to fight fellow ponies. I now lay down a temporary law, that will override a previous law. I am lifting any all and punishments for desertion. Both regular citizen and soldier alike may leave now or at any time and never be punished or thought less of. But now I plead you, stay. We may have lost Cantorlot, but I'll be damned if I lose Equestria to the forces of evil. I beg of you, stand and fight with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. We need only delay the enemy forces for one day, one day and then reinforcements will arrive and we will expel this darkness from our lands as we do our hearts. I will be honest with you, those who choose to stay risk everything. And I will not hide the truth either. I will not be standing beside you. I ask you to stay so I may infiltrate Cantorlot with the other bearers of the Elements of Harmony and an elite team to defeat Evandra and reclaim the Element of Magic. I wish I could stand beside you and if at all possible would. Many will die, but if we manage to win, if we manage to survive this winter of hate, we will live in peace and plenty once more. Think of yourselves now, think of your life in the frozen wastes that Equestria may become. Is it a long life? Is it a happy life? Now think of your families, your friends. Will they survive? Will they ever feel joy again? Is that worth fighting for? Is that worth bleeding for? Is that worth dying for? Those who stay will be remembered as the heroes of Equestria, who fought for love, friendship, peace, and you. Equestria will always live on in our hearts, and will eventually fall and be rebuilt as a new nation. Eventually it will fade from memory, an old ponies tale like Unicornia or Pegasopolis. But let it not fall today! Look into the eyes of those around you! You can see their doubt, their fear, their absolute desire to flee! But look deeper... You will see their courage! Their hope! Their will to fight! If you do not wish to fight for Equestria, fight for them! For our friends! For truth! For justice! For yourselves!" She floated down to earth and walked among the ponies she had just asked to die with her. She stopped by a young colt, and put a hoof on his shoulder. "The choice, is yours." She then walked into her tent and prepared her armor. Discord was inside waiting for her.
"Marvelous speech Princess, I'll be staying as you could probably be guessing. Such a rousing monologue from our newest member in royalty," He snapped his finger and she was once more wearing her fur robes and holding her Twilicane. "I wonder how many who were going to flee now feel as I do? How many will now stay?" She sighed and tossed her cane aside and threw the robes at Discord who put them on. "Alright! I guess I'll wear the robes but you may want to take the Scepter."
"The... what?"
"Celestia asked me to give you your Alicorn Scepter awhile ago, but every time I try you throw it away, really ungrateful if you ask me. It's a really powerful weapon in your hooves at least." She snatched it up and he snapped his fingers, she was wearing her armor and it fit better than ever. "Good luck, and... Twilight..." She raised an eyebrow at being called something other than Princess from Discord. "Please... make sure Fluttershy makes it back safe and sound." She nodded as she left.

> Chapter 28: The Fall of Evening
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter28: The Fall of Evening
Flashburn walked through the lines of soldiers that would be the first to fight, they had not only volunteered to fight, but for this specific position. This is where the brave, foolish, and violent were. He wondered which he was. He needed to be as close to the front as possible to defend against the Windigos, but that logic only went so far. He didn't want die, but... he couldn't stand the idea of hiding behind a living shield. He kept walking until we reached his Unicorn regiment. He didn't recognize a soul there. He thought about Boomie as he pulled his new cloak around him. Maybe she had decided not to come? He didn't blame her, but it did tear at his heart. Would he ever see his Boomie again? Leaving her may have been the sanest, safest decision but... looking back... maybe they could have made it work?
***
Sparkboom crouched next to the soldiers who had brought her here. She had been ordered to report to the frontal Unicorn Regiment, but she wanted to see Flash one more time. There was no way they'd let him up front. They'd need him for the Windigos. Five hundred ponies had chosen to stay, and no matter where she looked she couldn't find Flash. What if he was part of the Elite team? Would she see her Flash again? What if he or she died today and they never saw one another? Letting him leave may have been for the best but... looking back... what if they had tried a bit harder? Could they have worked a way around their powers?
***
"Luna..." Celestia whispered to her sister, "I am just beginning to remember your transformation back from the Nightmare. I missed you so much. I know these past few months have been trying on you and I'm sorry for that. Will you ever forgive me for banishing you to the moon?"
"Celestia, I never blamed you for banishing me. Well, maybe for a few minutes after I got back but I wasn't in the right mindset. I understand the pressure you are under, you aren't allowed to doubt yourself in front of any of your subjects. For a thousand years, you did the work of two Alicorns. I hope you can forgive me for forcing you to banish me."
Celestia smiled. "Once more we are on opposite sides, I vanguard the right as you hold the left. I never want to lose you again. Please, just stay alive."
"I can at least promise I'll try, you take care of yourself as well. The Moon only reflects the light of the Sun after all, I'd be nothing without you."
"I can't think of an astrological response... but I think the same about you. Now... let's go fight, for Equestria!"
"For Equestria!" The two flew their separate ways neither able to comprehend just how much love the other sibling had for the other.
