Twilight Sparkle was again in her library home. The afternoon's events were very tiring. She had been made host to two humans, who were attacked by Spike, watched her dear Princess Celestia weep like a foal, and still hadn't had her questions answered. What had the two regal sisters done to have provoke a war? When did this all happen? Why was it happening now? Twilight's mind was so full of new information and questions that her head was pounding. Maybe a good night's rest would clear everything up. With that in mind, Twilight and Spike both prepared for bed. Twilight hopped onto her bed and buried her face into her soft pillow. With a sigh, she slowly started to relax.
Knock knock knock.
Twilight groaned. Who could that be? And at this hour? She was just about to fall asleep and get some well deserved rest. Spike on the other hand was fast asleep.Twilight made her way downstairs and to the door. She opened it only to be shocked by what she saw.
The streets of Ponyville were packed with soldiers. Earth ponies, unicorn mages, and Pegasus air units, all clad in dark grey armor, were occupying what seemed to be every crevice of Ponyville. They marched in platoons left and right, each carrying a menacing sword or spear. The unicorn soldiers were practicing combat magic, freezing dummies into ice and igniting them in place. Pegasi units were zipping to and fro in the air. Each had a crossbow mechanism attached to their back. With deadly accuracy, they swooped down and hit practice targets dead center. A few even carried wicked looking knives. Two large earth pony soldiers appeared in front of Twilight's door.
"Twilight Sparkle?" one asked in a deep voice.
"Y-yes?" Twilight answered.
"This is her residence," the other soldier said. He turned his head behind him, "Over here! Bring them here!"
There was a light scuffling noise behind them. Twilight looked over to see her five friends.
"Hey! Quit shovin'!" Applejack yelled.
"Get you filthy hooves off of me!" exclaimed Rarity.
"Hey hey hey! No pushing Pinkie Pie!" Pinkie said.
"Stop... Urf... Pushing.... Me!" grunted Rainbow Dash.
"Uhm, please stop... Eep! Uh..." came Fluttershy.
The five mares were shoved forcefully through the narrow doorway into Twilight's home.
"What is going on?" she asked in mild irritation.
"Yes, I'd quite like to know that myself!" piped up Rarity dusting herself off.
"Yeah, why are we here against our own will?" Dash yelled.
"You best keep your muzzle shut," one soldier growled, "before I shut it for you." Rainbow Dash sized him up. She realized she was much smaller than he was and backed down.
"You are all here," another soldier said, "Under the orders of the great Princess Celestia herself."
"The princess made us come here?!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, "For what, like, a party?" The soldier sighed and placed his face in his hoof in irritation.
"You are the Elements Of Harmony," he said, "You are our top priority to protect. Her Highness, Princess Celestia, placed us, one of the elite squadrons, in charge of keeping you safe."
"Well then why'd y' have t' rough handle us?" Applejack said indignantly.
"You were being uncooperative," one soldier grinned.
"Are you implying ah'm stubborn?" she asked. Applejack turned to her friends, "He called me stubborn! Lemme at 'im..!" Rarity and Fluttershy darted forward and held back Applejack. Again, the guard smirked loudly.
"You are to remain inside this building until further notice," the soldier said.
"You're placing us under house arrest, aren't you?" Twilight said coolly.
"Well," the soldier said with a smile, "I wouldn't put it in those exact words, but yes."
"You can't do that!" she yelled back.
"Oh?" the soldier said standing up straighter and taller. He looked very intimidating for an earth pony, "Are you going against your Princess's orders?"
Twilight glared at the soldier, but then backed down.
"Good," he said satisfied, "We'll be patrolling the perimeter and casting a bubble spell around the area. Nothing gets in and nothing gets out. That way we can keep the enemy out and keep you safe."
Rainbow Dash snorted.
"Good even ladies," the soldier said, "Try not to too rambunctious..." The thuggish soldiers exited the library.
"Rambunctious?" Rarity gasped, "Well, I never..."
"So this is really serious then?" Rainbow Dash asked Twilight, "There's really a war going on?"
"Yes..." sighed Twilight.
"An' what happened to them uh, humans, didja call ‘em?" Applejack asked.
"They're safe in Canterlot," Twilight replied, "Hopefully they can help us avoid any more loss. But in he mean while, let's just make the best of things."
"So..." Pinkie Pie said slowly, "A slumber party?"
Twilight smiled. It was only Pinkie Pie who could see the need to party even in the shadow of a war. She always had to find some excuse to brighten up everyone’s day, no matter how bleak.
"Yes, Pinkie Pie," Twilight said, "Slumber party."
The six mares, still deeply troubled by war and it's influence on the town, all headed upstairs to Twilight's room. There they spent the night laughing and talking, bashing on the soldiers left to protect them, and seeing how many funny positions they could put Spike in before he woke up. Twilight looked out the window some time later.
Soldiers were scattered everywhere. They knew that the battle would soon come to them, and all they could do was wait. Many of the ponies in Ponyville thought it would be smarter to flee the town into bigger cities where protection was more readily available. Some stayed in their homes, hopeful that the battle wouldn't disturb their tranquil life style. Others found it hard to leave. This place was everypony’s home. They had built their lives here and they could not bare to see it burn to the ground. The fillies and colts were the first to be shipped out of the town. Some families were torn apart. Parents volunteered to defend Ponyville and sent their foals away to Canterlot, making hollow promises of being reunited.
Twilight caught a glimpse of the Apple family. Big Macintosh was leading Granny Smith and Applebloom to a large cart at the edge of town. Twilight could hear what they were saying.
"Ah don't wanna go! Don't let them take me Big Mac!" Applebloom screamed. She was bawling and crying, being held in Big Macintosh's forehooves, "Don't leave me! Were family! We gotta stick TOGETHER!"
Big Mac didn't say anything. His expression was hard set. He lifted Applebloom into the large cart. It was filled with other younglings, crying and begging their parents not to leave them.
"Ah'm sorry Applebloom..." Big Mac said, "I promise I'll come back." He kissed her forehead.
"Liar!" she screamed, "Ah know yer all gonna die! Don't stay here! Come with us! Or at least let me stay!" Again she was crying, "Please don't leave..."
