Declaration of War
Celestia was at the wrecked site of Ponyville. The town had taken another beating and the enemy had escaped. This was her worst nightmare come to pass. She wasn't sure how she could help but she knew her subjects needed her and she wasn't going to just standby anymore.
In times of great peril the power to break the natural order was a curse. She could surely heal Rainbow Dash back to full strength in an instant, regenerate Discord's decaying form, mend the broken bones and injured organs of Pinkie Pie and the ex-Wonderbolts. She was able to do so much and yet... if she did it would break her integrity. Being an immortal wasn't a blessing nor was being able to do the things she could.
The casualties of the infamous battle that took place merely a week ago was brutal. Since then her hopes had been diminishing as she knew what was on the rise. War... a war that Equestria will lose. A war against an enemy so fierce that it makes her shudder when thinking about it.
The draconian army was that of the toughest and most ruthless dragons in all Draconia. To make it in there you have to be able to take an array of damage and live. To be a superior ranking officer with respect meant being able to take out any enemy without any problems. The strength and might of each soldier was unfathomable when compared to an average pony.
Discord was a beacon of hope against the dragons, he had magic that wasn't bound by reality and with his disposition he could break the natural order without any regard of integrity or status. Even so he wasn't able to stop the hunter known as Belgar who nearly killed the ponies who bravely fought against him.
Big Mac was almost dead when they brought him to the hospital his body was durable but the force and velocity at which his body impacted the ground was immense. His vitals were unstable and the noises of pain were unbearable. That day one week ago was the worst day for him. Celestia tried to think about what her future would be if this is the conditions of ponies after just one attack from an enemy.
She wasn't able to deal with such sadness and pain. Since she wasn't able to do anything about it unless she succumbs to the guilt. She could do all the things she wanted but that would lead down a dangerous path. She heard of corruption over taking other great and powerful rulers. King Sombra was one of them. He had become so evil that his heart was literally black.
She didn't want to become like her sister and abuse power. Nightmare Moon was something she never wanted to deal with or see. She still is saddened by the thought of banishing her dearest sister to the moon. Especially since in the end all they will have is each other. While not into the thought of incest the princess knew that if she was ever to take a lover it would be too painful for it to be a mortal one. She doesn't know if Twilight will be an immortal princess or if she is bound to mortality like her friends. Even so if eons go bye at least if she ever desired it she could have her sister as company. This thought wasn't just random she was wondering about the condition of her heart. Celestia hadn't felt love in ages and heartbreak in longer. She wasn't sure if she wanted to take another lover and knew only one person could be there for her even after everyone else leaves her. Still it is a forbidden desire just like Twilight Sparkle was. Look how that turned out... I don't know where we stand and I don't even have time to think about it. My subjects are all down or beaten badly. I can't be selfish in a time like this. I must be strong. I just wish I could have the strength to break the natural order for this once without letting it consume me the need to make everything perfect... perfect for me that is.
Perfection wasn't objective. So like most subjective things the view of what is perfect is constant to change depending on who you ask. So if she made the world perfect to her liking how could it not be imperfect to others? If they must suffer imperfection than she must to. She has the right to be a warlord during times of war sure. But that feeling isn't something she can just turn off once it's on. She has to decide her path and stick to it.
She was a benevolent ruler and yet not able to be kind and heal all wounds. She wasn't wanting to risk altering the time line and causing some kind of spatial temporal collapse. Regardless of how advanced a culture is when destiny becomes altered it can lead to a mess. Such as the destiny of one Wonderbolt who should have never been one.
____________________________________________________________
Rainbow Dash was semi independent, her body was healing faster than before since Fluttershy was able to give her more nutrients with the fans not crowding the house. Since the day of the grand battle the frenzied fans moved away to safer grounds not wanting to risk being killed if they could avoid it.
