Lunar Dawn

by We'll_Never_Know


Part I: The Eclipse

Part I: The Eclipse

Another day was in progress in Ponyville. An average day; a peaceful day. The populace, putting behind all that had transpired in the past, continued to live their lives with as much joy as possible.

Scootaloo was wandering around the streets. She was heading to the square, where she was going to meet her friend, Sweetie Belle. Anxiously awaiting the moment, the young mare looked around to see if she could find her.

She smiled at the thought of her friends, and all the adventures they had, in the vain effort to gain their cutie marks. Eventually, they decided that though each of them did have a special talent, and that they simply couldn't generate their cutie marks. They abandoned the thought, and moved on. Now, they were all great friends, nonetheless, and Scootaloo always enjoyed being around them. For Scootaloo, this was comfort. She and her friends got into some trouble trying to get their cutie marks.

She continued to trot through the bustling streets. She looked around, at every building. The town had a lot of memories. She had known here for nearly all her life. There was truly nowhere else like it.
In her daydreaming ,she failed to notice where she was going, and soon she walked right into another pony.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry", she apologized without looking up. When she did, she saw a light blue pegasus. "Rainbow Dash!"
"Hey, Scoots", the pegasus replied happily. Scootaloo took a look at the pegasus. In five years, she hadn't aged a day. In fact, she thought, none of the other five had. She heard rumor that after their nasty spill with Nightmare Moon, there was power deflected back at them; power that made them not age as much. It seemed foolish, but with magic, practically anything's possible, she guessed.

"So, what brings you around here", Scootaloo asked.

"To tell you the truth, I was going to visit Twilight", Rainbow Dash asked. "she wanted for all of us to hang out. Wanna come?"

Scootaloo thought about it. Surely, if she was late by a little bit, there was no harm, was there? "Alright", she replied. Soon, both pegasi flew up, and started towards Twilight's house.

They got about half-way, when they noticed something odd. There were several hot air balloons heading this way. None were marked with anything that could indicate what nation they belonged to. Lunar transports were not allowed over Solar airspace, and vice versa. Usually, if it was a problem, air-defense pegasi would have tried to identify the unidentified by now...

Then strangely, they heard the noise of the pegasi fighters in the distance, but it was coming from the wrong direction. I didn't hear them this morning, Scootaloo thought to herself , did I?

"Hey, let's pick up the pace", Rainbow Dash said playfully. Scootaloo looked once more at the balloons, but then followed Rainbow Dash. She was almost certain she saw something fall out of one...
* * *
Applejack was bringing in another load of apples with Applebloom. Big Mac was at the farm, awaiting their return. The sisters, side by side, trotted through the streets. They hoped to make a good profit this time around. Ever since the division of the states, their profits were cut drastically. They made it through, though. With each other, and their friends, the siblings were an image of an ideal family. They looked after one another, and always will.

After dropping off this load, the sisters were going to Twilight's house. She invited everyone to a gathering, for friend's sake. Of course, the sisters agreed to go.

"You're awfully quiet, Applebloom", Applejack noted. "Anything botherin' you?"

"No, nothing", Applebloom replied. This was usually conversation. Applebloom was a little quiet lately, Applejack had observed. She just assumed it was her growing up. She looked at her younger sister as she trotted through the streets. She remembered when she was just a small filly, the cute tiny thing. It seemed so long now. They trotted past the schoolhouse.

Applebloom had been out of mandatory schooling for about two years now. Applejack yet again remembered the old days...

Her memories were shattered when numerous gasps came out of the crowd. Eventually, everyone stared at the sky. After hearing the noise of pegasi fighters in the distance, everyone looked to the skies. There, coming right towards the city were several hot air balloons. Applejack looked up and saw the strange sight. She looked confused.

"Applebloom, untether yourself from the cart", Applejack told her sister, "just to be safe." Her sister did as she was asked. Applejack withdrew from it as well. The All the ponies backed away as the balloons came overhead. They watched, as ponies started falling out of the sides of it. The ponies that jumped pulled something on their back, and soon, the sight of arced cloth filled the sky, and at the end of each one, was a pony or a box.

The falling ponies made the sky look like it was from some stranger dream; the parachuting strangers made the sky appear as a flower, with the petals slowly falling off in the breeze. Nearly blocking out the sun, the display made it seem the night was coming early, in a white-covered eclipse.

Flying down gracefully, the crowd cleared out of the area and gave the falling ponies space. Applejack and Applebloom watched with confusion as they landed. Dressed in strange uniforms and helmets, the ponies got off the ground, and unstrapped themselves from their parachutes. They made haste to find a box, and open it. Not taking any notice of the crowd, the ponies began to work on assembling something from the box.