"Ah'm sorry..." Big Mac said again. The cart started to move forward. The expression on Applebloom's face cut through him like a sharp knife. First it was a look of disbelief. How could Big Mac abandon his little sister like that? The it turned to one of disgust.
"If you don't come back!" Applebloom screamed at the top of her lungs, "Ah'll never forgive you! Ah have no brother!" Big Mac and Granny Smith stood and watched until the cart disappeared from sight.
"Y' did the right thing, Mac," Granny Smith said shakily.
"Ah hope so," Big Macintosh replied, "Y' know, y' coulda gone with her, be safer."
"Nonsense," chuckled the aging green mare, "With all these new hungry soldiers around, somepony's gotta feed 'em," she looked up at her grandson, "An' Ah'll bet yer gonna volunteer t' fight?" Big Mac snorted.
"Ah hafta," he said, "If ah can stand, then hell, ah'm gonna fight. They need all the help they can get."
Granny Smith sighed.
"If that's what y' gotta do," she said wearily, "Then that's what y' gotta do..."
Back up on the library, Twilight wiped a tear away as she watched the Apple family become one less. The war impacted everyone. Friends were hushed up, love was scarce, and families were left in tatters.
"Hurts t' watch, don't it?"
Twilight turned her head to the right and saw Applejack. She hadn't noticed Applejack was watching the scene with her.
"I'm so sorry-" Twilight began.
"Don't be," Applejack said, "If it's gotta be done, it's gotta be done. We all need t' stay and fight. Er at least prevent any more damage." She turned to Twilight, tears brimming her eyes, "And if we gotta give up our lives fer our family 'n friends, then it won't be wasted."
**************
Have you ever noticed that when ever you want to desperately fall asleep, you never can? Maybe you have that one alarm clock that decides to choose that one night to tick the loudest? The rhythmic ticking keeping you awake all night, almost like laughing at your efforts to sleep. Everyone else in the house is fast asleep and you feel like the only one in the world being kept awake. You know that feeling? Because Twilight Sparkle does.
The night was as late as it was noisy. The whispers and babble that came from outside caused a din that kept Twilight awake. Her friends were all miraculously soundly sleeping. Pinkie Pie especially, snuggling up against Rainbow Dash on the couch. Applejack and Rarity were sharing a bed, and Fluttershy, being to afraid to sleep alone, was in bed next to Twilight, slowly snoozing away.
Twilight herself didn't really even know why she was still awake. Maybe it was the noise outside where she could hear all of the worried voices whispering about the horrors of war. Maybe it was the thought of so many young foals being forced away from their parents. Maybe it was the impact that harmony in Equestria was never set in stone. But perhaps most of all, maybe it was the fact that her idol, the perfect, kind, loving, divine, selfless princess, was not what she claimed to be for these past thousand years. Twilight sighed in worry as she continued to hear the din outside.
"So when do you think they'll come?"
"I don't know. Well just have to wait."
"Maybe if were lucky, they won't come..."
"Yeah, and maybe I'm Princess Celestia's brother."
"I miss my family..."
"See this picture here? That's my little filly..."
"Hey remember when ma used to cook us dinner every night?"
"Yeah, and to think we took that for granted..."
"Are you okay?"
"Ah, I'm not too old to fight."
All of these different conversations had a different story behind them. Each unique, yet bonded in the shade of an army ready to defend them.
"Hey, where's Star Light?"
"Beats me. Last I saw, he was- URK..."
Twilight sat up straight, her ears perked up.
"What the?..."
"INCOMING!"
Suddenly, there was a thunderous roar. It sounded like heavy hail raining upon the buildings. But as quickly as it came, the noise stopped.
"What the hay?..." said Applejack as she awoke suddenly.
"Wh-what was that?" Fluttershy whimpered as she hid under the covers.
All six mares were now wide awake. Five of them, Fluttershy still hiding in bed, ran to the window. Each of them gasped at what they saw. The town was covered in what seemed to be tall grass. It stuck out from the sides and tops of buildings, the ground, and the magic bubble that protected them. Upon closer inspection, the six friends realized that they were arrow shafts.
The raining arrows were quick, but they had done a fair amount of damage. A few bloody figures could be seen on the ground looking like grotesque, overlarge pin cushions. More soldiers had smaller wounds, pulling out arrow heads from shoulders, legs, arms, and from in between chinks of armor. It wasn't anything they couldn't handle. But there was another noise.
With a sound like a growing tidal wave, the ground began to shake. A single Pegasus soldier flew up to see what was coming. An army of human troops was charging towards Ponyville.
"Here they come!" the Pegasus shouted.
"First strike! Ready firebolts!" yelled a unicorn Mage. All the magical units' horns started to glow at once. From each horn, a lightning bolt incased in flames erupted. Each bolt flew in an arch towards the advancing humans. Fire rained down upon them.
"They're still coming!"
The humans were still advancing. They were clad in dragon scale armor. The shed skin of a dragon was strong and still contained magical properties. The humans in the armor were mostly protected from the vicious flames. A great number however, were struck in the gaps in their armor. They burst into flames and cooked within their shells.
All hell broke loose. The streets of Ponyville were flooded with soldiers, both equine and human. Slashes of blades and streaks of red were appearing left and right. Flashes of deadly magic, fire and lightning, illuminated the grim battle field. More arrows and spears were hurdling through the air, some landing in the ground and others hitting and dropping their targets. Pegasus air units swooped through the air raining deadly bolts and heavy rocks onto the enemy.
"Protect the Elements!" a pony cried.
Each pony soldier, each platoon had a common goal, to protect the Elements of Harmony and Ponyville. However, the persistent humans were becoming too much. Nets were being flung into the air, snatching up some Pegasi. Others were impaled by arrows through the wings and dropped to the ground still alive. Earth ponies were wrestled to the ground and unicorns were bashed over the heads and knocked out.
"There!" a human yelled, "That building over there! There must be something of value in it for the need of all this protection."
The humans screamed in agreement. Using swords, battering rams, and even their own fists, the humans began to attack the magical barrier. The six ponies in the library gasped as the protective bubble started to crack like glass. Magic was strong, but it had it's limits.