***
Absol went to the front lines, they sat upon the fields of the battle staring across a field to the somewhat distant Equestrian Lines. He glared at his troops each in turn. "Listen and listen well! Today we eliminate the fiends Celestia, Luna, and their filthy army. We out number them three to one! Victory is assured. You choose how many casualties there will be. Remember we fight for justice! If any of you turn tail and run, you will answer to me personally. If I fall, you will answer to the Nightwarden and you'll wish I was still alive. Now take up arms! We charge now!" He drew his sword and galloped toward the Equestrians, his army at his back. He thought of what they fought for... he fought for his sister... he wished an arrow would take him. Maybe she'd care then.
***
"This way..." Scootaloo whispered as she led the strike team into the caves. The team consisted of the cutie mark crusaders, the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, Big Macintosh and Captain Auto Tomaton. Shadow and Anti guarded the exit through the caves, guaranteeing them a way out. "I request that you not ask exactly how I know about this entrance, Twilight."
"I will not ask you. Lead on please. Where will we come out?"
"The Throne Room Antechamber. That's as close as we can get to the Throne Room, well... that I know of."
"Alright, e'reypony got their weapons? We'll need 'em." Applejack asked.
"Eeyup."
"Yes, Lady Applejack."
"You know it!"
"Yes dear."
"yes..."
"I even brought my cannon!"
"Only my horn..."
"The Cutie Mark Crusaders are always prepared!"
"The door will be right there. It leads to a false wall. We wait for your word Twilight."
"We will want to confirm she is in there and then rush her. Don't give her a chance to respond. Now... go!" Twilight ordered.
***
"Prepare the cannons!" Power Hacks ordered. "Fire on my word!"
"They will be in range in thirty seconds!" Swift Code told him.
"The Cannons are in place, and ready to fire!" Data Core confirmed over the radio. "This Balloon was hard to repair but I think it should withstand the backlash!"
"Let's hope so... FIRE!" Power yelled.
"Direct hit on the Freezer mages! Their shield blocked it but I don't think they will be able to block many more!"
"Then reload!"
"I'm working on it! You can help too Airmane!"
"First it's ballista now cannons! I swear as soon as this war is over I'm flying down south for a much deserved vacation! Wait... why is the ground over by the Freezers made outta soap?"
***
The Freezers had begun their charge so Sparkboom sprinted to her spot. As a Unicorn it was her job to either shield the Equestrians from the Freezer's magic and arrows, or attempt to destroy their shield and then wreck havoc on the Freezer's forces. She knew where her talent would be best used. She fired blast after explosive blast at the advancing shield and watched as blast after blast pummeled into theirs. She felt dread grab her heart as the pale form of the Windigos descended upon them. She heard a roaring flame come from only a dozen or so feet to her right and saw the torrent spin around blasting the Windigos until they fled in fear of their natural enemy. Boomie smiled, Flash had stayed. Emboldened by this she redoubled her magic and hammered away at the shield. Cannon balls rained from on high and shattered upon it as well but too many unicorns were allied with the Freezers, and too few with Equestria. The two armies met and blade crossed blade as arrows bounced harmlessly against the shields. But they did have one advantage. Or two as it were. Celestia and Luna flew above the battlefield landing where help was needed and battering the enemy shield. Sparkboom watched in horror as the ground ponies that stood between her and the Freezers fell to a ground pony in dark black armor, she knew from the stories... Absol had come. His sword swung from Unicorn to Unicorn, weakening the shield further. She tried to blast him but the shield was still too strong! She drew her pathetic example of a sword and braced herself for the end. She wasn't about to go down without a fight though, so she readied herself for a charge. He lifted his blade high and her courage fled her. She backed up against the hill. She wasn't ready... She deflected his blade once with hers... before it clattered to the ground.
"Equestrian filth." he muttered as he lifted his blade. She didn't want to see it fall, so she shut her eyes.
"Don't you touch her Absol!" A voice screamed. She opened her eyes and saw a familiar green cloak.
"Flash?" She gasped, "What are you doing? Run! You're a mage! Their shield is still up!"
"I know... but... I can't leave you!" Flash panicked.
"How touching, now you'll die as well Flashburn." Absol spat.
Flashburn held his spear aloft. "Even without my magic this is a powerful weapon..." The spear crackled with electricity. Flashburn smirked. "Have at you!" He thrust his spear forward. Absol deflected it with ease. Electricity crackled as the two weapons met. Absol returned with a sweeping attack which Flash ducked under. "You... will not win... Equestria will rise to meet you!" Sparkboom scooped up her sword and flanked Absol. Who laughed. He wielded his great sword as if it weighed nothing. Deflecting her attacks from behind and Flash's from in front.
***
"The Freezers have broken through to our Unicorns!" Data Core yelled. "We need those shields down now!"
"Our shield is fading! Anything you can do, do it now!" Power hacks ordered.
"I do know one thing..." Data turned to Airmane. "Airmane! I think the Freezers are planning to attack this ship. Put on a parachute!"
"Aye, but when that shield goes down, I'm tryin' to get this outta here!" He threw on a parachute.
