//------------------------------//
// To End A War Pt. 1 
// Story: Diamond Heart 
// by Wayofthepen 
//------------------------------//

"Zin... what exactly are you doing?" Spade asked me.
The she-wolf took her arm off of me and turned to enter the portal, “Finish whatever business you have. We’ll be waiting.” And with that, she left the two of us.
I turned back towards him, “What does it look like I am doing?”
"It looks like you're about to betray all of your friends by siding with that harlot and her army." He spat.
I crossed my arms while keeping my eyes locked onto his, “Having friends never turned out right for me. Look where I am now. Either getting killed, or sent away. What do you care?”
He seemed to have a hard time getting his words right. "I didn't want it to happen like this kid... I never did. Come back and we'll work something out... I'm sure if we get enough ponies to help out your case, it won't be as serious."
I let my arms drop to my sides, “Who exactly could we get? Celestia was so eager to forget all the good I have done, all because of mistakes in the past. We both know once her mind is made up, you can’t change it.” From my hands up to my forearms, I suddenly lost all feeling. I shoved it to the back of my mind and kept my eyes locked on Spade.
He stared back at me with an expression of anger, "You weren't there, kid. Doing this hurt her as much as it did me or anypony else. She hasn't forgotten the good you have done, but YOU can't simply forget all of the other things you have done."
I put a paw up to my chin in thought. If I go through, I throw it all away and end up on the wrong end of the barrel. If I go back with him, there is a small chance things can be different, or end up exactly the same... 
I dropped the arm back to my side, “I’ll give her a chance. If nothing has changed, we’ll see which side I die on.”
"Let's see if she give, you, a chance, and let's hope it's on the right one." He sighed happily. He waved me over to him, "It would be best if we teleport back. Walking wouldn't exactly be the best way back at this moment."
“Agreed.” And with that, I walked over to him. As soon as I was in distance, he began casting his spell, a copper aura forming around us. As quickly as I had teleported here, we were back in Ponyville, outside of the command center.
Jake had been waiting, and seemed overcome with joy at my return. He ran over to me, it seeming to take all of his being to not outright hug me. "Scott! What happened to you? Why'd you just run off like that?!"
“Hold your tongue, brother. I will answer your questions at a later time. But here’s a clue: How would you react if you were told you were either going to be sent away or killed? Ponder that for a bit while I attend to business.” I said, attempting to hide my spite towards him.
He took a few steps back, my words striking him where it hurt the most. "Yeah... sure thing... brother. I guess I'll see you later...." He turned around and fled from the library, heading somewhere beyond it. Stray tears were left in his wake.
Spade turned and faced me, "That's exactly what's going to stop Princess Celestia from changing her mind. You have to show her you've changed and that wasn't it." He shook his head at me.
I brought one of my paws to my face and sighed, “I’m aware of this. It’s just hard for me to cool off.”
"Well you're going to have to learn how to, and fast. What you showed me just now is that when it comes to it, you let your temper and inner angers get the best of you." He called to me, "Come now, we have to meet Princess Celestia."
I kept myself silent the rest of the way there, trying my best to compose myself. He started his trot towards one of two identical buildings built next to the library. 
There were two guards outside the door, who crossed their spears to prevent us entrance. "State your business." The left guard said, more directed at me than Spade.
Spade sighed, "Spade, with the Celestian Special Forces, requests an audience with the princess to discuss matters of grave importance."
The same guard gave a nod and called over his shoulder, "Spade and guest are here to see you, my princess. They come to discuss matters of importance."
After a few moments of silence, the princess’ voice came from inside, "You may admit them, Captain." At her order, the guards lifted their spears to grant us entrance.
Spade motioned for me to follow him, and then we both began entering the building. Celestia was standing next to a large war map in the middle of the room, multiple pins sticking out in certain locations. At the sound of me closing the door behind us, she acknowledged our presence.
She steeled herself before speaking, "Spade, I'm glad to see you managed to bring him back."
As she addressed Spade, he dropped into a bow. "Of course Princess. I couldn't have left him where he was."
She turned her head towards me, "Where, pray tell, did you go?"
I put my arms behind my back and answered calmly, “Someplace to clear my head.”
"That doesn't answer my question. Now where exactly did you go, Zin?" She pressed on the subject.
“I was roaming the forest in an effort to process some recent events.” 
She analyzed me a moment before sighing, "You must be completely honest with me Zin, I can't have you hiding any details."
