//------------------------------// // The fire rises(UNEDITED) // Story: Innocence Once Lost // by Scorched Earth //------------------------------// “... and then she told me to shut up!” Twilight was fuming. She had slept last few days at Carousel Boutique, unable to deal with her double. “I mean, what IS her problem? Why she needs to be hostile towards everyone?” Blind Rarity just kept listening with worried expression on her face. Other Rarity was working on a dress that was due to delivery tomorrow. “I do not know. She seems kinda... stressed, for a lack of better word. I'm sure it's just dealing with Discord, it will pass. She is you, after all.” The other Rarity said, making final adjustments. “No, she isn't. Look darlings, I know you are a quite more innocent when it comes to war and I do not wish to sound rude but... you don't have any idea what she's been through.” Blind Rarity said. “But... this is bad. Really bad. You said Trixie is visiting today?” “Yeah, she said she is going to have some free time and that she plans to come and see how Ponyville is doing. She hasn't had much time to have a good look.” Twilight said, slightly confused. Then again, it was best to accept what this worlds versions of them said. They couldn't trust this world to operate the same way as theirs did. “Can you help me to find her? I would normally ask Spike but... this is kinda private.” “Wait, you are not going to ask her advice for...” The other Rarity said with eyes wide open. “Oh, no no no, it's... something different. Something I have been meaning to talk to her for some time now.” “Well, I guess I could come and help you to find her. Rarity here can run the shop for you in the meanwhile.” “Just remember to keep your disguise on. We are still keeping this whole alternate universe thing under wraps. If ponies were to find out that it's not our Discord, but some alternative... they would panic worse than they are already.” “Sure, I was sure that Sweetie Belle was going to faint when saw me first time.” The other Rarity said with a laugh. Others laughed too. It felt good be joking and having good time with friends. Rarity missed such times, her double was so lucky. “Claimed I was a changeling too.” “Yeah, that one took some time to explain. Well, at least she has accepted it for now, I don't know what we would have done if she hadn't”. “Alright guards, you had a stressful mission recently, and completed it successfully, even better what was expected. Thus, Princesses have seen fit to grant you a reward: each one everyone of you have a three day vacation, starting right now. You are free to spend following three days in whatever way you see fit. Understood?” Trixie told to her assembled squad. Capture of Chrysalis had seriously aided Celestia's plans to form a coalition of nations to fight of Discord. She suspected that Celestia had grown wary of Discord, no longer trusting that the Elements of Harmony alone could defeat him, not in a long run. Last one had been a close call. “Sir, yes, Sir! Thank you, Sir!” Came the reply from her squad. She nodded them and dismissed them. She too had a vacation and she had decided to go and see Ponyville. True, she had visited the place other times too, but that was either due to some mission causing her go through the town or she was overlooking reconstruction efforts. Even six years after The War they were still fixing the damage. At least weather was less random now, at least they got a forewarning when from pegasis, even if they no longer controlled it. Three day vacation... seemed like a dream. Ever since joining the guard, she really didn't have life outside it. On one hoof, it made her happy. She finally had a place where she belonged, a place where she was accepted. On the other hoof... she sometimes missed her shows. Planning, the applause, traveling freely, all that was now replaced with constant vigilance and huge amounts of paperwork. It was one reason why she never wanted to advance past the rank of captain. One might think you got more freedom, but no. Your paperwork only increased. She was already handling equipment, training and deployment of her unit. She had considered picking up an adjutant to assist her, but none of her ponies showed knack for paperwork. Hopefully Princesses would institute the reforms in the future that would ease her workload. Then it finally hit her. She was free to do whatever she wanted and... she had no idea beyond seeing how Ponyville was doing. Should she go visit someone? Who would she visit? Nearly all the ponies she knew served in the Royal Guard. She suddenly realized that she had internalized her duty as a captain so well, she no longer knew what to do as a