"Sorry Air..." Data Core reached pretended to reach for the firing mechanism on the cannon, before shoving Airmane off the ship.
"Oh you bugger! I'll get you fo..." Airmane screamed as he fell toward the ground.
Data turned the ship so the front faced the Freezer army and sped towards them. Grabbing a sword he began slicing the ropes that held the balloon to the rest of the ship. "Let's see them block this!" Just as the ship hovered above the Freezers shield the ropes began breaking of their own accord.
"What are you doing? You're out of our shields radius!" Power asked.
"Something you'd think of!"
Power hacks watched in horror as the ship fell from its balloon and crashed onto the Freezers shield. "Maybe Data will survi..." he was cut off when the ship's cannon fuel detonated, shattering the shield. "No... Data..."
***
Boomie had been backhoofed and lay still upon the ground, He couldn't save her... Flash blocked another sweeping strike but tripped over a fallen Unicorn. The spear fell from his grasp. Absol laughed, "You fool! Now die!" Absol lifted his blade high over his head and it glinted off the sunlight as... the shield fractured above him. Flashburn smiled now he could use magic... He teleported to the right of Absol as the sword planted itself into the earth where he had been only a second before. Flash picked up the spear as Absol hefted his sword.
"Now... we are evenly matched." Flash shot fire at Absol who simply dodged and swung his blade. Flash deflected it with a blast of electricity from the spear. The shocked coursed through the blade and Absol was forced to drop it. "Forget about something? Maybe a certain weapon you made me use to kill my own friends?" Flash glared.
"You think yourself angry? You think you know anger? Let me show you anger!" Absol picked up the charged blade and leapt at Flash who teleported behind him. Absol's hoof burned from contact with the blade, but he paid it no heed. "How long until you cannot teleport? I've seen Unicorns who lose their magic for a few hours after only once! I'll outlast you!"
"Sure you will. But you forget..." The spear crackled with energy. Flash glanced around looking for back up, but it seemed all the other Unicorns were giving all they had at keeping the shield up and the ground ponies had only just reclosed the line. No help would come. He shot a bolt of lightning that Absol shrugged off as nothing... Curse Earth Ponies natural resistance to magic! I... I have to kill him by myself... Flash thought. I only have one shot at this... All or nothing! He charged all of his remaining magical energy, pulling all of the stored energy from the spear. The magical lightning mixed with his flame as he charged forward. He leapt into the air and a threw the spear with all the might of his final spell behind it. Absol deflected the spear with his sword then disappeared in the explosion of power. "... Di... Did... Did I win?" Flash panted as he collapsed from exhaustion.
A voice emanated from in the smoke. "No..."  Absol limped into sight, "I assume that was all you had?" Absol was very beat up, but still standing. "Now you will die." Flash looked up at him and tried to charge any magic at all, but he had nothing left.
"At least I'll die knowing I fought for the right cause..." Absol paused. "Oh yes, I remember all you said to me while I was entranced. You're not fighting for justice! You're fighting for your Sister's, your only family's, affection!" Flash taunted.
"Silence your tongue! You have no idea what you're talking about!"
"You know it's true! She was traumatized when she was young I bet! You failed her as a brother didn't you? Let me guess, parents die? Is that why she's waging this war? You haven't helped her by letting her destroy all these lives!"
"Shut up!" Absol swung his sword at Flash, to quell the truth that spewed from it. But the earth at his feet rose! Launching him into the air!
"Oh thank... Alicorns... I guess..." Flash sighed in relief.
"Next time... try and not put all your power into one attack then rely on me to save your sorry hide." Spark Boom coughed from where she sat. "What if I had been dead?"
"Then I wouldn't have minded dying." Flash smirked.
"Oh you!" She laughed.
Absol limped forward again. "Good to know you don't mind dying Flash!"
Sparkboom looked at Flash in disbelief, "Why won't he just won't die?"
"Earth ponies... Am I right?"
"Whoa Flash... kinda racist..."
"It's not racist! I'm just saying they can resist magic better than Unicorns or Pegasi!"
Absol growled, "Neither of you seem very afraid right now... why? Do you not know death when you see it?" A shadow fell over Absol.
"We do, we just have back up."
Absol spun about and looked directly into the sun, which one should never do, as it is bad for your sight. "Hello Freezer." Celestia greeted him. He knew he was doomed but he couldn't miss this one chance to earn his sister's respect. He swung his sword which she caught it with hers. He went to punch her but she caught his hoof with hers. He glared at her and spat in her face. "You shouldn't have done that." Her horn glowed and blasted into the ground. She put the full force of her hoof into a quick punch, He was unconscious, it seemed peaceful unlike how his life had been. "Flashburn, are you okay?"
"Thanks to you and Boomie, yeah." He slowly got up. "Unfortunately I don't have the energy to repel the Windigos and once they realize this... We'll be doomed."
"I've seen a pony transfer magic energy to another, can you do that?"
"I've never tried it... maybe?"
"I have some energy left!" Boomie called out.