I sighed, “Silver and I were sitting on the balcony of the library when the she-wolf appeared. Trying to convert us to her side, to no avail. Some of her words, as well as anothers, hung in my head and I needed to be alone to think.”
She nodded before continuing, "I had felt her presence; there was nothing that I could have done however. Continue, if you will. What happened during your time in the forest?"
“Her, again. Although she attempted to gain my sympathy from highlighting what you had done to her in the past. That’s pretty much all that leads up to now.”
She gave me another nod, "I would assume as much. What exactly did she say though, and how exactly did you react?"
“She told me of how because they followed Discord, they were treated as a threat. A misguided spirit who was never given a chance to learn, using the same terminology to compare him to me. It took a reminder to make me remember where my loyalties lie.”
As I finished, Celestia’s brow furrowed, yet a small smile began to form. "I'm glad you were able to overcome your own desires, in spite of the circumstances, and remember the friendships you have forged here." She paused with that smile, looking the two of us over. "With this new courage you have shown, I can, with pleasure, lessen the sentence that had previously been predetermined against you."
“Thank you. I don’t think my friends would like the alternatives.” The princess returned my thanks with a dip of her head.
"Yes, I myself wouldn't have enjoyed enacting such harsh punishments on you... especially what with all you've done in service of the Equestrian nation." She said.
"Thank you, my princess. It would have pained all of us to see him go." Spade said cheerily, but paused for a brief moment. "What will current punishment be?"
"Something, as I said, not as...erroneous as his previous one. It is something Princess Luna and I will have to discuss... alone."
"Of course, Princess." Spade said, turning to me. "Let's take our leave."
I responded with a nod of my head and followed his lead on exiting. As we walked out, Celestia’s voice could be faintly heard. "...bring me Princess Luna...," her voice becoming weaker in sound the farther we walked.
As we returned to the front of the library, Spade turned to me. "Go after him," he said bluntly.
“He probably went back to his quarters. Know where those are?”
Spade let out a sigh. "Follow me, they're not far." He didn’t wait for my response as he started trotting down the main road, me in tow. He turned a corner at the first building, which led to a small alleyway. We traversed the alleyway until it opened up into a large clearing set in-between a row of houses. Set in the clearing were three newly constructed buildings. A short distance away from them was a lone shack, decently sized. 
After walking over to the shack, Spade knocked on the door before stepping back a distance. Soon after he knocked, a disorganized Sofia answered the door, giving an angry glance at me before looking to Spade. "Hi Spade. What's up?"
"Hello Sofia. I was wondering, is Jake here at the moment?" He asked rather politely.
Her gaze shifted between Spade and I before turning inside the home. Moments later, she turned back to us. "Yeah, he's here. Although I really don't think he feels like talking right now."
"Well, Zi- Scott, really needs to talk to him. To apologize." Spade said, giving me a slight shove.
As I started to speak, Sofia grabbed me and yanked me inside the house, shutting the door afterwards.
“Don’t say anything to me, say it to him.” She demanded, pointing to Jake sitting on a makeshift couch, eyes staring into mine.
I made my way over to the couch and sat down next to him, his sad eyes never straying from me. I took a deep breath before starting, “Look man, I’m sorry. I was still mad, and you were there...”
He put a hand on my shoulder, sadness still in his eyes. “You’re not the one who needs to be sorry.”
I looked at him confusedly, “Why?”
His gaze finally shifted away, towards the floor. “I...” There was suddenly a prick in my back, coming from the spot where Jake held his hand. “...am giving you to her.”
I pushed his arm off and got up, staring at him. “What?! Why would you-?!”
“She threatened to kill us if I didn’t. I’m sorry.”
“Then what did you... stab me with...?” 
He frowned at me, “Goodnight.”
And that was the last thing I remember before falling out of consciousness.
My first thought when I came to was ‘I’m going to kill him. Sooo bad.’ My second thought was to examine my surroundings. Sitting up and opening my eyes, I found myself to be in a stone room with an iron door marking escape. All I need to do is-
“Don’t bother, furball. Even if you make it out, she’s got guards all over the place.” The voice startled me and I jerked my head in its direction, revealing a pegasus. Black coat, black and red mane, and red eyes staring into my iridescent white ones.
I turned my body towards him and let my legs hang off the cot. “Got a name?”
He kept eying me as if I would pounce on him at any moment, “Blaze. And you?”
“Zin.”
“Well, we’re gonna be here for awhile. I’ve been in her prisons for quite a bit, actually.” He said, sadness coming from his words.
