CHAPTER 5
Path to War
After talking longer with Silver Wing, we all made our way back to the throne room, to discuss our new plan, in which we all felt more confident with.
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We had all gathered around the large table that held the map of Equestria, and began discussing our next move.
“Alright! Listen everypony, with Silver’ Wing’s reinforcements, we now have a fighting chance. We must use this opportunity, to strike against the capital” Luna said in a confident tone. “But wait! How many do we have exactly, there’ still a chance we might be outnumbered” Vapor said with a concerned tone, but Silver Wing spoke up to her.
“That may be true, there was about a hundred volunteers in each ship, plus the hundred or so you have, and then the squad of dragons. I think it’s safe to say, that Red Spear won’t quite expect this” he said with a confident tone.
We all exchanged confident nods, and even Vapor seemed to be satisfied by that answer. Luna cleared her throat and caught our attention, “alright then, here’s what I think we should do. Silver Wing and Aurora will take our three cruisers and draw out the army’s airships, since these ours are high military class, they should be hard to take down. Meanwhile, Spike will take his dragon squad through the city to take any resistance. Finally, we will take our ship to the castle and with the other Night Rangers, we should be able to take the castle easy enough” she said as she stopped and looked up at me.
All the others turned their gaze to me as well, while I simply looked back with a confused expression, but then I realized what she was catching on to. “Then…I fight Red Spear…” I said with a quiet tone, Luna simply looked down for a moment and nodded, but then back to me. “Yes…you will fight Red Spear, and he will be waiting for you. But…you won’t be fighting him alone…Twilight and I will be there with you” she said with a proud smile. I was shocked to hear her say that, but I felt relief flood through me, and I smiled and nodded to her.
She smiled back and then turned back to all of us, “we all know the plan, and tomorrow…we’ll explain it to the troops. For now…we all need to get some rest…we’ll need it” she said as we all dispersed and made our way out of the room.
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River and I returned to our room to get the sleep we would need, fully aware that we would be on our way to war by this time tomorrow. My gaze was fully fixed on the ceiling, even as I felt River slip into the bed next to me, I could feel her turn on her side, and place a hoof on my chest.
“Frost…I can see the worried look in your eyes” she said, as she snuggled up closer to me. Despite my concerns, I chuckled lightly and turned to look at her, “well, can you blame me? Tomorrow we’ll be setting out for war, all of us…if we lose, then everypony who lost their life would have died in vain” I said as I looked back up at the ceiling.
She sighed and sat up lightly, “don’t think like that Frost. We’ll have our friends by our side, and with them…we can accomplish anything” she said as she snuggled up close to me again. I smiled at her and thought for a moment.
I knew she was right, but deep inside me, I had a feeling that things weren't going to go the way we planned them to. But I wasn't going to worry about that now, my only focus was to get as much sleep as possible.
Wouldn’t want to get caught sleeping in the middle of a war.
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“Frost Fall…”
I heard the voice ring in my ears again, the same calming voice that I had been hearing in my dreams for a few weeks now. The voice made me feel so...safe…So relaxed, like it was the voice of an angel. Part of me wanted to ignore the voice, to let it fade away, so that I could simply sleep the night away, but the voice became more and more persistent.
“Frost Fall…wake up…open your eyes”
This time the voice seemed less haunting, but more physical, as if the words were actually being uttered by a pony, or whatever creature was speaking to me. Finally feeling as if I could no longer get any sleep, from the incessant voice, I snapped my eyes open.
White!
Everything around me was white! I no longer found myself sleeping comfortably in the bed I shared with River. My eyes snapped fully open in a panic, and I quickly sat up, and looked around for any means of defense, but there was nothing around me but white.
“Frost Fall…”
“Who’s there?! Show yourself!” I shouted into the endless white surroundings, but I received no answer at first. “River! Where are you?!” I shouted to the endless white, but neither River’s nor any voice replied to me.
“Frost Fall…I’m glad you could make it” I heard a voice behind me say in a calming tone. I sharply turned around and set into a fighting position, but my eyes widened in shock, as I looked upon the most mesmerizing figure I had ever seen.
Princess Celestia herself.