Celestia nodded, "Good, wait for the Windigos to return then test it out. I'm needed elsewhere. Good luck and try to stay safe. Twilight should be back soon and we can end this war... I'll take care of him."
***
"There she is... Evandra... She has four guards with her. Auto and the Cutie Mark Crusaders, take care of them, everypony else, charge on my signal for Evandra." Twilight whispered. "Charge!" The ran into the room and divided as was planned. Rainbow flew straight at Evandra but right before she grabbed the crown Evandra spun around and clocked her on the head with her scepter, sending her reeling into the wall. "Rainbow!" Twilight screamed.
"Ah, Twilight... We never got to meet in person before, it's too crowded here, maybe we can speak in private?" Evandra and Twilight disappeared in a flash of light.
"Pony feathers!" Applejack cursed, "Where in the hay are they!?"
"Rainbowdash are you alright?" Fluttershy asked as she hovered to Rainbow.
"I may have a mild concussion... but I've had worse. Where's Twilight?"
Pinkie tripped the Freezer guard that was fighting Sweetie Belle before saying, "Hay if I know!"
They subdued the guards then looked around, "Look! Over there!" Rarity pointed out the window, where lights could be seen flashing in the tower of the rising sun.
More guards ran in, so Auto ordered, "You five, go to the tower! Help Twilight! We'll hold them here!"
"I aint leavin' mah kin!" Applejack obstinately objected.
"We're in good hooves AJ, go!" Big Mac ordered. Applejack looked from her family to Auto to where Twilight was.
"Alright, but if there's so much of a cut on either of them y'all answerin' ta me!" She spun around and followed the rest out to the hall that led to the tower.
***
"Why hello Twilight, a little new to being an Alicorn to challenge me aren't we? I bet you haven't even used your scepter yet." Evandra taunted as her scepter became a sword.
"Why are you attacking us Evandra? Equestria never did anything to the north!" Twilight growled as hers turned into a purple estoc.
Evandra smiled, "Do think I am a fool? You only seek to delay me, so your friends can come to your rescue! Die now!" She rushed Twilight and swung wide, to test Twilight's defenses. Twilight deflected it, she had to use both hooves to overcome Evandra's superior strength.
Twilight quickly realized that she was outmatched in both strength and speed, not to mention training. But she did have one leg up. "I'm the Princess of Magic! You will know no victory today!" She teleported behind Evandra and threw Celestia's desk at her. Evandra spun around and cut it in half. As the papers and documents swirled around Evandra she charged Twilight. Or she would've, if she wasn't fending off the papers as they flew around her. The cuts were minor, but annoying. Frustrated Evandra shot a laser at Twilight, who engaged her in laser combat. The true test of a unicorn's, or Alicorn's, magical prowess. The beams pushed against each other ferociously, but slowly Twilight got the upper hoof. Evandra, knew this was inevitable and allowed Twilight to win. Or so it seemed. Right as the beam was about to reach her horn, she dashed out of the way, it struck a mirror that had been enchanted to reflect magic and Twilight got hit by her own attack, launching her through several support columns and crashing into the wall. She shook her head to clear it and saw Evandra standing over her.
"Shame, if you had allied with me, you could have grown to become the most powerful Alicorn in existence." She laughed.
"I'm not through yet!" Twilight yelled. She teleported above Evandra and plucked the crown from her head.
"Wait? Your alive!?" She growled in confusion.
"And kicking!" Twilight stabbed at Evandra who caught her hoof.
"Try this on for size!" She blasted Twilight into the wall next to the window with a beam.
"Ow..."
"Now, to finish you off..."
The door burst open and Rainbowdash stood in-between Twilight and Evandra. "You'll have to get through me!"
"And me!" Rarity yelled.
"Me three! Oh shoot! Nopony said me too!" Pinkie bounced in.
"Me... too!" Fluttershy swooped in.
"Not tah mention me!" Applejack rushed in.
Evandra looked at the six of them... the odds were not in her favor... They all had their elements... Twilight was standing up! She knew what she had to do. "Fine... You win." She dropped her sword and it reformed into her scepter. "Just don't punish my subjects."
"R...Really?" Fluttershy's jaw dropped.
"Of course. I am out-matched." She bowed her head, carefully aiming her horn. She fired her laser at the final support beam in the room. It shattered and she laughed as the whole building began to fall on top of them. "I will take from Celestia everything she took from me!" Pinkie darted about dodging the rocks as they fell. She grabbed Fluttershy and jumped out the window.
"Fly my Shy! Fly!"
Rainbow followed and grabbed Rarity holding her from the fall. Twilight teleported Applejack back to the throne room and was about to make the jump herself when Evandra grabbed her by the mane. "You stay!" Twilight tried to pull herself out of her grasp but she was too strong. Evandra began to laugh maniacally when an arrow thudded into her shoulder. Twilight jumped out the window just as the ceiling fell in. "No!!!! absol?" The top of the tower collapsing caused the base to shatter and the entire building crumbled.