Since she could walk a bit and even run for short distances she began secretly flapping her wings and testing the maximum wing power her injured form could attain. It wasn't much but it was almost enough to get back into the sky and soar. Even if the doctors were against it, she had this desire to just fly. Ever since her fall and collapse she was itching to fly.
She was becoming more desperate for her body to become better. The fact she lived was a miracle and yet she wasn't appreciative of that. She wanted to be on top again. To fly and be free. The enemy wouldn't have escaped if she had been mobile. She knew that would be a fact but didn't know what would it matter if he wasn't fleeing because of fear. He was fleeing to warn his people of the sheer underestimation they had of ponies.
Even so Belgar only saw some special ponies not the entirety... not all ponies can be amazing like Pinkie Pie in randomness. So the fact he was basing it on the few ponies who had some special gifts was something that would surely make them over prepared and the winner by default. Rainbow Dash heard about all the ponies who decided to fight the invaders. They all fought hard and with dignity but in the end were no match for them.
It made her even more offended that she wasn't there to help. Loyalty was her calling and she couldn't even rise to the occasion because of her injuries. She hated feeling weak and vowed that next time something attacks Ponyville that she will fight no matter the cost. Because fighting for your family and friends to the end is what is means to be a Wonderbolt.
____________________________________________________________
Belgar had spent the week heading back home but stopping to make sure his injuries were able to be hidden from his friends and foes alike. Belgar had no family since he killed them all. He was cruel and ruthless when he slaughtered his father for abusing and degrading his mother even more so than any Draconian was allowed to do. They even had their limits of abuse of the spouses. It wasn't much but it helped keep the females safe from the savagery of the males.
After eliminating his father for such atrocities he then eliminated his mother for being so weak and useless. The Draconians only favored the strong and he took that to his battle ready heart. He wasn't ashamed of his actions but proud he didn't let his bond to his sire and mother stop him from doing what he felt was right.
Belgar had reached his homeland of Draconia and wasn't sure of why the place felt like a death trap. He was looking around at the vast and seemingly empty town of Sharduth, the town where he left to fly off to Equestria. The town usually full of Draconians big and small. It was definitely a trap ... But who would dare try and take me out and for what?
"Whoever you are, I have urgent news to bring the king. I hope you know that means your revenge or whatever this is has to wait." He said while scoping the barren lands for any sign of an attacker. He was greeted by another popular dragon in Draconia, Eizchal, and was already dreading his return.
"You know why I am here don't you.... only one reason for me to leave Dragunda's side... It means I have to execute a foolish hunter who thought executing a king's son was brilliant." He said while looking amused at the now terrified dragon.
"Wait... before I even address that allegation I have urgent and dire news... The ponies of Equestria have grown mighty... one of them killed Eligor with a single blow... and also one of them attacked Rahtot with no apprehension or fear. She jabbed him in the soft underbelly..." he wasn't going to finish the thought since he wanted to feign innocence.
"Yes... perhaps that did happen but I am sure that if what you say is true then surely you wouldn't have made it.... unless you some how managed to escape by the scale of your teeth?" He said as he was ready to strike down Belgar. Such a shame too he is one of the most excellent hunters that lived. Now he must die because even if his story is true he wouldn't have let royalty die in his place if he wasn't attempting to kill Rahtot himself. The king will hear this new news from me and not from the traitor... good bye Belgar. It was nice knowing you. He prepared his stance and went to lunge at Belgar.
Belgar knew this was going to be a bad situation but felt his primal need to defend his tribe infiltrate his head and it led him to this mess. "I don't want to fight you but if I must." He roared as he started advancing towards the incoming attacker. Their fight would be quick and brutal for no one would match the executioner.
"Sorry Belgar... but I am afraid... you just met your end." He said while attempting to behead his foe with his giant axe. The swing was clean and precise and in the end the executioner had a reason for such a reputation. He never misses with his axe and never lets any enemy get away. He would chase his target to the ends of the world and through Tartatus and back if it meant doing his lord's bidding.