“How’d she getcha?”
He leaned back against the wall, “My village was attacked, and most of the population was killed. Those who weren’t were taken and used for labor. My parents... I hadn’t seen them. I can only hope they’re alive...”
“Any of your other family taken or killed?”
He shook his head, “My sister is likely still in Cloudsdale, and my aunt lives in Ponyville.”
I raised an eyebrow at him, “Who’s your aunt?”
“Rainbow Dash.”
At this, I was surprised. I had not known she had any siblings. “She never mentioned any family members to me.”
“Likely because the raid happened a long time ago, and both my sister and aunt must think I am dead... Wait, you’ve spoken to her?”
“Yeah, but I wouldn’t say we’re best friends.”
There was a long silence between the two of us, to which Blaze broke. “You’ll want to get some sleep, even if they knocked you out on the way in.” And then he laid himself down, and did exactly that.
It wasn’t as easy for me, but after laying down and staring into the rocky ceiling for about fifteen minutes, I drifted off.

- - - - Three days - - - -

After what had felt like minutes, I found myself being shoved awake. I pushed the one shoving me away, sat up, stretched, and opened my eyes. It didn’t surprise me that the red-lined dog was here, but him offering me my sword did.
“Look, I don’t have much time. I had your male friend knock you out so I could give you this information. The attack on Ponyville has been planned for a long, long time, and the ways in are almost complete. Almost.” He smirked at that last part, “I have collapsed a few of her tunnels. Including the one leading to your command center. That’s the tunnel you will be taking.”
I gave him a confused look, “And you’re helping me why?”
He tossed me my sword and its sheath. “Because I am one of Discord’s pieces in this game. And believe me, it is a game.”
I attached the sheath to my belt and slid the sword into it, “...This is all a game to them?”
He nodded, “Another spirit wanted to attack and take over Equestria. Discord wouldn’t let him. Knowing Discord’s nature, he made an offer that he couldn’t refuse.”
“So this entire time, I’ve been nothing but a pawn?” I asked as I got up.
“No, not a pawn. A player. Now, I will get you and the pegasus inside the tunnel, but be prepared to put that sword through someone. I have about... Three of my dogs in there out of the seven trapped. You’ll know by the red lines.”
Speaking of the pegasus, Blaze was just sitting there confused, much like I would have been had I NOT expected something like this. It WAS Discord, after all.
“Okay, then open a pathway for us? Cause I have no idea where you want to drop us off.”
And with that, he pointed his left forearm to the side, charged a spell, and poof, instant portal. “Be careful.”
I smirked, “Me? Careful? Mate, you haven’t a clue who you’re talking to.” I made my way over to the portal, Blaze in tow. With a quick glance and a salute to the dog, Blaze and I literally jumped into the portal, eager to be rid of the cell.

- - - - Underneath the treehouse - - - -

With a change of luck, I land on my feet for once. Considerably more silent and comfortable than slamming head first. My first thought was to check my gear, making sure none of it got seperated from me during the teleporting. My sword was still in its sheath, and the knife was still in its place on the back of my belt.
“...Where do you think they are?” Blaze said, worry very visible in his tone. Which happened to be a little bit too loud for what I figured to do.
“Keep it low,” I started with my voice at a whisper, “we need to stay hidden until we find those dogs of his... How far they are in, I do not kn-”
My sentence was interrupted by the sound of an explosion a little bit further ahead. I took off towards it, even if it wasn’t the smartest idea. The sounds of familiar guardsponies threatening them to come quietly or be killed, only to have them yell back defiances in the same tone. Only they knew they were trapped, and would rather die than be prisoners of war to ponies.
“...They don’t sound happy about what just happened Zin...” Blaze quietly said to me, sticking close in my rush.
“Just stay quiet, and keep close.” That was all the direction I gave before hurrying down the tunnel. The commotion was giving us good cover, so our rather loud stomps were drowned out by what could only be described as a drill instructor being dissatisfied.
After a few seconds, we came across the dogs Red, as I’ll call him, mentioned. Oddly enough, none of the three were wearing armor, but jumped when they saw us. Likely expected someone else.
Two of them were wounded. One’s leg looked like it’d been slashed a few times, and the other dog had taken several swipes to the chest and a few to her arms. He couldn’t walk well, which meant dodging would be hard. She couldn’t move much either way, so it didn’t matter. All that left was the leader.
We stopped as we reached them, “I want to know what just happened.”