Twilight looked at her friends, "Thank you! Who shot that arrow?" She saw them all just struggling to stay aloft. "Fluttershy you had a bow right?"
"I dropped in the room Twilight..."
"Then who shot the arrow?"
"None of us..." They looked around, but Nopony was in sight.
"We'll figure it out later. Right now we need to get the Throne Room and help Auto."
***
"And as you die, so does their fear." Rogue spat. She laid her bow on the ground and left Equestria.
***
Celestia saw the lines break as the Freezers overwhelmed her troops. She looked out to the North and saw a beautiful sight. A glowing army... She looked out towards sea and saw the Kingdom of the Isles had already joined the Equestrian Forces. The Freezers saw it as well. Celestia knew what she had to do. "Absol has fallen! Reinforcements have come! Drive them back!" The Freezers heard this and their will was totally broken, the fled. Completely routed not even the Windigos remained. Victory had been achieved, but at what cost? Had Twilight been successful?
***
Auto lay on his side, staunching a wound as the Bearers of The Elements of Harmony Blasted every Freezer they saw. Sweetie Belle was giving him stitches. She said something that he didn't quite catch. He couldn't hear anything... He was happy. They had won. They had the Elements of Harmony at long last. Equestria would live another day, even if the armies failed, they at least had one Princess left. Twilight would do well. Sweetie Belle looked worried. Why was she worried? They had won! She turned and called to the others. Somehow she looked so innocent. Even after all the blood she had seen. Her soul was pure. His eyes rolled over to look at Scootaloo, she had seen so many hardships, but somehow this war had saved her in the end. She would live on, happier than before. He looked at Applebloom, she looked sad. Why was she sad? Big Mac and Apple... Jack? Applejack? They were fine. He thought on his own life. From birth he had been raised and trained to be a soldier. Like his family before him. He had become a Captain quickly... He had failed his unit... Then... he gathered a group of the bravest, most remarkable ponies he had ever met... Most of them would be dead now... Why was it so dark? He could see Sweetie... Ball? Sweetieball was saying something... His eyes grew heavy and he smiled. He had done good.
> Chapter 29: Trials of Peace
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter29: Trials of peace
Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Twilight stared across the wreckage of Cantorlot and the faces of their citizens looking up to them with hope. Celestia took a step forward a quieted the crowd with her hoof. As they settle down she looked at her sister, herself and her student. They all wore bandages that covered wounds gained in the service of Equestria. She herself wore an eye-patch due to lucky Freezer. The crowd had settled so she began, "Ponies of Equestria. We have won, or land is now safe from invasion and our allies have arrived to help with reconstruction. Let us all rejoice in the knowledge that our way of life has been preserved, but let us never forget what it cost. Our friends, our relatives, our fellow Equestrians who have lain down their lives so you may remain free. Know their courage will be remembered and grieve their loss. They did not give their lives so we would mope though. We will celebrate our victory and their lives during the feast of the fallen, which will be held in ten moons all over Equestria. This feast will be held annually as the Summer Sun Celebration is. Even though we have achieved victory on the battle field another battle is before us. Times will be hard until we recover our full strength. That is why we Princesses have decided to remove all taxes until further notice. We will spend all that we have in the reserve to aid in the recovery. During this freeze Government jobs will remain paid, except those of Royalty. Summer will be extended until further notice. Remember always shall evil try to steal away our love, our peace, our happiness, or our very lives, but they will never, they will never succeed as long as we remain true to our friends!" The crowd stomped in applause and the Princesses re-entered the castle as the sun finally set.
***
"Flash?" Sparkboom called from out the Gala Chamber. He turned and looked at her, she wore a beautiful dress and he looked at his neon green tux. He shook at his head as he listened to the cellist as she played. "Come inside, it's a tad dull but Pinkie just got here so it'll liven up. Come on, we're personal guests of Celestia herself!"
"I'll be right in." He sighed.
"Are you sure you don't want to just go back home?"
"I'll be fine." He assured her. "Now go inside and enjoy the party."
"Alright, Octavia is in full form tonight, you should hurry up out here." She walked back inside.
Flash turned and stared up at the statue. After the cremation Auto's will said he wanted his ashes spread across the Cantorlot Gardens... Celestia had this statue erected so they would still have a place to visit. It was a great statue. A stallion blocking something with a shield while standing in front of a foal. It even had his mace. A tear slowly formed in his eye, but he blinked it away. Auto and Wildpaw were dead, and Rogue and James missing. It was hard to think that it had already been ten moons... Flash still spoke to Anti and Shadow occasionally, but only in letters. Shadow was reinstated as a Captain and Anti had chosen to return to the spy academy as a teacher. None of his other friends had survived. Besides Boomie. Flash didn't know how'd he'd of coped without her. He walked up and put a hoof on the marbled version of Auto. "See you again soon Cap, we did well didn't we? Equestria is safe, Twilight and the bearers of the Elements of Harmony are all alive and well, Rainbow can even fly again! Luna wasn't destroyed by the Freezers... Absol goes on trial tomorrow. I don't know how to feel about that. Me and Boomie are doing well! We're moving far away soon. I don't even know where... just... away. I'm leaving them a way to contact me just in case they need me though. Well... It was nice knowing you Captain Auto Tomaton, and an honor, to serve with you. Oh, and Chryssy still hasn't replied to one letter!" He turned and walked into the party. Celestia and the other Princesses sat at the staircase greeting anypony that wanted to meet them and the bearers of the Elements of Harmony were scattered about. He spotted Boomie next to Shadow and Anti and walked towards them, smiling through the pain.