The bubble shattered. From downstairs, Twilight could hear the humans breaking down the door and making their way to her room. The six friends braced them selves. The door was kicked open by a single human soldier. As the door fell to the ground, Twilight's horn glowed and he froze in place, encased in ice. The frozen figure fell onto it's side with a dense THUNK and more soldiers poured in. Applejack was able to buck one, striking him in the temple, dropping him to the floor, limp and unmoving. But in the small room, the six friends could do little to resist. They were all forcibly held down. Six humans stood over them, each raising a sharp sword above the ponies' neck.
"Wait!" cried one of the humans, "Wait. These six were protected by a whole town," the soldiers lowered their swords. The yellow pony was sobbing in fear, "If they were that important, imagine how much of an asset they could be to us."
The soldiers in the room nodded and muttered in agreement.
"'e's right," said another human, "We can use these things for ransom or somefing. Put them in the cages with the others! And for the magical ones, bind their horns in metal."
The Elements of Harmony were carried out of the building. Both Twilight and Rarity had what seemed to be a metal cones locked onto their horns. It was tight and uncomfortable. Twilight tried with all her might, but she couldn't feel any magic flowing through her horn. They were all thrown into a cage along with numerous other ponies. They all sported bloody wounds and bruises. Looking around, Twilight could see the aftermath of the battle. Countless bodies littered the streets of Ponyville. There were also numerous cages scattered around, each holding a crowd of ponies taken as a prisoner. She could also see Big Macintosh laying in a cage, unmoving.
"I'm sorry we couldn't protect you..." croaked a battle damaged soldier in the cage.
"You did the best you could," Rainbow Dash sighed, "It's not like we helped any..."
***********
Twilight was prodded very hard in the side. She awoke, sore and stiff. It was the wee hours of sun rise and she and her friends were still stuck in the metal cage. Pinkie Pie shushed at Twilight and beckoned her over.
"How long have been asleep?" she asked.
"Oh, I dunno," Pinkie whispered, "Four hours? But that's not important right now. Lookie over there!"
Twilight followed to where Pinkie Pie's hoof was pointing. She saw a tall human. His eyes were a shade of grayish green and seemed very formidable. He wore a crown of silver and purple armor with gold trimmings. He looked ill tempered and very serious.
"That's him!" whispered Pinkie Pie, "That's the king of humans!"
"My soldiers!" the king boomed in his deep voice, "Yet another victory for the human race!"
None of the troops said anything.
"We are this close to our imminent retaking of the earth," he held up his finger and thumb an inch apart, "And soon, we shall be rulers of this world once again!"
"But at what cost?!" yelled a solder from the crowd of humans, "Can you not see we have lost more than half of our men? How much more blood must be shed?!"
The king scowled.
"Step forth, whoever just spoke," he growled, but everyone caught every word, even the prisoners.
A lone figure broke apart from the group of soldiers. He too was tall, but his eyes were not as cold as the king's. Twilight saw him and her eyes widened. She didn't need Pinkie's nudge to the side to remember who he was. He was the human that stopped Twilight's and her friends' deaths.
"State your name, boy," said the king.
"I am William Saloan," said the soldier, "And I feel that this war is slowly becoming unnecessary."
The king glared at him. He nodded his head and two soldiers departed from the main crowd, stepped forward, and rammed their fists into William's gut. He fell over, his wind knocked out.
"If any of you speak up against your king," the king said, "I will have your head," he looked down at the wheezing figure, "But now, I need all the men I can get to fight."
The crowd of soldiers were still silent. None of them spoke.
"Tomorrow," continued the king, "We invade the capital city of Canterlot!" He raised his sword into the air. The soldiers did the same.
"All hail King Obera," the army said at once. They had lost their vigor. Their enthusiasm was slowly tested. The crowd disbanded in order to prepare for the following day's events.
***********
"How's mah big brother? Can y' see him?"
Applejack was standing at the wall of the cage. She was breathing heavily with worry and grief. The red lump that was her brother hadn't moved and inch for hours.
"He'll be okay," said Fluttershy, "If he wasn't, why would they keep him?"
"She's right," said Twilight, "Besides, he's a strong stallion. You of all ponies should know that."
"Ah guess yer right..." sighed Applejack. She looked down at the dirt floor. A single tear fell as she thought about Big Mac's promise to Applebloom.
"He's fine,"
Applejack looked up. She saw William.
"Don't you talk t' me!" she grunted. She felt resentful to any human. "Don't talk t' me like yer mah friend."
"Applejack," Twilight muttered.
"Don't worry," William said unperturbed, "I'm on your side on this matter. I think this has gotten out of hand."
"Ah don't care what you think," said Applejack, "It's because of YOUR people that we're in a war! It's all yer fault!"
"Well, you're right and wrong," said William, "It's not my fault. It's it's the fault of years and years of prejudice and an unnecessary grudge between two species. We tend to forget that..." He sighed. "Also, did you ever think what about what your rulers did a thousand years ago?"
"Hang on," said Twilight, "I heard that they did something terrible to you."
"Again," William said, "Not to me or my generation, but my ancestors. But yes, they did something horrible." He sat down and leaned against the cage. "You don't know what they did, do you?"
Applejack, Fluttershy, and Twilight shook their heads.
"Well," said William, "From what my people and I have learned is that your perfect rulers forced my race to the the brink of extinction," He looked at the threes mares. They had their hooves to the mouths in shock. "Imagine. Billions of individuals, men, women, children, the elderly, the INNOCENT, purged from this world in a shower of hatred. The blood of millions spilled on the land, each wondering 'why'?"
"Y-you're lying," said Twilight. It couldn't be true. The two regal sisters were divine. They were the perfect rulers and they would never commit such a cruel act.
"Lying am I?" said William in a sad grin, "What else would provoke a war between to species that haven't met in over a thousand years? Why would two isolated races suddenly clash? The only answer is retribution. Revenge."
Twilight felt faint. Everything she thought she knew about the princesses was wrong. They weren't godly beings, they were made that way. They weren't perfect, they had the stain of the worst sin ever to be committed. They didn't create this world, they stole it. Twilight still refused to believe.