Belgar had fallen in combat and fell to his death. The sky was no longer owned by him as his lifeless and headless body had become heavy and fell with such speed. Gravity and mass combined equals velocity when descending from high altitude. His body cratered the ground and stained it with blood. His legacy ended without any heirs and all because he had a dream he wanted to pursue.
____________________________________________________________
Rarity was scrubbing Big Mac's body with a loofa using her magic "Honestly sponge bathing a big lummox like you should be a high paying job... you had to go and be a hero huh?" Her voiced whiny and ungrateful. She was pissed off her almost brother in law went trying to be all bad ass and almost died. "So Mac the Dragon Slayer, any more desires to be a knight?" She said with annoyance. She was pissed because how stressed her lover had become during the ordeal.
He was smiling and enjoying his revenge. You sleep with my sister now you have to bathe my broken body... justice.. Eyup. He wasn't sure why he felt like this was a win for him, but since it was a win he was going to enjoy it. "You know I only did what was right... still I rather it be me than you or my sister... she needs you and well you aren't so bad ms. Rarity." His voice was nothing but honesty.
She softened.... "Sorry... " That is all that was said as she continued helping her injured soon to be brother in law out. Applejack was busy with Appleseed who was being fussy. Rarity didn't mind helping Big Mac out because she wasn't afraid of being close to him. She knew she was Applejack's and no other pony could take her away from what she wanted. She was just worried about the future. What was to come if war was declared? Would the future even matter? It had to matter because she was getting married and no stupid dragon was going to stop that.
____________________________________________________________
"So princess... did I save you from the evil dragon?" A sweet and chuckling Pinkie Pie asked the lavender Alicorn nestled close to her.
"Yes... you saved my life Pinkie Pie... but you almost died because of it. How can I live with knowing you would have died for me?" Her tears getting the better of her. She tried to hide her emotions from Celestia when they had talked earlier. Twilight was confused as to who to love. This was the first time she was in love with two ponies and not just using one as a substitute for the other.
She loved Celestia since she could remember but ... she also had a soft spot for Pinkie since meeting her too. She wasn't sure who she should be with but right now Pinkie needed her more and she was content with just snuggling her hero. It wasn't fair to any of the ponies involved especially with a war possibly going to wreck the entire nation of Equestria, it wouldn't matter in the end. Even if she made the right choice for her, the world was going to become dragon owned because of the desires of an evil king who lost his only child.
____________________________________________________________
King Dragunda, The ogre-like king, wasn't in a pleasant mood. He had to have his best hunter executed for failure to retrieve Eligor for the murder of his only son. He could feel the betrayal in his son's heart when he died. The pain of that knowledge incensed the dragon to making a hasty decision of declaring war on all the world.
His knowledge of what truly happened had then calmed him since. He was told of what occurred in Ponyville from Eizchal who had gathered the sentiment from the now deceased Belgar. So with the new information he had a new plan. He was going to get his soldiers in shape and prepare them for the war he was going to officially declare on Equestria itself.
The world would have to wait to suffer his wrath instead he was now focused on one task, the total and unstoppable domination of an entire continent of ponies. He was going to give them an entire year to drum up their best forces, even though secretly it was to increase his own numbers and his own soldiers strength to combat these odd ponies. He didn't know that the two ponies, that were being praised, were just one in a million kind of ponies.
"So we have the command ready I want a messenger sent to Equestria as fast as possible. I want them to know of their impending doom. They have one year till our army storms their nation and kills them all." He shouted across his throne to the servants and messengers alike. "I will send one messenger accompanied by two guards. Don't screw this up. I want your safe return and the message delivered. No matter what it takes if they don't fear us coming they won't be afraid to die and we need them afraid. I want to taste the fear on their bones when I am crunching through it with my teeth." He was bluffing in reality with no good reason he was fearing a loss if they weren't able to have a year for his soldiers to become as powerfuls as the ponies are thought to be. Since when do ponies kick so much ass?