I stood there for a moment, my body relaxing as I stood up fully, but I shook myself out of my trance and gave a respectful bow to her. She simply chuckled and smiled, “please…you need not bow before me, I am not long a Princess” she said as I pushed myself up and looked around.
“What is this place? How did I get here?” I asked her in a flurry of rapid speaking, but she raised her hoof to quiet me. I closed my mouth and waited for her to speak, “this place…is nothing more than a dream. Your body is still resting peacefully in your bed, but your mind is here” she said in a calm tone.
I looked around again, my body beginning to relax and adjust to my new situation. I took a deep breath and looked up at her, the way she was smiling at me…made me feel calm and welcome. “Celestia…why am I here?” I asked in a formal tone, hoping she wouldn't strike me for not using her former title.
She smiled at me again, “I have been trying to speak with you for many weeks now. I trust you remember those dreams you've had over time, well…that was me trying to contact you. Now…I finally managed to get through to you. Frost…there is something we must discuss” she said in a serious tone, the smile falling from her face.
I didn't need to guess about the subject matter of our talk, but I assumed she wanted me to say it. “This is about my duel with Red Spear…isn't it?” I asked in a concerned tone, she stared at me for a moment and then nodded.
“Yes…your inevitable duel with Red Spear draws ever closer. But my question to you is…are you ready to face him?’ she asked me with a concerned tone, as her eyes filled with concern and regret.
I sighed and turned away from her, “I don’t know if I am…the last time we fought, he nearly killed me…and I hardly did anything to him. I just…don’t understand why it has to be me? I’m just a simple woodcutter from Ashen” I said to her with an agitated tone, but she simply stood there with a concerned look.
“There is one thing you must know…fate rarely ever calls upon in when we want it to. My former student…Princess Twilight Sparkle…was not sure if she was ready to face the duties of a Princess, but with her friends by her side, she accomplished anything. The reason you are here…and not somepony else, is because your medallion chose you as it’s wielder. I cannot explain how…but it is your destiny to wield it, and use it’s power to fight Red Spear!” she said in a confident, firm tone.
I turned back to face her, “how can you be sure? In case you haven’t noticed…I haven’t been able to unlock my medallion’s power. How am I ever supposed to defeat Red Spear if he has two medallions of his own?” I asked in a panicked mode. But she simply stared at me as I turned around again, and lowered my head.
We both remained silent for a few minutes, but Celestia soon spoke up again, “Frost…I can’t help you unlock your medallion’s power, that is something you will have to discover on your own. But I believe in you Frost, you have your friends by your side, and they will not leave your side, no matter what you get into. If you trust in them…then I think you can overcome any battle” she said with a confident tone.
I sighed and turned to her, “how can you know that?” I asked her in a saddened tone. She smiled and took a few steps back, and then spread her wings gracefully. “Because Frost…your friends will fight with you to the end. I know this, because…no matter what happens, you will always have friends by your side” she said as other ponies began to appear at her side, all along until they formed a half-circle around me.
My first initial reaction was shock, but then I realized who these ponies were, they were all ponies I had only heard of from other ponies or from stories.
The Mane Five.
Princess Cadence.
Prince Shining Armor.
They all looked at me with warming smiles, “what is this?” I asked looking around. They all appeared older than from what I had imagined, but they looked just as Twilight had described them.
“We are the ponies who, like you, fought to bring peace to Equestria” the earth pony with an orange coat and blonde mane said to me, a blatant southern accent to her words, Twilight described her as Applejack.
“Although we may have failed in our duty, we can still offer our strength and wisdom to those who defend it now” another mare spoke, this one with a light blue coat and rainbow colored mane and this one I could only assume was Rainbow Dash.
“Our time in this world has passed Darling, but we can still provide help to those who seek it” a white-coated unicorn mare spoke, her voice carrying a certain level of class to it.
“The time will come when the Elements of Harmony will choose new bearers, but the Elements are in danger. Without hosts, their magic can be used for terrible things, Red Spear will find out where they are located, and try to take them for himself. This must not happen” Celestia said in a firm tone.