***
Absol glared at the stone wall of his prison. He was set to go to trial tomorrow and he knew how it would end. He was guilty beyond defense. His crimes were insurmountable and unjustified. He lead a war of hate a fear across the lands of Equestria. And for what reason? For his sister? She didn't even love him in the end. He would remain strong. The Equestrians would see no fear in his eyes when they paraded him before the masses before finally laying down punishment. Would it be banishment? Imprisonment? Maybe they would banish him, then throw him in a dungeon in the place they had banished him to. He did not care, Celestia had taken his mother, his father, and now even his sister from him. He spat in disgust.
***
"Order! Order!" Celestia slammed down her gavel to silence the court room. "We are here to pass judgment on the case of General Absol of the Freezers versus the People of Equestria for War Crimes in the Frozen War. The prosecutor will be a third party, as far unaffected by the war as we could find. North, emissary to the Kingdom of Isles. We were unable to find a defense attorney that would defend Absol to their fullest so yet another pony who is untrained in being a lawyer. Flashburn?" She said confused. She turned to Twilight and whispered, "Why Flashburn?"
"He volunteered!" She whispered back, almost as confused as she was.
"Alright... Prosecution, your opening statement if you would." Luna prompted.
"General Absol is a blight upon our world. He used fear and hate to command a vast army with the intention of attacking Equestria without provocation. His crimes are not only against Equestria, but also his own people. The ponies of the North who were given no choice but to fight, or be beaten or even killed by him. He is at his core, truly evil. We seek nothing less than banishment, to the sun or moon, or  execution. The prosecution rests."
"Defense, it is time for your opening statement." Luna stated.
Flashburn stood from where he was sitting and walked to the center of the room. "There is no point in fighting for innocent. Everypony knows what he has done. I lost many of my own friends fighting the Freezers. The defense seeks not freedom, but only a few years imprisonment." He was cut off by sounds of discontent from the gathered representatives of the Equestrian Nobility.
"Order! Flashburn please continue." Celestia quieted the room.
"Thank you, as I was saying we do not seek no punishment, only a few years, five to ten, of prison time. Followed by community service. The defense rests."
"Prosecution, your first witness?"
***
The trial went on and on as North called up more and more war torn victims. From captured Freezers to orphaned fillies. Flash remained silent through it all, never once cross examining a witness. What would the point have been? They only spoke the truth. Absol had done terrible things. His guilt was without question.
"Well, that was... informative." Celestia began, "Defense? Do you have any witnesses?"
"Two, Milady. I wish to skip my examination of the first witness and have the prosecution cross examine him."
"Whatever for?" Celestia asked.
"Because it would be pointless for me to examine myself."
"Alright... a tad unusual but, I'll allow it."
Flashburn trotted up to the stand and gave his statement. As he passed Absol he told him, "I'm going to have to give away a few of your secrets and personal information, sorry but it's for your own good. Promise you won't interrupt me?" Absol nodded and Flash hopped up before the gathered ponies. "Before the war escaladed and the Freezers invaded I was abducted by the Freezers and enchanted to believe that they were the Equestrians. Well, then they put this artifact on me that turned me evil and when the enchantment was broken I didn't care who I was burning. So trust me when I say this next thing. He wasn't attacking us. You see, they all assumed I wouldn't remember anything that happened while I was enchanted, but I'm from thousands of years in the past and due to evolution my mind is some what... different than your average colt's. So I retained most of it, even the stuff I wish I could forget. But that's irrelevant. While I was enchanted I overheard who I thought was Auto talking to his Sister via magic and eventually I managed to pester more out of him. The only reason he spoke to me was because he thought I'd forget everything." Flashburn sighed and looked at Absol then Celestia. "Sorry Princess but this won't make you look too good."
"If it brings about the truth I'm sure no harm will come of it, I have nothing to hide."