____________________________________________________________
Another week passed by most of the injured ponies now able to continue on with being independent. The ex Wonderbolts were all dong somewhat okay. Mistyfly was seriously injured and was being cared for by Spitfire. Even if the cold hearted ex captain was semi forced with Mistyfly she has grown to enjoy her presence more and more each day.
Soarin now back with his mare-friend Swift Wind, enjoying his life as a taken man. He thought being single and plowing mares was the way to go but when he settled down with Swift it was just easier to manage not being a tool. He was still not able to relax with the worry about what's to come. He wanted to make sure his possible new fiance wouldn't die to some stupid dragons.
Spitfire was at her lover's side taking care of her. Mistyfly was hit really bad and nearly died, with that revelation Spitfire has shown more kindness but still keeps the dom/sub relationship going because it just works better. She has now seen the true terror of what her actions had caused and felt like she damned Equestria all because of her desire to be famed and known.
Big Mac was back to his old self. He wasn't some weakling foal, he was a strong stallion and was already bucking trees again. He was told to rest constantly but ignored the mares that he lived with. He was just being Big Mac.
Rainbow Dash was better now that she was able to kiss the sky with her wings. She had her inaugural flight a while ago and since then hasn't landed. She wanted the sky to know it's goddess has returned and she was going to command it again. She wanted to do a Sonic Rainboom but her wings weren't fully recovered. She opted to just cash a rainboom check.
Pinkie Pie was still a bit hurt and was able to at least get some comfort in being bundled up to her 'friend' Twilight. It wasn't a relationship but they did tend to be intimate with each other. It wasn't full on steamy erotica in their spare time but it was endearing moments. They would eat together and sleep together also they would sometimes bathe together since Pinkie was still somewhat hurt. It felt like they were married almost except they didn't take it to that level of intimacy that would seal their relationship forever.
If they did have some pleasureful tender love making it would mean Twilight made her choice. Since she wasn't ready to do that she was glad that Pinkie wasn't rushing her. "Pinkie... Thanks.. for not forcing me to choose yet... I will make a choice I promise." She snuggled deeper into the embrace of the other mare. "I know it can't be easy for you... and I wish I could just make a decision."
"It's ok silly head... Pinkie loves you forever, and if you decide you can't love PInkie like that then oh well. Pinkie is all about smiles so as long as you smile I will too." Her voice somewhat bright but fatigue and duress were eating at her. "Anyways it's night time let's get some rest.... " She said before she slowly started to suckle on Twilight's ear "Of course we don't have to become lovers if we just rut and not make love." Her tone becoming husky as she slowly captured her would be lover's ear in a frenzied suckle.
Twilight just cursed herself for being in this situation. "I am not sure Pinkie.... but don't stop doing that to my ear." She said with lust brimming from her throat. She wanted it badly... and even if it was just one night of passion it was going to be one hell of a night.
____________________________________________________________
Luna was up at the throne and wasn't in a good mood. Celestia was still up but just being depressed about her role, Luna had a mind to do things to her sister to make her mare up. Though her thoughts weren't always sane. She was in the middle of a discussion with the messenger from Draconia.
"It seems we have finally had enough niceties and we can get on with our intent. I let my guards stay outside since this isn't a threat of invasion. We have officially declared war on Equestria and in one year's time we will take everything you hold precious and crush it right in front of your very eyes.... something about eating souls... defecating on your hearts... yada yada... the list goes on but basically in short... Draconia is now challenging Equestria in one year's time. If we win it means that all ponies have died. There is no winning for you ponies.... something about how your great great grandparents will wish they never conceived the notion of even having kids.... it's a long declaration please forgive me... " The unsure messenger wasn't expecting a tirade to be dictated in front of a mythical deity. "Oh yeah... When we ravage your land we will turn it into a desolate and unforgiving environment and any surviving ponies will be forced to breed as a way of keeping a stock of delicious ponies for pony soup... and it just goes on to state that you will suffer an eternity... of ..." The messenger was shocked. No wonder this scroll weighed a ton... King Dragunda is insane.