"If you need confirmation," William said getting up, "You can ask them tomorrow when we hold you as hostage." He sighed again. "I hope I'm not the only one who wants to avoid a war."
**********
It was night fall. In the outskirts of Ponyville, the humans were seated around little fires scattered throughout the landscape. The cages holding the ponies were also spread around the camp. Again, Twilight was kept up. But this time, it wasn't only her. Each pony was still awake. They were either too worried about the next day's march to Canterlot or were in too much pain to sleep.
Twilight and her friends noticed a sickly scent in the air. It was the smell of burning flesh and hair. Larger fire pits were dug so that the dead could be disposed of. This made Twilight sick to her stomach. The smell wasn't only vomit inducing, but the thought of the ones who had family waiting for them, who were young with a bright future, and those unnamed who went with out a proper mourning was sickening.
Twilight laid down. She was exhausted as ever but didn't want to fall asleep. She listened to to conversations of the humans around the fires.
"How much longer do you think this will last?"
"Beats me... Honestly though, I just want this to stop."
"Me too. I don't think we're ready for another battle"
"He's right. I mean look at how many we've lost."
"Will has the right idea. This isn't worth it."
"I don't want to die..."
They were right. What was more important, a small matter of revenge or the fate of a surviving race? But how can they turn their backs on their ancestors, their king? Surely they believed 'an eye for an eye'. Right?
Perhaps not. The soldiers were growing ever more weary of battle, of loss. The risk of total extinction was a terrifying thought. But the thought of giving up and surviving was also insulting. Humans used to be so strong, but now they had reached an all time low. This might be their one final chance to be at the top again. But did they really need to be the only ones to be dominate? The questions were asked throughout the night and were not answered.
****************
Celestia laid in her private chambers, her heart heavy with worry about her most precious pupil. She was once again deep in pensive thought. She had lived a thousand years, yet she felt... unfulfilled. She have already existed ten times that of a normal pony, yet she still felt an empty void in her heart. She knew that the loss of her daddy wasn't the only factor in this empty feeling. Her subjects had come and gone, each living their lives happily till the end. But fifty years to Celestia felt like only an hour. What did they have that she lacked?...
"Sister?"
Luna entered Celestia's bed room. She wore a look of worry on her face.
"Yes?" Celestia said.
"Can I... Can I..." she stuttered. Luna was an adult and she had done her nightly work, but still...
"Of course you can," Celesia said with a warm smile. Luna's expression brightened up a slight. She trotted over to her elder sister's bed and crawled under the covers next to her.
"What's troubling you, dear?" Celestia asked resting her head on Luna's.
"I've never seen a war," she said bluntly, "And I haven't seen so much loss ever since... You know..."
"I thought I asked you not to mention that again," Celestia said quietly, "We must deal with the here and now."
"But how can I forget," Luna said, "When I'm constantly reminded? Sister, this is bigger than us. This war, I can feel it. We're going to pay for what we've done..." Luna started to cry. "I just want someone to know that I'm sorry."
Celestia held her sister tighter. In her mind, she too knew that some sort of punishment was coming. And she understood that, for Luna, the amount of punishment was frightening.
"Don't worry," she whispered, "We've got each other and daddy. Together, we can endure anything."
"But what if it's not enough?" Luna asked, "Celly, I'm scared."
Celestia didn't say anything.
There was a quiet knock on the door. Celestia sighed as she reluctantly got out of bed and opened it.
"Your Highness," It was one of the royal guards, "You requested my presents?
"Yes," she said, "Has there been any more word from Ponyville?"
"Not yet ma'am," said the guard, "All we know is that both sides had casualties and prisoners were taken."
"And you are absolutely sure that Twilight Sparkle is safe?" Celestia asked. Her eyes were as cold and hard as frozen steel.
"Uh... Umm... Yes," the guard said, "From what we know, she and the other elements of Harmony were taken prisoner. She has not been harmed according to our resources."
"How are the humans?" Celestia asked.
"They are in their chambers awaiting tomorrow's happenings," the guard said stiffly. And with that he was dismissed.
"You seem awfully concerned about Ms. Sparkle," Luna said as Celestia hopped back into bed.
"Well, she is my student," Celestia said.
"No, no I mean more than normal," said Luna. Celestia smiled.
"She is more to me than just a student," she said, "She is almost like a daughter to me..." But at that word, Celestia seemed to have lost her trail of thought. Daughter. Part of a family. Family sticks together...
"Celestia?"
"Oh, I'm sorry," said Celestia, "My mind must have wandered off..."
"You're too stressed," Luna giggled, "Go to sleep," She scooted closer to Celestia and closed her eyes. Celestia smiled again.
"Good night, Luna,"
*************
"Can you believe it?! We were sent to bed like children!"
"Well, were not really adults, either,"
Xan was irate. He knew that he should feel more grateful to the two princesses for letting them negotiate peace and provide housing, but he never expected a curfew.
"Oh come on, Xan," said Ivy. She was sprawled out on a bed. "It could've been worse. The princesses might have killed us. Heck, we're lucky a griffon or manticore didn't pick us off before we even made it here."
"I know..." Xan grumbled, "I just want to establish that I'm not a child! I'm old enough to know when I'm supposed to go to bed! And who does she think she is, winning the staring contest and all. She practically threw us in this room!"
"You big baby..." laughed Ivy.
"So what's the plan now?" Xan finally asked. Ivy sat up and looked at him. Her eyes were still stunningly green and her facial features seemed to glow.
"From here," she began, "We can only hope that everything goes to plan. If my father sees that we're not harmed and that the ponies offer trust and peace, we might make it through," She bit her lip. "But daddy's very stubborn... But he wouldn't risk the safety of his own daughter, right?"
"He's cold, but he's not heartless," Xan said, "I'm just worried about you-"
"What?"
"Uh... you... you're plan!" Xan said quickly, "This is the only chance we have at keeping our race alive. If we fail, one species is getting wiped out tomorrow. And I don't think it'll be the ponies." Ivy just stared at Xan.
"We've put so much into this," she said, "As long as we get passed this war, I don't care how we do it."
"Right," Xan said. His forehead was creased in extreme thought.