civilian. Heck, what DID civilians do again? See friends? She had ruled that one out. Do work around home? Her home was her office. It was one the perks of being a captain. What else? Go sightseeing? She had pretty much traveled all of Equestria going for a mission or another. She sighed. This is why she missed her days as a showmare. At least she didn't end up in situations where she would question her own sanity. Since she was lacking any better ideas, she guessed she could visit the Elements of Harmony. If nothing else, maybe she could ask Twilight to teach her some spells or something. She doubted Twilight would do so, but it was better than going back to her room and just sit there following days, until she would return to her duties. Now, she needed a ride to Ponyville. It wasn’t too long distance to walk, but she had just traveled all the way from San Palomino Desert and she was not in a mood for more walking. So she was goign to cash in one the favors many owed to her. She headed towards the human embassy. Humans were quite drinkers and thus, many of them owned a favor to her, for covering their drunken antics. She walked up to a pilot of human transport. “Hey, Juika, remember the time I saved your ass when you were drunk? The one with the chicken and Celestia?” “Yeah, I do. I except you are coming to cash in the favor?” The pilot said with a smirk on his face. “Yup. Can you take me to Ponyville, in a steady flight?” She said, emphasizing the last point. She had enough experience to that Juika enjoyed seeing his passengers jump out and embrace the ground. He was a jerk like that, but he never overdid it. If someone started to seriously feel ill, he stopped his games right away. “Sure, sure. I just inform the ambassador that I am taking the bird for a fly. You can head to pad already, I will be there soon.” “Thanks. See ya.” “Sure.” “Whee, well would ya look at that, harvest done in time for once!” Applejack said to her double. “Thank for ya help. It's have been hard time getting all these apples collected in time.” “No need that thank me, this ain't that different what ah normally do.” Her double answered, putting her hoof on Applejacks shoulder. “Well, doesn't change the fact that we don't need to worry about deadlines for now. Our customers will be happy to hear they get their apples early this year.” Applejack said with a smile. Some had switched their suppliers because they couldn't deliver the products fast enough, but this time, they would do it. “So... ah... how's ya brother?” “Said they will carry out the operation tomorrow. Warned though that it might prove to be deadly...” Applejack shook her head “But we can't just wait. It's been years now with no change. We gotta try something. Humans are good with medicine, especially when it comes to brain stuff. If this works, it will help thousands of ponies across the world.” “Yeah, and ya get to to see ya brother again.” Smile crept to Applejacks face. “Yeah... They said he might not be up to his strength, but it's better than unconscious form laying on a bed.” “Yeah. Reminds me to appreciate help he gives when Ah get back home.” “Ya never know how much you value something till it's gone, right?” “Yeeup.” Both gave a light hearted chuckle. It was good to be able laugh with honest heart. Besides, since her double understood her so well, it was easier to talk about her worries to her. It had really made the days easier to bear with. Now she just hoped that the operation would be successful. Ponyville sure looked better in daylight. Last time she visited, she was hinting down a human transport. Although the personnel at the embassy had grown relaxed around ponies, to the point they could be considered “friends”, there was always lingering suspicion. Ponyville had recover pretty well, all things considered. It's buildings did have slightly different design from the past, with emphasis now on structural strength rather than eye-pleasing. Still... it was better than some of smaller hamlets near the border. Buckholm had been completely abandoned after humans raided it and had never been rebuild. Ponyville was lucky, in that sense. Even when the battle took place inside it, it still survived. Battle of Baltimare took place on the outskirts of the city, Los Pegasus fell before the battle even began and Fillydelphia was surrendered to humans. Ponyville had been one of the bloodiest battle, yet it survived. It spoke volumes of its inhabitants. Then she realized she could try to do a surprise inspection on the guards she placed here and get their first report. Twilight's condition was something she (reluctantly) was worried. First because it endangered the Elements and secondly, she knew the pain. Nobody