The leader looked from each of her downed team members to me a few times before sighing. “We attempted to sabotage their explosives. While we managed to do it...”
“They took one for the team. Admirable. But that still leaves the other four down the tunnel...” I said, placing a paw to my chin.
“We managed to take one down... Poor Razor here fought him. As you can see, she didn’t get out unscathed...”
“Either way, they’ll need some medical attention, and the only place I can think of to get it is that way.” I gestured towards the unexplored half of the tunnel. “But first... Who are you?”
The leader gave a salute, “Captain Diamond. And the other dog with us is Rook. This is part of a team the resistance has had for a while. The rest are likely back at the hideout, or undercover.”
“You can give me a full description of each of you when we get through the dogs. I think it’d be be-” A gunshot cut me off, as well as the angered howling of dogs... And then the scraping of claws on the ground, as well as armor dropping a short while after that.
Diamond and I took this as our cue to draw our weapons, and run farther in. “Do you have any experience fighting?”
“Yes, but I was really bad at it.” I managed to say before the scraping got decently louder.
“Well, at least I’ll die with my team.”
“There’s only two left.”
She turned her head to me as we continued to run, “How do you figure that? They could’ve missed.”
I grinned my off-looking dog grin, “Some ponies just don’t miss their mark.”
“If you say so...” She turned her head back, and looked angered. “There!” She cried out as she leaned in, aiming to gain speed and make a swift slash from her blade.
I followed suit, not as eager as her, but equally determined. After all, two wounded and a civilian aren’t much a match for two warriors.
After I actually started paying attention to where I was running, I could make out two canine figures running our way, and the sudden look of surprise on their faces must mean that they realized they were trapped far earlier than they thought.
The one on the right, heading at me with a rather pissed off look, was much larger than the one on the left. He carried a blade of equal length to my own, but seemed a bit thicker than mine. The way he carried himself told me he’d be like the one that Razor had been said to fight. I’m so screwed.
Diamond didn’t bother to wait. She continued to run towards her target, and brought her sword back farther while giving off a war cry. The dog hastily began combat with her... But I couldn’t watch her fight, since I had a LARGE problem aiming to strike at me as well.
“Puny wolf thing go die now!” He shouted, bringing his sword down from an overhead strike.
I hastily jumped to the side, skidded to a stop, turned around and smirked. “That all you got? She must take any-” He performed the same strike again, only this time instead of jumping to the side I held my sword horizontally to block, and kicked him with one of my legs. He slid back, but not that far.
“No games! Wolf DIE NOW!” He brought his sword from a side slash, only when I went to block, the blow ejected the sword from my hands and it landed a small distance away. I dashed for it, but wouldn’t you know, the dog beat me and kicked it farther.
His next action, which I can only describe as excruciatingly painful, was grabbing me by the neck with one buff paw, and bringing his sword arm back to slash my head off. I grinned at him, to which he responded with a overly confused look. “What smile for? You die! No happy!”
“...Correction fleabag...” I said, ripping the knife out of its holster and bringing it as high as I can go. “...You die!” And I brought it down as hard as I could, and as far into his shoulder as I could. He howled in pain, dropping his sword, blood flowing from the wound nicely. I took this chance to collect his sword, and thrust it into his chest, right for the heart.
It penetrated him, and he fell to his knees. He looked at me with pain in his face, which only grew as I ripped the knife out. Soon after that, he fell forward, blood still pouring from his wounds. “Thought you’d be tougher... Thought wrong.” I heard the sound of a blade ripping through flesh, and then a few thuds. I turned around hastily, hoping that it wasn’t Diamond. It wasn’t.
She stood victorious over a decapitated body of the remaining dog, only suffering from a slash taken to her left arm. Good thing she uses a short sword and is right handed...
“Well, that wasn’t too hard.” I said jokingly. She likely went through hell.
“Whatever you say, pal... Whatever you say...” She said in the same tone, although that wound might be stinging juuuust a bit. “Go back for my team, I’ll wait here for the ponies.”
I gave her a nod, and ran back as fast as I could. Blaze was already helping up Rook, who was luckily small enough to use him as a crutch. Must’ve been a teen or along the like, because he appeared to be like half of the dogs we had in our clan.
“...Help me walk...” Razor said, extended a grey colored paw at me. I gripped it, and put one arm around my shoulder, hoisting her up, and began walking slowly with her back to where Diamond was. Blaze followed close behind, looking at me worriedly.