"Hey, it's getting late," Ivy said laying back down, "Let's get some rest."
"Right," said Xan again. He relaxed his face and turned to the other bed. He was prepared to rest his weary body, but there was no 'other bed'.
"Uh, Ivy?" he asked.
"Mmm?"
"Where's the other bed?"
Ivy sat up. She looked around and giggled. There was no other bed.
"Unbelievable," Xan grunted, "Of all the bloody rooms in this God forsaken castle, and we got the one room with one bed. Fantastic."
"Oh hush up," said Ivy, "We'll share this one."
"I have the right mind to go and talk with... Wait, what?"
"You heard me," Ivy said with a smile, "We can share."
Xan's eyes widened and his ears turned brick red. The room suddenly felt hot and sweat started to beat on his forehead.
"B-but I can't!" Xan said, "You're a girl and I'm a boy and if your dad finds out that I SLEPT with you-"
"What? Don't flatter yourself. We're not gonna... Are you suggesting you don’t want to get into bed with me?" Ivy was grinning mischievously. Xan swallowed hard.
"Oh," Xan said, "Alright..."
Ivy scooted over and made space. Xan, still very nervous, laid down next to her. He pulled the covers up to his face.
"Well, goodnight, Xan," Ivy said. She leaned over and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. Xan could feel his face burn. "Thanks for always sticking by my side..."
Ivy fell asleep seconds after, holding Xan tight in her arms. Her soft breathing danced across Xan's chest.
Xan lay awake. He lifted a hand to his cheek where the kiss was planted. Ivy was a childhood and life long friend. But maybe she was a bit more than just a friend to him. He realized that he would go to hell and back for her if he had to.
Xan smiled and closed his eyes. He wrapped his own arm around Ivy's shoulders and held her tight. She sighed in her sleep. If tomorrow's events didn't go as planned, he still got to spend the best night he'd ever have in a long, long time with Ivy. He too, then fell asleep.
************
The sound of a blaring trumpet cut through the morning silence like a heavy cleaver.
"Rise and shine, soldiers!"
Twilight lifted her head. It was still heavy with the lock attached to her horn. She was still in the cage and many other ponies were starting to wake. They didn't look to well. Battle damaged and lacking a good night's sleep, their color seemed faded and their expressions were weary.
King Obera was over seeing preparations to the day's upcoming battle. He was being followed around by some one who seemed to be one of his advisers.
"King Obera, please," he said, "I beg you to reconsider. We've lost most of our men and the remaining are getting rebellious. We will not survive this war!"
"I do not care!" shouted the king. Soldiers around him started to watch. "Is this not our time of revenge? Is our victory not well deserved? After they have completely wiped out our race before?!"
Twilight screwed up her face.
"Our race was purged from this world out of hatred and spite," the king continued. He looked mad and his eyes were bulging. "We are here to right what is wrong, and if a few lost lives are needed, then I say it is necessary."
Twilight covered her ears. She didn't want to hear. She didn't want to believe. Her princess would never do anything like that. Would she?
"And what of your daughter, Obera?" the advisor asked, "She is with them, and for all we know, she could be talking about peace. She may be SAFE! Is that not enough reason to stop this? If not for your people then surely for your daughter!"
King Obera gnashed his teeth. "My child decided to associate with those mules" he drew his sword and stabbed it into the ground. "I have no daughter..."
Twilight gasped. Everyone else watched in silence. The true side of the king was shown. He was so close to his goal, he could taste it. Obera's glory was only a small step away, and he wouldn't let anyone get in the way of it.
"Ready the troops," he said quietly, "We march in three hours."
The six friends were rolling along. Their cage, and all the others, were put onto carts and pulled by the humans. They were marching across a vast field that was located somewhere near the outskirts of Canterlot. Rainbow Dash stuck her head through the bars.
"Ha! How's it feel like to pull a pony like a horse?" she laughed, "I think that's what you call 'irony'!"
"Rainbow!" said Rarity, "Don't provoke them!"
The two soldiers pulling their cart laughed.
"Ah, don't worry" one said, "We know this isn't going to end well. This is a load of horse shit anyway."
The two soldiers laughed and laughed. Horse shit. And they were pulling ponies like, well, a pony should. Even Rarity couldn't help but grin at this small, yet crude joke.
"I don't think the king is going to get anywhere," Twilight said, "Even his soldiers seem to want anything else but war."
"Yer right," Applejack said, "These fellers ain't too bad. Ah think it's the king 'n his influence."
"Uhm..." Fluttershy said, "I agree."
The six mares sat in their moving cart and smiled. It was the first real smile they had cracked in a while. The weight of prejudice and misunderstanding seemed to have ebbed away just a little bit.
"Hey!" Pinkie Pie suddenly shouted. She raised her hoof and pointed, "We're here!"
The city of Canterlot was slowly looming into view. It's high buildings and center castle were becoming clearly visible.
"Here we go..." one soldier said.
The army kept advancing. Where were the ponies? Was there going to be a sneak attack? When was the carnage going to start?
"Hey, what's that?..."
In the distance, there was a dark mass on the field. As the army approached, they saw what it was. It was an army of ponies, almost twice the size of the human forces. It too started to march towards the humans. The two massive armies stopped opposite each other fifty feet apart. The humans drew their swords and King Obera stepped into the open.
"It is time for retribution!" he yelled, "Tyrants! Show yourselves!"
The equine army split through the middle and through the gap walked four figures, Princess Celestia and Luna, Ivy, and Xan.
"We are here, human," Celestia said. She had a blank look on her face and stared coldly at Obera. "But before matters get out of hand, might I ask for some exchange of words?"
"Very well," Obera said. The two rulers walked towards each other. Celestia was considerably taller than the king of humans, but that didn't discourage him. As Ivy approached her father, Obera saw that she was hand in hand with Xan.
"Your daughter and her friend have travelled very far to meet me," Celestia said, "And they have been asking for a peaceful resolution between our people," She looked hard into Obera's eyes. "I hope we can agree to something?"
"I've never been a very hopeful person myself," said Obera.