deserved it. After being forced to through the therapy herself, she had taken on herself to convince other WTSD sufferers to go seek help. “Hey, Trixie, didn't know you were here already!” Trixie turned and saw disguised Twilight and the blind Rarity walking towards here. “Yeah, hitched a ride on a human transport. How are you doing?” “Well... uh... good, I guess?” Twilight answered. Trixie gave her a look, Twilight had never been good at lying or trying to hide things. “Really?” “No and I need to talk to you Trixie. It's kinda private.” Rarity answered. “Twi... Dusklight, could you please go and check those cloths for me?” Rarity said with a smile. Her tone suggested that it was not a request. “Sure, sure...” Twilight said with resignation. She left the two mares alone. Trixie turned to Rarity. “This bad?” “... Yes. She has been living with me few days now. She can't deal with our Twilight anymore. I... I need to ask you a favor.” Rarity said, scraping the ground with her hoof and keeping her head down. “You want me to convince her to go see therapist.” Trixie said with a warning on her voice. She had made Rarity and Spike to agree to never speak of it again. “... Yes again. We can't do it. She gets... agitated when we try to talk to her. But you... you have... experience, perhaps you could do it? Please, Trixie, I don't want to, well, heh, 'see' my friend in pain, but she refuses. Please. You're the only one I can trust to do this.” Rarity pleaded. Trixie remained silent. Rarity was afraid that she might refuse. They had not been the most... accepting of her after when they met first time during the Grand Galloping Gala. Still, she had hoped they would have buried the past. “... You would trust... me?” “Yes.” “...Why?” “Well... you're the Great and Powerful Trixie, aren't you? Besides... you have proven yourself already. Why wouldn't I?” “... Fine. I do it. I'll go and talk to her.” “You will? THANK YOU!” Rarity said and tried to hug Trixie. Her hug missed few inches, causing her nearly to fall into ground. Trixie managed to grab her, however. “Heh, easy there. No need to fly off the handle. I'll go talk to her, but first, I think we should join your partner there.” “Ah yes, of course!” KNOCK KNOCK “Come in.” Twilight shouted at the door. She was laying down on the couch, trying to figure out why she was having such hard time with her double. For some reason her double just made her so angry. She raised her head to see who had come to see her. “Trixie? Is that you?” “It's been some time, hasn't it Twilight?” Trixie said with a smile. “Few days. So, what brings you this time? Did you capture half-dead Discord?” “No, just visiting for now. How have you been?” “Fine, everything is fine. So, uh... you want something to drink?” “Coffee, if you got some. Turns out that caffeine addiction is a very real thing.” “I think I got some, although I can't understand how ponies can drink that stuff.” Twilight said and walked to the kitchen. Trixie followed her and sat now next to the table. “How are things with your double?” Trixie asked. She needed to move carefully, test the waters like they said. She knew that if she rushed to the subject, Twilight would just lock up and refuse to discuss. Slow and steady won the day. “Fine. Just... fine.” Twilight answered as she put the kettle on the stove and returned to the table. “It's just... she is so naïve! How can anyone think that being 'friends' with your enemies is a good idea!?” “Well, it worked it humans.” Trixie said with a smirk. Twilight just huffed at that comment. “Hey, no need to get your hooves in a twist. Just wanted to drop by. I got free times and honestly, I have no idea what I am do when not on duty.” “What? That makes no sense, you know.” “Hey, I have been in the Royal Guard for last 10 years now! In that time, I have had, what, 10 breaks? I have no idea what I am supposed to do when I am not doing military paperwork or on a mission. I guess I could try to pull my show again, but I am quite rusty on that department.” Trixie said, waving her hooves to illustrate her points. Twilight just chuckled at her explanation. “Well, how about just you just sit here and we trade some stories? How's the live on military?” “Less than people think. Quite honestly, we are more of a glorified police force than a real military. That might change in the future. Still, most of my time goes into training, logistic issues and general paperwork. Now days I am rarely on a mission. Then there is dealing with veterans...” Trixie said. She needed to be careful here. “What's with them?” “Well... the WTSD, mainly. Few came unscathed from The War. I don't think anyone who served in the front lines is mentally