I looked up at her with an uncertain look, and then I looked away, “I…I’m not sure I can do this” I said with a saddened tone, but Celestia stepped toward me and gave me a reassuring smile, and placed a hoof on my shoulder.
“I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed by a greater calling. To be completely honest…well over a thousand years ago, when Luna and I were first crowned Princess’s, I was cared. I didn’t know if I would be able to serve my citizens in the way they expected me to. But…I came to understand my destiny and accepted it, it is true that I was not without fault…or fear. But I knew that I must overcome that…so that I would be able to rule over this kingdom to the best of my ability. The point is…you mustn't let your fears control you, but you must come to face them, this may not mean much, coming from me…but I think there are some ponies here, who might offer some wisdom” she said, and I looked up at her with a confused expression.
She simply smiled and gestured behind me, I turned to look where she was pointing, and my jaw nearly dropped to the floor. Standing just a few feet from me…was my mother.
And…my father.
They both stared at me with smiling faces, I felt my heart rate increase significantly, and wetness fill my eyes. “Mom…Dad, is that…really you?” I choked the words out as I staggered forward, they both smiled wider.
“Yes son…it’s us” the male stallion that was my father said to me, and I did the most logical thing my mind could think of.
I ran to the…and hugged them both.
Their hooves wrapped around me as I collided with them, their hooves felt as real as this dream did, as if they were actually with me. I felt tears run down my cheeks, as I cried like a little foal, holding my deceased parents close to me. After a few minutes of simply holding them, I pushed away and wiped my eyes, chuckling to myself in disbelief.
“But…how? How are you two here?” I asked in a completely baffled voice, which only caused them to smile at me wider.
“We never left you, we told you we would always be by your side, even if you couldn't see us” my mother said to me, her voice slightly echoed around us, but not enough to distract me. I stood there for a moment and looked between them, my mind still having trouble understanding this.
“Mom…I’m so sorry, I promised I would be back to protect you, but…I was too late, I failed you” I said as sorrow filled my voice once again, but she smiled kindly at me, tears starting to fill her eyes.
“No Frost, what happened to me…wasn't your fault. There was nothing you could have done, my only regret…is that I won’t be around to see you realize your path in life” she said with a kindly smile. I stood there for a moment, lowering my head in sadness.
“I just…miss you both so much, and Misty…it’s hard for me to tell her that her mother is never coming back” I said with a grief-filled tone.
Now it was my father’s turn to speak up, “we know son, but your mother and I will always be with you, and Misty as well…even if you can’t see us. But for now…our time is over, but there is one more who wishes to speak with you” he said as he gestured behind me.
As I did so, I was expecting to see Celestia and the other Element bearers, but instead…I saw a older Pegasus stallion standing before me, one I thought I would never see again.
Iron Star.
He stood there smiling at me, as I fully turned to face him, even though I was starting to get used to these blasts from the past, I was still shocked to see him. “Hello my friend, it’s great to see you again” he said with his usual calm and dignified tone.
I could feel thousands of questions and comments flowing through my mind, but instead of asking how he was here. I just went with the next thing on my mind. “Iron Star…I’m so sorry, your death was my fault” I said with a depressed tone, he simply frowned slightly and looked down for a moment.
“No Frost, what happened to me…was in no way you’re doing. I was full aware of my actions, and I stand by them. I did what I did, because…if anypony deserves to keep on living…it’s you. You have so much to live for, you’re still young, I lived my life and dedicated it to the Night Ranger cause, and I knew I would die to protect it. I only ask that you use this opportunity to stop Red Spear before he can do any further harm” he said to me as he looked into my eyes with confidence.
I stood there for a moment, still feeling uneasiness fill me again, “but…what if I can’t. I’m not like you…these ponies looked up to you for leadership, but…I’m not like you” I said with disdain dripping in my voice.
Iron Star frowned again and sighed, “That may be true, but…I believe in you Frost. I've watched you train and practice. You and your friends aren't the same ponies you were when you were taken in my outpost, you've all struggled and suffered, but you've endured this life, and…I think that your friends will agree. Just know this…you and your friends are the only ponies that stand between Red Spear and total domination…when the time comes…the future of our world, will either be in your hooves…or in his” he said as he slowly began to fade away from my sight.