"That is evident," said Celestia. There was some edge in her voice. "You know you have no chance at-"
"Sister..." Luna interrupted. Celestia closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"As you can see," Celestia continued, "Your daughter is safe. We have had numerous opportunities to kill her and her friend. But now, we return her to you without even the thought of taking her as hostage."
Ivy, still holding Xan's hand tight, walked together with him to her father. She turned around and faced the equine army.
"I too have some of your subjects in my possession," Oberia said. He gestured with his hand and a few soldiers brought a number of cages towards the front. "But there is something that I have been wondering," he continued. He walked over to the cage containing Twilight and her friends. "These six were heavily protected. Might I ask as to why?"
"I don't think you are in a positions to ask those kinds of questions," Celestia said coldly.
"And you are not in a position to not answer my questions," King Obera said. He drew his sword and pointed it at the six mares. "I can have them killed right now if I need to."
Celestia bared her teeth. Truly, the human race was a cruel one. But the she to protect the elements. Especially Twilight...
"They are all very dear to me-"
"Which one?" interrupted Obera, "Which do you hold dearest?" Celestia said nothing. Not even the sword would make her reveal such a weakness. King Obera grew quickly inpatient. He turned to Xan. Xan was still holding Ivy.
"You. Boy," he said, "Which of these are the most important? Tell me. I know that you know who..."
"I'm sorry, my king," Xan replied, "I cannot answer."
"Can not?" the king said, "Or will not?" He made another gesture and an arrow came flying out of nowhere and landed right in front of Ivy's feet.
"I've got the best archers at my ready," Obera continued, "If you don't tell me who it is, I'll kill her."
"You wouldn't," Xan said. His breathing quickened. "You can't!"
"You monster," Celestia whispered, "Your own daughter. Over this silly feud!"
"Me? A monster?!" Obera gave a loud bark of a laugh, "You have the heart to call me a monster even after you obliterated my race over a thousand years ago?"
A murmur of silent whispers swept the two armies.
"Yes," King Obera continued, "I am willing to take one life to right the past, and you took the lives of billions in the past. Tell me, which is more monstrous?"
"F-father... You wouldn't..." stuttered Ivy, "I'm your child!"
"Silence," Obera said through clenched teeth, "You have already stepped out of line. You should be on bent knees begging for forgiveness. My own daughter." He spat on the ground and again he raised his hand. Another arrow flew and it tore a hole through Ivy's cloak. Obera looked again at Xan. He lifted his hand halfway.
"Don’t!" Xan yelled. He looked to Celestia in a pained expression, but no word he could say would make it better. It was betrayal. The princess agreed on a peaceful treaty, but he was about to give the humans an upper advantage. But he had to. For Ivy...
"It's the purple one..." said Xan. He slumped to his knees. "She's the Princess' personal student."
"Good boy," smirked Obera. He opened the cage and pulled Twilight out. He held her by the mane which made Twilight yell in pain. Celestia's eyes grew red. Her most faithful pupil. Her daughter...
"Now," Obera said, "What shall I do here?" He lifted his sword to Twilight's throat.
"Don't you DARE-" Celestia said taking a step forward.
"Ah ah ah," Obera said tauntingly. He pressed the blade closer to Twilight's neck. Celestia could see a small bead of blood dripping down the side of her neck. "So she is important," Obera said, "But I can agree on an alternative other than war."
"And what, pray tell, would that be?" Celestia said, her teeth bared and heart aching.
"Either I kill this one and we battle to the death," said Obera, "Or you and your sister exchange places with your precious student and we call off the war."
There was an uproar. The equine army yelled it's unorganized dissatisfaction. The death of their ruler wouldn't fix anything. But Celestia bit her lip.
Her most precious pupil's life was at stake. She looked to Twilight who had a look of fear plastered onto her face. She didn't know if she feared for her own life or her Celestia's. Celestia swallowed hard and thought. This maybe the only hope for avoiding chaos. She could finally pay for what she had done so many centuries ago. She could finally be punished for her sins. Celestia then looked towards Luna.
"What ever you plan to do, Celly," she said, "I'm with you all the way."
A single tear fell from Celestia's face.
"Very well," Celestia said, "Take my and my sister's life, spare my pupil, and end this war." The ponies yelled in rage and screamed their willingness to fight. But the Princess' mind was set.
"No!" Twilight yelled, "You can't! There has to be another-"
"No," Celestia interjected, "There can't. We deserve this and you are worth more than this."
Obera threw Twilight aside, where two solders held her. Obera pointed his sword at Celestia.
"You first," he said. Celestia, head high and eyes closed, walked towards the king of humans. She lowered herself until she was laying on her side in front of him. Both armies were dead quiet. Not even the wind blew. All attention was focused on the king. Ivy and Xan watched in horror at the sight of Xan's betrayal. Twilight's eyes were streaming and she was struggling against her captors.
"Oh how the great have fallen!" yelled Obera, "And how sweet revenge truly is!"
He brought the trip of his sword down into Celestia's side, into her heart.
Twilight screamed.
And then there was no more.
**************
It was an odd feeling. Celestia was laying there and she was strangely comfortable. If this was death, then it wasn't too bad.
Celestia opened her eyes and found herself in a warm landscape. She was on a small hill in the middle of a lush green field of grass. She took some time to remember what she had done. She had just given up her life to save Twilight and avoid war. But was it really worth it?
"Hello, Celestia,"
Celestia looked up.
"Daddy?"
Her daddy was walking up the hill. He was dressed in a white shirt and pants. He looked happy, but his face turned to one of sadness as Celestia leapt up and galloped towards him. He held her in a tight hug . She was taller than him.
"Daddy, is it over?" she asked, "Is everything alright now?"
William sighed.
"No," he said, "It's not over yet. Not for you."
Celestia pulled away from him. She looked scared and fearful.
"B-but," she stammered, "Why? How? I've given my life... How can it not be over?!"
"My precious Celestia, sit down. We need to talk..." William said. His voice sounded weighted down in grief.
"Please," Celestia said sitting next to him, "Haven't I been punished?" She rested her head on William's lap. "Is death not enough?"
"No," said William, "You have done a great and terrible sin against the humans. You have murdered billions of innocent people and proper punishment must be taken." Even William began to weep.