stable.” “Except The Great and Powerful Trixie?” Twilight said with a smirk. Trixie recognized that she was attempting to humor her, not to insult her. Which felt good, in sense. It also showed she was angry anymore from her earlier attempt to pry into her matters. “...No.” “Huh?” Twilight said with a surprise. She had not expected that. “I was not mentally stable after the war. I was a nervous wreck, seeing humans everywhere, planning to kill us. I was paranoid of everything. Everything reminded me of the battles, I couldn't even watch fireworks without jumping into a cover. I tried to hide my problems, did pretty good job. However... other saw through my deception, urged me to seek help.” It was embarrassing to talk about those times, but she needed to plant the seed in Twilight minds. Hopefully she would herself decide to accept that she had a problem after this. “Celestia gave me an ultimatum: Get help or quit. I... I decided to quit. I didn't have a problem. I could not have a problem.” “But...” “Then my unit ambushed me and dragged me, screaming and kicking, to a therapist and refused to let me leave until doctor said so. So, each week, they would drag me to a therapist and stand guard to make sure I wouldn’t escape.” “They shouldn't have forced you like this.” Twilight said with compassion. “Perhaps. Then again, I needed it. It started to be easier to talk to the doctor. I would slowly start to start to go to see the doctor myself. Ultimately, my troops no longer guarded me, trusting I would do it myself.” “Did it help? I mean, really help?” Twilight asked. Trixie stood silent for a moment, thinking for the answer. “Yes. I don't say I am completely well yet. I still visit the doctor each month, but... it's easier to live now.” Trixie said. “But what are we being all gloom and doom, here? Why don't you tell me about how's the life here on Ponyville? Haven't visited the place since last year and I haven't really gotten a good look at it for ages!” “Oh, life is pretty much back to normal now. Of course, some are troubled with the threat of Discord and his new army...” “Don't worry. He will be taken care of. He is facing the combined might of five nations. He won't stand a chance!” “Alright, vat is ze reason for zis summon?” High King of Griffin Kingdom demanded to know. Ambassador Fahrenheit had called them for “emergency meeting” at the embassy. The First Citizen had left for the Luna Aeternal and left Fahrenheit in charge. Other leaders had opted to remain in Canterlot for a few days, since they lacked the communication systems that humans used. “ Three hours ago, outpost 5-E send us an emergency call. They said there were under an attack. Ten minutes later, Cain Protocol was initiated.” “Cain Protocol?” Celestia asked. “Yes. It collects all the data in the system and sends it to local military HQ. It took us this long to go through the data, and what we found... is not pretty.” She said turning to a screen on the wall and pressing few buttons on her PDA. “Fifteen minutes after Cain Protocol was initiated, all communications from the outpost was lost.” “You lost an outpost?” Zebra Unions representative asked with confusion. It was unheard event. Humans could be beaten back when they attacked, but once they had moved somewhere, they were there to stay. “Yes. This is one the video files that got to us.” Fahrenheit said and turned the video on. Screen came alive and everyone gathered to look at it. ESTABLISHING LINK LINK ESTABLISHED. SUBJECT: PRIVATE DANIEL DUSK TIME: [DATA EXPUNGED] BEGIN RECORDING White text scrolled across the screen, before turning into a video. The screen showed a viewpoint of one of the soldiers. He was was looking at another soldier, who was looking at his PDA. “Looks good. No signs of ruptures and the system is fully calibrated. Looks like it will be another smooth patrol, Dan.” The soldier in front said, putting his PDA away. “Yeah right, what's there to happen? We are in middle of a fucking desert.” A voice answered. Non-humans realized that this voice belonged to the owner of the helmet. “Should have never signed up for this.” “You're a rookie? Well, then you’re lucky. You get to know the system here and nobody will know if you screw up. First deployment?” “Not technically. First deployment on planetside. Used to serve in The Security Force.” “Well, things ain't that much different from that, just that you got bigger tools to work with.” “Private Dusk, get your ass in the gear!” A voice off-camera came. Camera turned around to show a human soldier with sergeants stripes on his chest “Report outsider, we got no time to waste.” “Right sergeant. Moving on.” Following fifteen minutes were quite boring. The soldier that the