I watched in shock as his body turned into dust and blew away, “Iron Star!” I yelled, but before I could do anything else, I felt myself grow heavy and I collapsed on to my side.
Then everything around went black.
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My eyes slowly fluttered open as the memories of my dream faded away, but the words of those who had spoken to me, kept in my mind. I found myself lying safely in the bed I had fallen asleep in, but surprisingly, my body felt much rested. I shifted my head to look around and saw that River was no longer in the bed, but the door to the bathroom was closed, and I could hear running water.
My gaze shifted back to the wall, where I saw faint hints of morning light coming into the room. I groaned as I fully sat up and forced myself out of bed, sighing with relief as my bones cracked lightly as I stretched. I pushed myself out of bed and woke myself up, and by that time the water stopped and the door to the bathroom opened.
I turned in time to see my beautiful marefriend step out and turn to me with a smile, “morning Frost, how did you sleep?” she asked me with her usual kindly tone.
I smiled and walked over to her and pecked her forehead, “I slept fine, what’s the plan for now?” I asked as I went over and fixed the sheets, even though we probably wouldn't return here, it only felt right.
She smiled and removed the towel from her body and hung it up, “well, first of all, we need to go and get some breakfast” she said with a amused smile, as she patted down her coat one last time, and made her way to the door. I smiled and quickly followed after her.
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After meeting up with my friends for breakfast, I went up into the throne room to Luna and talk to her, Celestia’s words still echoing in my head.
As I made my way up into the old castle, I began to think about what she asked me a few days ago, about taking Iron Star’s place as her second-in-command. I began to mull over the possible ways I could start, but I soon found myself there quicker than I intended.
I calmly walked into the throne room, where I saw some of the lieutenants moving large crates out the door, while Luna, Twilight, Spike, and Silver Wing all stood around the large table, clearly rehearsing the plan another time. I slowly walked over to them and cleared my throat, which caused them to turn and smile at me. “Frost, glad to see your doing well, is there something you need?” Luna asked with her usual calm tone.
I looked away for a moment, but cleared my throat, “yeah…I was wondering if I could have a word with you…in private?” I asked with a nervous tone. I could visibly see that my question caught her off guard, but she looked around at the others, and they all nodded, turning to make their way out of the room.
As they left, the other lieutenants left the room as well, and Luna took a step towards me, “of course, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?” she asked with a more concerned tone, obviously seeing the nervous look on my face.
I felt my throat dry up lightly, but I cleared my throat and looked at her, “Listen…I’ve been thinking a lot about what you asked me a few days ago…about taking Iron Star’s place. I think you right…Iron Star would want me to take his place, what I’m trying to say is…I’ll do it” I said with a more confident tone. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself when I saw her open her eyes in surprise, which made me think that she half-expected me to turn the offer down.
An awkward moment of silence fell between us, she closed her gaping mouth and looked around with quick eye movements, obviously thinking of how to respond. After a moment of thinking, she looked me in the eyes and smiled, stepping towards me. “That’s…very good Frost, I think Iron Star would be proud of you. You know…when you first came into my chambers the first time I saw you, I saw a nervous, scared young colt inside you, but now…I see the brave, strong-willed young stallion you truly are. You've changed so much, and in such short time” she said while placing a hoof on my shoulder.
I felt a wave of relief wash over me at her words, a small smile crossing my lips. She quickly took her hoof away and gestured to the door, “Come Frost…it is time we address the soldiers” she said as she walked past me and out the door. I was surprised to hear her say that, but I cleared my throat and walked after her.
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I walked with Luna until we came on to the large balcony that overlooked the main street of the city, where we could all see the soldiers waiting in columns. Spike, Twilight, Silver Wing, and Aurora were with us on the balcony as well. As I stepped toward the edge, I looked down to see my friends among the crowd, where they waved up to me, I smiled and waved back to them.
Luna cleared her throat and began to speak in her loud voice, so that all the soldiers below could hear her easily. “My fellow Night Ranger’s! The time has come upon us…to take back what was wrong fully stolen from us. By this time tomorrow…we shall have taken back the capitol city, and Equestria shall be ours once again! I know many of you are scared or frightened by this, but Frost Fall would like to say a few words” she said, and I snapped to look at her and the others.