"But I died," Celestia said, "I've given my life as payment. What more do I need to give? Is death not the ultimate punishment?"
"You don't get it!" William said angrily. Celestia lifted her head in shock. "You... Even after thousand years, you still think like the filly I raised in the tank..." William was smiling a sad smile, and as he looked into Celestia's eyes, his had started to leak again. "Do you feel empty inside?"
Celestia was taken aback by this question. She thought hard and felt deep within herself.
"I-I," she started, "I feel like there's a hole in my heart. And even after so many years of life, it won't fill up."
"Yes, that is it," William said, "Do you ever wonder why you and your sister lived such a long time, nearly immortal?" Celestia shook her head. "It is your punishment."
Celestia gave William a confused look.
"Immortality? A punishment?" she said, "It sounds more like a blessing..."
"But think, Celestia, think," William said, "You have been alive for more than a thousand years. Everyone you've ever known and loved is gone. All the family, all the lovers, and all the children you will ever bear will die and leave you behind. Every student you've ever had the joy to teach will grow up and wither away. And that Twilight Sparkle is no exception."
Celestia said nothing. She just listened, wide eyed and unbelieving.
"Immortality isn't a gift, it is a curse. Death is too easy and the crimes you and your sister committed do not match it."
Celestia just sat there. Understanding and a sickening realization washed over her like an icy bath. She was cursed with an immortal life so that she could spend it suffering. No family to be had, no friends to stay, no love to cherish. She looked at her daddy. There had to be another way...
"Fortunately for you sister," William continued, "She just followed you, so her sentence will be shorter-"
"S-sentence?" Celestia whispered, "What do you mean, daddy?"
"I mean she'll have to suffer less than you," he said, "There is a bright side to this."
"What? What is it?!" Celestia was desperate to know.
"You will die some day," William said, "But only when you have fulfilled your punishment. But until then, you must endure it and suffer through it."
"But for how long?" Celestia pleaded, "I can't do this any more... I just want to quit..."
"You know what I tell Luna every time I see her?" William asked, "I always tell her that her older sister is the strongest individual in the world. She can plow through anything." He looked to Celestia and again held her in a long hard embrace around her neck. "Please, just suffer. Endure this as long as you have to. It will all be worth it. And I promise that I and everyone else will be waiting for you in paradise..."
Celestia returned the hug. She felt some reassurance. Her daddy knew best and she was strong and willing.
"Yes daddy..."
"I love you,"
And little by little, the gaping hole in Celestia's heart slowly began to fill.
*********
Celestia was cold and stiff as a board and her joints felt like they haven't been used in years. Her head was pounding and she had a sharp pain in her side. There was an unrecognizable sound buzzing around her. It sounded as if she was hearing it through a thin pillow. She felt a warm body next to her's. Her hearing slowly started to focus and she heard sobbing.
"T-Twilight?..." Celestia said.
"Mama?" Twilight gasped, "Mama!"
Celestia opened her bleary eyes. She was still on her side and he saw both human and pony legs mingling. She hadn't prevented the war. Luna was soon next to her.
"Quick! Help me pull this thing out!" she yelled.
There was another cold, sharp pain and Celestia saw a bloody sword fall to the ground next to her. She slowly sat up. The noise in the background suddenly stopped, but then grew into a cheer.
"Whats going on?" Celestia said bewildered, "What happened?" Again she looked around.
She saw king Obera on the ground. An arrow stuck out of the side of his neck and a sword jutted out of his back. Ivy was hovering over Xan, who had an arrow protruding from his right shoulder. The humans and ponies seemed not to be in battle, but in dance and in happiness. Twilight was huddled next to Celestia along with Luna, tears rolling down their faces.
"Twilight, dear, what happened?" she asked again. Twilight wiped the warm tears from her face and opened her mouth to explain but Pinkie Pie came bounding up instead.
"Ohmygoodness Ohmygoodness Ohmygoodness Ohmygoodness Ohmygoodness!" she shrieked, "At first you laid down and we were like 'No!' Then that evil guy stabbed you and we were like," she gasped loudly and jumped into the air, "Then Will came in and stuck a sword into the king's back at the SAME moment Xan shot him with an arrow! But then, the king raised his hand before fell and another arrow went WHOOSH! It came an inch! No, maybe a third of an inch! No, no, no, twenty three point zero two percent of an inch from hitting Ivy! Xan dived in front of her and THWACK! The arrow hit him instead! And it was the most romantic thing EVER! Then Princess Luna said 'The king and his absurdities are over! Surely peace is now the best alternative.' Then slowly, everyone threw down their weapons and started talking to each other, but we were sad because our beloved Princess Celestia died! But then you got up, and we were like," she jumped up and gasped loudly again, "then everybody started cheering! Yippee!! And then you asked 'What happened?' And... And... Well here we are!" Pinkie Pie flopped on to the ground. Her tongue lolled out and she was panting heavily. She had just said everything in one whole breath.
"Sister," Luna said, "What happened? We saw you get killed. I saw the life leave your eyes..."
"Are you disappointed, Luna?" Celestia said in a smile. She winced from the pain in her side.
"How can you joke at a time like this?!" said Luna. She too was reluctantly smiling.
"How can I not?" said Celestia, "We have just avoided war, saved two species, and the life of my dear student."
She leaned in and nuzzled Twilight, but coughed up a little blood.
"I will say this, though," she continued, "It is not my time to die. Not yet. I don't deserve such a luxury."
"Wh- luxury?" said Luna, "How... what do you mean?"
"I shall explain later," said Celestia, "And Twilight, my dearest pupil, I believe I owe you some answers as well."
Again, Celestia coughed up blood and cringed at the ever persistent pain in her side.
"I think a few of us need to make a trip to the infirmary," said Celestia in a weak smile. She looked over at the ponies in the cages, over to Xan, who was cradled in Ivy's slender arms, and back down to the deep, glistening cut in her side. "This isn't going to kill me, but it is an awful pain in the haunches."
*********
Clean and sterile. That's how the infirmary was at all times, even at the brink of war. There were numerous hospital beds, each occupied by a pony who had been denied medical attention and locked up in a cage. A yellow filly with a bright pink bow was laughing as she spent time with her big, big brother along with her ol’ Granny Smith. There were even some visitors and, to everyone's shock and amazement, human visitors as well.