Luna wasn't sure whether to laugh at such declarations or be sick about the stuff he was trying to convey in a lengthy and angry promise of annihilation. She stayed silent as if actually taking any stock in words coming from a king who doesn't send them himself. Cowardice wasn't tolerated by Luna... Maybe I should ascend to queen and rule Equestria myself... I could make my sister my servant... in some fancy clothing that show off her form right... and humiliate her each day. Like ... I don't know make her clean my room as I watch..... the hell is wrong with me? Too much steamy romance novels... no more shall I read such travesties.... when I am done reading my latest one that is... I need me a good book after all.
"Also something about your entrails will be tied together and joined as a rope while they hang your leaders... oh that's you I guess... the rest is just that basically.. so you get it right?" He asked rhetorically because if she wasn't that intelligent to figure out after all the time he wasted ensuring the declaration then it was unlikely she was the ruler.
"Yeah... so then in one year your king will make the grave mistake of messing with the goddess of the night and be destroyed for his foolishness... also I will.... I don't have a lengthy retaliation but.... I shall tie his body and have his... genitals removed?" She shrugged as this was new to her.
"Alright then one year it is, I shall see you then and when I do I will rip your soul from your body and make you empty as I ravage your land... you get the rest." The messenger said before walking out.
Luna was surprised at how unequipped she was with emotionally disturbing retorts. She decided since the messenger was leaving she was going to try and cheer her sister up... since she was going to have to give her bad news first. "Oh Tia...." She said almost in a sing-song manner.
____________________________________________________________
All of Equestria was being gathered at various sites while the princess was ready to make her speech. "I am ready now.... use the spell." Her finest unicorns and alicorns were projecting her image and voice as far as it could go to warn all of Equestria about the impending war.
"I, your princess, Celestia have some grave news that I must share with you all. We have been contacted by a hostile nation and was warned that in one year's time we are to be at war with them. Don't fret my little ponies. With this one year we can be prepared. I give you the leader of the newly reformed Wonderbolts... Rainbow Dash." Her plan was almost deceitful but it was necessary.
Rainbow Dash had been contacted by Celestia to speak as a celebrity spokes person for this troubling news. Her plan was to give them hope and since their star and idol was leading the newly reformed Wonderbolts it would be sure to make them all be happy in a time that is surely dreadful. The new Wonderbolts was nothing but a gimmick. There was no shows with them lined up and they were just a military group that was made to combat the forces of the dragon army. It was still filled with the regular members but the costume was just for show. When it came to war time they would all be fitted with Equestrian military gear. The ruse was simple. Still Rainbow Dash had a role to play. She would have to if she was to convince everyone to have hope and prepare for the war.
"I know most of you are glad to see my face. I hope you all are still Rainbow fans... anyways let's get this thing moving along. Sure we are being challenged by a great and powerful enemy. The nation of Draconia have some powerful and destructive soldiers. They are superior to us in strength and are nearly invulnerable to our attacks.... Still we have something they don't... We have heart... as long as we have heart we can't lose. I didn't make it to the top without it. I thought I was able to live free without care. Reality has decided that wasn't true. I just want you all to know that we may have been challenged but we are going to win... I have faith in all of you... that you will all fight your best and help out in any way you can. We are going to fight this war and we shall win... I vow as the leader of the Wonderbolts that I Rainbow Dash will help lead this war to victory. Victory for us... for all of you ... for every pony who ever has lived.. this is our land and we are not giving it to a bunch of stupid dragons... This is Equestria and this is my home , your home... OUR HOME!" That was it... the crowd was wild... she could stop the act and face the facts. In one year's time they land of ponies was going to be a thing of the past.