“...Are you okay Zin? That’s quite a bit of blood...”
“No sweat, kid. Aside from some neck pains, I’m completely fine.”
“...Well I’m not...” Complained Razor, attempting to make me walk a little faster. The wounds were at least bandaged at this point, which didn’t change the fact that she’d be hurting herself more by trying to force too much effort.
“Easy there. This ain’t somethin’ you just walk off, little lady...”
“...Screw you... Need to go...” She said, determination in her voice, as well as immense pain.
I resulted in just picking her up and carrying her in my arms, which allowed me to move a bit faster. Positioning her in a non-painful way was difficult, but I managed it to be done.
She was laying lazily in my arms as I re-approached where I left Diamond, and almost laughed at what I saw. Wouldn’tcha know she was being aimed at by the guards, whose aim hastily shifted to be at the both of us.
“Hey, easy. We’re friendly.” I called, taking my place beside Diamond. “We’ve got wounded, and a rescued prisoner. And I need to speak to any officers as soon as I can.”
“That would be me.” Said what I could assume was the captain. The color of his crest was purple, which was a direct variation from all of the rest, seeing how the rest of the guards bore a blue colored crest.
“Wonderful. They all, as I said, require attention. Therefore, I’m asking you escort us all to wherever they can get it. And...” I reached behind me, pulling the knife, still in its holster, and tossed it at the guard. As he caught it I continued, “...if you’d be so kind and get Spade. He’ll know who it’s from.”
“...I’ll get on that. Men, escort them to the barricade.” He practically bolted off, eager to complete his task.
Another guard stepped forward, using the same commanding tone of voice. “You heard him. Follow us, and we’ll see that all of your wounds are treated.” I gave the guard a nod, and gestured to everyone behind me to follow as we were lead on.
We walked for a while, Razor still laying limp in my hold. Luckily, that while wasn’t as long as the word implies. We soon found ourselves walking up to a makeshift barricade that consisted of what I could identify as sandbags, sheet metal, and wooden stakes scattered around, all purposed to defend the entrance to the tunnel.
While there were other tents and such set up inside this area of defense, I was focused on one thing. Finding the medical tent and getting my newfound allies treatment. It didn’t take long with the aid of the guard, since he obviously knew more about this place than I did.
We entered and were met with medic, easily distinguished by the red cross placed on the side of his golden helmet. He eyed Razor, and immediately pointed out a cot I should set her down on. With a nod, I carefully made my way over and set her down gently. Even with my attempt at doing so with finesse, it obviously caused her pain.
Next came in Blaze with Rook, followed by Diamond. The medic didn’t waste time on choosing a place for Rook, while he told Diamond and I to sit in a corner of the tent, seeing how we’d just get in the way.
After watching Razor and Rook get treated, I eventually found myself getting several wrappings of bandages around my neck. Suppose the battle did more than I thought.
“...Not to be unappreciative, but... Can we trust them? Ponies don’t like our kind...” Diamond said, watching with intense worry at her fallen comrades.
“Relax... They’re very trustworthy. And I speak from experience.” I tried to give her a comforting smile, but she let out a slight chuckle. “...What?”
She managed to pull off a legit looking grin, “Just... Your face when you do that... It’s quite funny.”
“Whatever... Now, we wait.” And that’s exactly what we did. Sitting there in silence as we watched my new friends get what they needed. Soon, there was a disturbance outside of the tent, which caused the medic to stop his work and inspect the origins of said disturbance.
When I heard the sound of two sets of hooves coming into the tent, I couldn’t help but look. When I saw it was Spade, I smiled and got off the ground, slowly making my way over to him. “Seems I can’t get a break, can I?” I chuckled after saying that.
He smiled with me, “Naw, where would the fun be in that, kid?” He began to look past me as he spoke, likely looking towards Diamond, who was still sitting behind me. “So, you’ve been making friends have you?”
“You could say that. Came in handy. But...” I looked back to Razor and Rook. “...Seems like I’m not the only one who’s been down on their luck. Which reminds me...” I turned back to him, losing my joyous expression for that of a more serious tone. “I need to see my friends.” He nodded, and stepped aside, making a space small enough for me to slip by (granted it reminded us that there wasn’t much space to begin with).
I gave a nod for a goodbye, and walked past him. After slipping through the flaps of the tent, I took a deep breath, and let out a heavy sigh. So much has happened, and will happen... I began walking towards the exit of the cave. Why couldn’t things just end with sunshine and rainbows?