There were three beds in particular whose occupants were barred off from the rest of the patients by a large white curtain for some quiet and privacy. Princess Celestia was in one bed, bloody bandages around her side and surrounded by her sister Luna and Twilight. Xan was in another bed, the arrow removed from his shoulder and Ivy sitting at his bedside. And lastly, Pinkie Pie was occupying the last bed, shoveling mounds of sweets into her little mouth. Days of being locked in a cage without food dangerously depleted her sugar levels in her system. Even the rest of her friends were at her bedside, watching and talking as they sat.
"Even after all of that," Rainbow Dash giggled, "I can't believe the first thing you thought about was sweets!"
Pinkie stuffed a whole cake into her mouth and swallowed it whole.
"I knew my family was safe and that Mr. and Mrs. Cake were in good hands so I didn't have to worry about anything else but you guys and my empty tummy!"
"But-" Rainbow Dash said.
"Never doubt my 'Pinkie Sense'!" said Pinkie.
"Yay," said Fluttershy.
The group of friends laughed and enjoyed their time together. Twilight smiled and rolled her eyes. 'Oh, Pinkie Pie...' she thought to herself. Twilight turned back to Celestia.
"I'm so glad you're alright!" she sighed, "The wound wasn't fatal right?"
Celestia chuckled.
"Oh, Obera's strike was true," said Celestia, "His sword went straight into my heart. But I'm not allowed to die. Not yet."
She turned her head to Xan's bed and smiled.
"Ivy," Celestia called, "Are you alright? I hope the loss of your father doesn't make you hold some resentment towards us."
Ivy, at the thought of her father, wiped away a tear and gave a hollow laugh.
"My father?" she asked, "The one who would take my own life for a silly feud? The one who claimed to have loved me and protect me yet kill me in a second if he didn't get what he wanted? I wouldn't have things any different from how they are now."
Ivy smiled a little bit and looked down at Xan who smiled back.
"Besides," she continued, "It wasn't you who killed him, it was Xan."
"And me,"
Everyone turned their heads to the white curtain. A human poked his head through and Celestia's eyes went as wide as saucers.
"Oh, hello, Will," Ivy said as the human entered the private area, "Yes, William here was the one who er... stabbed my father in the back."
"Was that supposed to be a joke?" asked Xan.
"Not funny?" Ivy said raising her eyebrows.
"Not even a titter," said Xan grinning and closing his eyes. Celestia continued to stare.
"Wh-what did you say your name was again?" she asked.
"William, ma'am," he said with a slight bow.
Celestia turned to look at Luna who stared back and nodded. William was a splitting image of their daddy. Tall with dark hair, strong but with kind and warm eyes. Not even a thousand years would make them forget what he looked like. Luna bounded forwards and tackled him, knocking him to the ground and hugging him tight with her forehooves. Everyone gaped and watched. William managed to lean up, look down at Luna, then back up to Celestia, shocked and bewildered. Celestia chuckled.
"Let her have her moment," she said, "But let me just say that you are welcome here at the palace at anytime, daddy."
"Uh, pardon?" William said.
"Er... William. I'm sorry, I meant 'William'," corrected Celestia.
As William awkwardly patted Luna on her head, Celestia again turned to Ivy and Xan who were giggling at the spectacle that was Luna and Will.
"Ivy," said Celestia, "Now that the king of humans is no more, I do believe that you are next in line as ruler of your people."
Ivy raised her hand to her chin. Now that she thought about it, she WAS heir to the throne and she WAS technically a princess. She screwed up her face at the word 'princess'.
"So," Celestia continued, "As princess and ruler of your people, I hope that we can negotiate a peace treaty that will last for a very, VERY long time."
"That can be arranged," Ivy replied in a broad smile, "But I'm not a princess anymore. I'm a queen."
"Oh?" said Celestia intrigued.
"I already have a king," said Ivy. She looked down at Xan still laying in bed, held his head straight with her hands, leaned in and kissed him deeply on the lips. Xan's eyes shot open in shock, but then slowly closed as he kissed back. There was a collective 'Aww!' from Twilight and her five friends as the two humans broke apart. Celestia and Luna looked from each other and then to William. They too, started to laugh.
It was the dawn of a new age. A time where there was no worry of heart and only happiness to look forward to.
*********
"Princess," she began, "Is all that you said true? Did you really... murder?"
There was a crowd in the throne room. Celestia and Luna were both sitting on their thrones, Twilight and her friends were standing in front of them next to Xan and Ivy, who were hand in hand.
Celestia frowned and looked towards Luna. She nodded.
"No," said Celestia. Twilight sighed and looked relieved.
"Good! Because I knew that you of all ponies would NEVER-"
"No, Twilight," interrupted Celestia "I... We did not murder. We did much worse," she sighed and continued. "We took millions of innocent lives. In cold hatred, we burned the world to the ground and started anew. We did much, MUCH worse than just murder."
"And, sister," said Luna, "Is what daddy said true also? Are we really cursed to suffer?"
"Yes," replied Celestia, "We are not allowed to die until we have served our sentence and are seen punished enough."
"And do you-"
"No," snapped Celestia, "As I have said before, I do not know how long it will take. We may have to suffer for a year more or even another five thousand years, but all I know is that yours, Luna, will take a considerably shorter amount of time, for I was the one to lead and you just followed your elder sister."
The atmosphere was no longer happy with feelings of recovery, but heavy with feelings of dread and sadness.
"I am to suffer for my choices," Celestia said more to herself than to anyone else, "I have brought on this war and the hate that caused it. I have caused the death of more individuals along with the ones I took over a thousand years ago. And for all of this I must be punished. Alone."
"You won't be alone," whispered Twilight. She ran up to Celestia's throne and leaped into her lap where she snuggled up against her. "We... I will always be here with you. Always."
The words cut into Celestia like a knife made of frozen iron. The words of comfort Twilight had said were anything but. They did not make Celestia feel any better. They were hollow and made Celestia realize how short her time with Twilight really was.
"No," Celestia said finally, tears dropping onto Twilight's face, "You won't..."