Flash nodded, "Thank you. Now as to what I heard. Evandra was, in my opinion, absolutely insane and bent on the annihilation of Equestria. You see, she did not earn Alicorn...ness... like my good friend Princess Twilight Sparkle or the Princess Mia Amora Cadenza whom I haven't met. She was born to it. Back when Princess Celestia ruled alone, she was doing... honestly more work than most would believe possible for two ponies and thusly she wanted to find help. She made a law, all alicorns must be raised by the State and groomed for being royalty. Well... No matter how much training and screening the guard does... some... bad apples do get in. Stationed in her town were two such guardsponies. They heard of the little alicorn and, after several drinks, made their way to their home. Seeing Evandra there playing alone they decided to, instead of finding her parents, just take her and explain later. Her parents heard her scream and rushed out. It got violent fast. After seeing them murdered in front of her and her brother she escaped with Absol, angry, confused, and alone. She was later picked up by a cult worshipping Nightmare Moon and used her influence to raise the army that attacked us. She was raised by the worst of the worst while in a weak mental state and what she saw there... pushed her over the edge. There was nothing Absol could do to stop her, he did try though. Often. Until she accused him of being responsible for their parents death. Have any of you tried to tell an Alicorn what to do? Or an insane pony? Imagine both! She said he was older and he should have acted. I hope everypony here understands how utterly stupid that is. He couldn't continue to push her away, so he helped her. He knew that she was going to march on Equestria, and he feared she would die. So he fought to secure her victory so she may finally know peace. As I said before, he wasn't attacking us. He was defending her. I know I'd have fought just as hard for my family. And that's why I can't blame him. He was in a terrible situation and... made do. No, I'm not saying what he did was right, far from it! But you are accusing him of attacking without provocation, when he was defending his sister the only way he could. He deserves punishment, but I feel that at the death of his sister... wasn't that close to enough? That's all I have to say. Prosecution, you have the floor."
North walked towards the stand, "Flashburn. Do you swear what you say is the truth?"
"Yes."
"Without a doubt?"
"Yes."
"Will you willingly have your mind searched and memories viewed so as to make sure the enchantment did not addle your brain?"
"Of course, as long as they promise not to view any memories not vital. And to not go near my childhood. Oh and if they see any mental block than to just stay away from it. Also I'd prefer if it were after my last witness."
"You have my word. The persecution rests."
"Flashburn, bring out your final witness." Celestia whispered, still shocked at what she had heard.
"General Absol, if you would please take the stand?" Absol slowly stood and marched up to where Flashburn had stood.
"Let's get this over with..." He sighed.
"Alright Absol," Flash began. "Let's start at the beginning of the war shall we? You received orders to do what exactly?"
"Her exact words were, "Destroy the Equestrian Filth." I may be paraphrasing, it was a while ago and a lots happened."
"Was that all she said?" Flash asked.
"Well, there was a rant before about how I had failed to get every element of harmony and how if it weren't for the fact she needed me that I'd have died for my incompetence long ago and a cryptic warning that if I failed at achieving complete and utter victory that I would no longer be able to rely on that detail."
"So would it be safe to say that your actions afterwards were in self defense?"
"I'm not sure if that would be accurate. I was crueler than I needed to be to many of my soldiers, looking back at it now I realize that I was taken my own anger at my situation out on them. At the time I justified it to myself by saying that it was making them a stronger force." He shook his head and stopped talking.
"Did you fear for your sister's safety during the war?"
"I did at first but... right before the final battle I was more worried that she didn't care if I lived or not. I was less concerned with keeping her unharmed then with earning her love. That's why I left her to lead the army myself rather than guard her. I don't think she ever cared for me."
"That's not true!" Twilight blurted. She looked around the courtroom and saw everypony staring at her. She blushed and nervously laughed. "I'm sorry."
"Twilight if you know something then please speak up." North nodded.
"Well, it's just. She said your name when she died, Absol. Even if she hated you all her life, she realized how much she loved you in the end."
Absol gave a half smile, "Thank you Princess."
Celestia smacked the gavel down once, "We should return to the matter at hoof."
"Alright!" Flash said. "Absol, one final question from me. Do you blame Princess Celestia or Princess Luna for your parents death? Remember you are under oath."
Absol turned and stared directly into the eyes of the Princess of the Sun. "No."
"Well, I guess that's it. The persecution rests." North sighed. "I guess it's up to the jury now."
"Court adjourned for today. We will return tomorrow with for the verdict and sentencing." Celestia commanded.
***
Flashburn was nervous, the jury looked vicious. The head juror walked up, she was a brown ground pony with a blonde mane. Her name tag said... Ms. Harsh Whinny. Wow, that did not bode well for Absol. "The jury has made a decision. As for the crime of attacking Equestria without provocation, we found the defendant guilty. As for the crimes against his own people we find him guilty of all charges." Flashburn's eye twitched. "As for the crime of assault with a deadly weapon we find him guilty." Flashburn turned and saw Spike sitting in the back row. He scribbled two notes and quietly snuck back to him. "The crime of illegal spell casting we find him guilty."
Flash whispered, "Hey in about five minutes can you send this note to me? Oh and please don't saying anything. Oh and send this one to..." He whispered the rest as the pony next to Spike began to lean towards them.
"Alright Flash, I hope you know what you're doing." Spike promised looking shocked.
Flash nodded and snuck back to his seat as Ms. Harsh Whinny exposited the jury's decision. "In short we find him guilty of every crime he was charged with."
Celestia sighed, she could not shirk her duties to her ponies, no matter how she felt. "I am sorry Absol, the minimum punishment for your crimes is as follows, two thousand three hundred and sixty years of banishment on the moon and three hundred years of community service. I will now carry out the sentence." She floated up and began channeling magic. The sun rose and Flash turned and signaled Spike to hurry up. The note appeared before Flash and drew the attention of many ponies.