video from simply walked outside, greeted few humans and took position on a wall. Interestingly, whereas pony forts had sunk into earth, humans had built high walls to make any assault by non-humans difficult. Then, there was sudden rumble. The “cameraman” took support from the wall, trying to stay upright. Several humans fell on the ground, few even dropping off from the wall. “Whoa, what was...” The camera moved to show outside the outpost. A hole had opened short distance away and a massive army of insectoid ponies were raising from it, swarming towards the out post. “OH FUCK!” “SOUND THE ALARM! UNKNOWN FORCE IS ATTACKING” Someone shouted. A weapon rose on the screen and started to shoot at the changelings. It didn't help much. For every changeling he hit, two other arrived and attacked. More and more soldiers arrived at the walls in attempt to stop the attack. Still, it seemed like there was infinite amount of changelings, more and more coming from the underground. Soon the battle became hand-to-hoof combat as changelings finally reached the walls. "WE NEED MORE MEN! WE CAN'T HOLD LIKE THIS!" The cameraman shouted. A changeling tried to attack him, but he managed to shoot it before it reached him. Changelings started to gain ground on the walls, being able to pour through cracks in human defenses. It was a losing fight for humans. Human lines started to break apart and bigger gaps appeared on the walls. Changelings started to ignore the defenders, striking he compound itself. They flew over the walls and attacked those on the courtyard, preventing critical ammo supplies from reaching the walls. “PULL BACK! PULL BACK!” An order came. Humans moved slowly backwards and towards the stairs, some jumping down and rolling on the ground. All the the time humans kept shooting at the swarm and that was flowing over the walls. Battle raged in the courtyard as humans tried to regain the walls they had lost. “HOW MANY OF THESE THINGS ARE THERE!?” Someone shouted. On the screen, the cameraman was locked in melee combat with a changeling, trying to keep the creature away from his throat. A shot from off-screen caused the changeling to fall to the ground. The cameraman turned to face the changeling, who tried to stand up. A burst from the rifle and changeling fell to the ground once again. Courtyard was filled with changelings at this point. Camera swinged from side to side, as seeking for other soldiers. No help. Changelings were pouring over the walls, flying over them and in come places, making holes into the walls. Humans were being cut down as their ammunition ran out, forcing them to reload. While reloading, they would be swarmed by changelings who attack their throats, cutting arteries and leaving humans to bleed to death. “GET INSIDE! LET'S GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!” The cameraman shouted and ran inside. Several soldiers followed him. The group entered a mess hall and locked the doors behind them. Then they pushed as much as tables and chairs they could in front of the door. “What the hell happened? What are these things?” The cameraman said. “What ever they are, they are deadly and numerous. I've never encountered anything like this.” Someone said. “What the hell are we suppose to now!?” Somebody else asked. They soon received their answer. “ATTENTION ALL PERSONNEL. THIS IS THE COMMAND. ABANDON POST. I REPEAT. ABANDON POST.” Silence reigned in the room. “Retreat? Holy...” “Damn it, this is...” CLANK Camera turned around just in time to see a ventilation shaft open. Two more shafts opened and changelings swarmed into the room. Panicked screams filled the audio, soldiers blindly shooting at the approaching mass. In a single chaotic minute, camera fell to the ground and stopped moving. UNABLE TO DETECT LIFESIGNS RESCANNING SUBJECT: PRIVATE DANIEL DUSK STATUS: DECEASED (KIA) END RECORDING The screen went black again, with white letters on it. Nobody said a word, just stared at what they had seen. A human outpost had been taken completely by a surprise. Furthermore, the numbers changelings showed were enormous. The swarm that had attacked Canterlot years ago had been barely one tenth of the swarm that had attacked the outpost. Humans had actually ran out of ammunition during the fight. The outpost had fallen and they had just witnessed death of one the soldiers. “There are more files like this. Soldiers desperately trying to fight back, only to be overrun. However, there is something I want you to take notice.” Fahrenheit said. “What is that?” Luna asked. “The changelings, they didn't die from the first hit. It took generally three hits to take them down. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a problem.”