All of the others on the balcony gave me confident smiles and nodded to the front where Luna was standing. I swallowed nervously and walked to where she was standing, my eyes scanning the faces of the crowd.
My thoughts swimming around my head in a panic at my unpreparedness, but after a few moments of relaxing, I took a deep breath and managed to gain control of my thoughts. “Good evening…I know many of you would probably rather see Iron Star up here over me, but I hope that I can speak for him. Now as I’m sure you all know…Iron Star was a great friend to many of us, and he was killed in cold blood. Now I share in your sorrow when I think of him, but when I do…I remind myself of this, that he…gave his life to our cause, and that he would want us to live on and remember him, and I think we can do that…by winning this war, for him…and all those who have given their lives to this group of Brothers and sisters in arms” I said with a strong voice, watching as my words sunk in to the crowd, most of them remaining silent, while some began to quietly whisper.
After a few moments of silence, I began to continue my speech to them with more confidence in my voice. “My friends…for nearly a century, a false king has sat on the throne of Equestria, murdering our beloved Princess Celestia, and usurping the throne from those who rightfully deserve it. He calls us our true king…but he continues to crush what little we have left that we care about…and it is up to us to put an end to this reign pf terror once and for all. Yes it’s true…many of us may not return, but I believe that if we fight as one kind, if we put aside our differences, whether we are Pony, Dragon, Griffin, or Zebra, that we shall fight as brothers and sisters” I said to them, to the point where I felt as if I was destined to be a public speaker.
After I finished that, I heard more murmurs of agreement come from the crowd, as they all began to turn to each other and nod in confidence, and I saw this as a moment to make my move. “We alone can stop this cruel ruler who calls himself our king, and return our rightful rulers to the throne! My friends…fight for those who have lost their lives to this war! Fight for your kingdom and you Princesses! Fight for your loved ones and for our children! But most of all…fight for your kingdom!” I shouted the last part and raised my hoof in the air in triumph.
As my words echoed down the street, they all began to cheer loudly and stomp their hooves in excitement. As sappy as it may seem, I couldn't help but shed a tear of happiness at their enthusiasm, looking down to see my friends cheer harder than all the rest.
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After my speech had resonated with the troops, Luna order for everypony to begin loading the ships with our weapons and everything else we would need. I had met with my friends at the armory and we had all suited up together, time seeming to slow as we strapped on our suits of armor, and attaching our weapons to our sides.
We soon made our way to the air filed where we would meet up with the others. Winter came to my back and landed on me with a cheerful of screech. As my friends and I gathered around in a half-circle around me, I smiled at each of them with confidence, as they did the same to me.
“Well…this is finally it, here we are, the moment we've been training for. It’s amazing how much has happened since we've been together. Dust…I still remember when Vapor and I met you on that prison convoy” I said to him, and he chuckled and smile to me.
“Yeah…fate works in funny ways” he said with a light chuckle, and Vapor leaned up against him and nuzzled him lightly, making him blush deeply.
“We've been through so much together, and we've changed quite a bit. My only question is…will you fight by my side, this one last time?” I asked as I scanned each of them. They all smiled and gave me comforting nods, River stepped next to me and nuzzled under my chin, which I returned and turned to them for an answer.
“Hey bro, we’ve been through too much to turn back now! I think I speak for all of us…and Winter, when I say…were with you” he said in a relaxed tone, they all nodded at his comment. Winter gave another cheerful screech and flapped her wings.
“We’ll stand by you Frost…until the end” Vapor said with a confident nod. River nodded as well and stepped away, I felt my eyes tear up slightly and moved to wipe them away, and turned to them, a smile of pure confidence.
“No matter what happens…we’ll stick together” I said and we all put our hooves.
“For Freedom” Vapor said with a confident smile.
“For Iron Star” Dust said with a similar expression.
“For Ashen” River said as she gave me a loving look, which I returned.
I placed my hoof over theirs and smiled as well.
“For…Equestria” I said and we broke, making our way into the ships.