Flash tore upon the note and pretended to read it, "Celestia! Stop!" He blurted jumping up. She stopped channeling and floated back into her seat.
"What is it Flash? It had better be important." She scolded him, kind of irritated.
"The jury found Absol guilty of those crimes yes?" He yammered.
"That is why I'm banishing him."
"Objection!" Flash yelled as he shot a spell at Absol. "Wow that was fun to say."
Flash's spell surrounded Absol in a cloud of smoke and when it drifted away a changeling stood before them! "WHAT!?" They all screamed.
"How did you know that wasn't Absol?"
"I just got this note from this note from Queen Chrysalis, I've been her pen pal for a bit actually and yesterday I told her of the trial! This note shows she is outraged because Absol died in the service right before the final battle and Evandra hired a changeling to take his place! The changeling got enchanted into believing he actually was Absol, I guess it never wore off. You can't banish him because he isn't Absol!" Everypony was very confused and the Changeling's head ached. "You Changeling! I'll take you to a safe place where you may wait for Chrysalis!" He pulled it into a side room.
"Flash!" It hissed, "What are you doing?"
"Look, remember how you told me your Sister turned you half Changeling and you used your old form because it was most comfortable?"
"Yesss..." Absol hissed.
"Nopony but me and you know this. I sent the Queen a letter explaining everything... I just hope she read it. If she did she'll be here shortly, she'll help you I know it! Just like you and me she is an outcast. Now... just play along with it!"
"Thank you Flassssh."
"No problem, now for my sake and yours... pretend to be a Changeling!"
***    
Celestia shut down the castle after that. Flashburn was sent to the apartment the Princess had supplied until the matter had been settled. It had been three days! He paced constantly and Boomie did her best to comfort him. "There's nothing else you could have done! Now relax. Hey the next Daring Do book is out in the Cantorlot Library and guess who checked it out for you?"
Flash smiled, "Thanks but... I just... I'm so worried!" There was a knocking at the door. "I'll get it!" He dashed to the entry way and swung wide the portal to reveal, Celestia.
"Flashburn, what did you do?" She said angrily.
"Um..." He sweated, "Um... I, I, I've been inside all week if there was a fire it wasn't me!"
"There was no fire. The Queen of the Changelings showed up today and we had a long discussion. She even showed me the note you sent."
Flash's eyes went wide, "Oh."
"I will give you one chance to come clean. What. Did. You. Do?" She glared.
Flash dropped his head and stared at his hoof as he poked at the ground. "I'm sorry... I... I just... I knew something and... I lied... I just... I had to help him."
"How did you turn Absol into a Changeling?"
"I didn't, Evandra did. I'm sorry. I accept whatever punishment you deem fit. Just... leave Boomie out of it! I guess I won't see her again until I'm off the moon with Absol..."
"Punishment? Moon? Absol? Flashburn, I sent Absol with Chrysalis. You saved him! You, who had every reason to hate him, showed him the greatest kindness." She lifted his head up and looked him in the eyes as a mother does a child. "You would risk your life for an enemy, not because of gain or petty reasons but because it is right. I'm here to reward you."
Flashburn smiled at looked up at her and in a strangely serious and happy tone whispered, "Just don't make me an Alicorn."
***
Twilight stood in the empty apartment where she had hoped to find Flashburn. She flew out the window to the garden where she knew Celestia was filling out tax reports and attempting to pay for the rest of the reconstruction with what little they had left. "Princess Celestia! Where is Flashburn? I need to speak with him about where he left that enchanted spear."
"I'm sorry Twilight, you should have come to me sooner. The spear is useless, he drained all it had. Now it is merely a sharp stick and a memory. As for where Flash is, I haven't the slightest. In exchanged for his services he asked for only two things. One was the ability to see his friends whenever he wanted and the other... well it was silly. So I gave him a medallion that allows for quick teleportation. A valuable piece of magic, but I believe it is good hooves. He and Sparkboom moved somewhere far away. He wanted to be left close to alone so he asked I keep his location a secret. Hmph well I guess he asked for three things."
"Well, what happens now?" Twilight asked.
"We rebuild, heal, and soon this whole incident will be a long forgotten memory."
"I guess, now you said it was silly but what was his other request?"
"Not to be made an Alicorn." Celestia laughed, "I guess he's smarter than he looks." She and Twilight laughed and sat down to file more paperwork.
************************************************************************************* THE END
> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Epilogue
"All right Dusk Fall, here we are." Power Hacks laughed. "Cantorlot. I'm glad you signed up to join our team! You'll get to learn about so much technology that's hidden from the public! It's like being a spy! Only... we're more like quartermasters. We make the cool gear spies use. Welcome, to The Horn."
"Thank you, I'm glad to join..." He smiled. He looked across the city and smirked. So this is where the troops that were supposed to guard his village were from. He'd rule them soon and the Frozen North... would know his pain. "So about that technology..."