Applejack looked oddly at the strangers. She had a bad feeling about this one. "Come on, Applebloom", she said, "let's go. We should get to Twilight..."

Everyone stopped when they saw Mrs. Cheerlie trot carefully outside of the school. Ponies were already starting to clear away. Terrified for her, the crowd started to disperse into the surrounding homes and buisnesses.

Applejack and Applebloom trotted carefully away, hoping to not cause too much attention. She looked back to see Cheerlie trying to converse with one of the strangers.

"Well, err... sir," Cheerlie was heard asking, "may I ask again why you are here?" The stranger seemed to start to panic, trying to hurry up whatever he was doing behind to box. "Are you from the Lu...."

To the shock of everyone there, the pony was finished with what he was doing behind the box. To their horror, he drew up what he was assembling:

A Lunar Assault Rifle.

And he opened fire on the unarmed teacher. She fell back, in a blood curdling scream, and lay there bleeding on the ground. Soon, they saw that all the parachuting strangers had firearms. These were not peaceful ponies; this was invasion.

The crowd immediately turned into a panic as the Lunar soldiers started firing warning shots into the air. They soon started to chase down and round up the fleeing civilians. Applejack and Applebloom started running as well, Applejack's hat falling off in the process. During the panic, Griffons were seen flying through the skies as well, landing in the square, armed and ready to fight alongside the Lunars. It was a joint-operation.

The panic continued through the streets, as the soldiers chased down and tried to detain the fleeing civilians.
"WHERE ARE WE GOING", Applebloom screamed in the panic.

"TO TWILIGHT'S HOUSE! WE'VE GOTT A WARN HER", Applejack replied.

The two sisters galloped as fast as they could to their friend's home, as the invasion took hold of much of Equestria. For years, no real foreign invasion was ever attempted on Equestrian soil in large scale. Now war had come, and it came right to Ponyville.

* * *
Applejack and Applebloom rushed right to Twilight's house. They burst through the door, and saw Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Twilight, and Fluttershy all gathered together looking nervously.

Applejack burst into the room, and alerted her friends. "Get up! We've gotta go! Luna's invading this town!"

The three mares gasped and murmured, and got up from their positions.

"That explains the noise", Fluttershy mumbled.

"No time for talk", Applejack cut in, "We've gotta go! NOW!".

"Alright, let me just...", Rarity started, before getting cut off by distant gunshots. "Dear gracious!"
Applejack looked nervously as she heard the approaching gallops of Lunar invaders. "NOW", she reiterated. Soon,
Applejack, Applebloom, and the other four were out the door, unladen, about to rush out of town. Twilight stopped at the door.

"Hurry up, Spike, we're leaving", Twilight called to the dragon in the other room. The galloping grew near, along with screams of panic and terror.
"I'm coming", the voice cried out from the house. But before Twilight could wait, Applejack was already pulling her friend away.

"COME ON", Applejack yelled at Twilight.

"No, wait, Spike! Wait", Twilight started screaming. "Don't leave him! Applejack stop!" Without listening, Applejack drug
Twilight into an alley. Looking back, she saw in horror as Spike started to emerge from the house.

"Twilight! Rarity! wait..." Spike called out as he was trying to catch up, but the advancing Lunars got him first. Tears fell from
Twilight's eyes as she saw him being apprehended by the Lunars. The Lunars took him, and drug him into a line of their captives. A Griffon captain instructed the soldiers on what to do with the prisoners.

"No....", Twilight's voice trailed as Applejack continued to drag her through the alleyway, watching her assistant and friend be marched away to an unknown fate.
* * *
Galloping through the narrow alleys, the six mares looked for possible ways outside of the city. They knew it couldn't be too far, and they had managed to avoid the Lunars for now. They were still not safe, though. Rushing almost endlessly, they only stopped after a few more minutes to catch their breath. Applejack and Applebloom seemed to be pulling themselves together, but just exhausted. Twilight was still sobbing.

Fluttershy, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, and Pinkie were not calm. They whispered amongst themselves:

"We're doomed!"

"We're dead, we're dead..."

"I don't want to die!"

"What are we going to do!"

"Hush", Applejack ordered. "We're not going to die. We're going to get out of here, alive! You hear?" Applejack turned to Twilight. "Why in tarnation", she said, "did you wait? There was no time to lose! We could've been killed!"
"I'm sorry", Twilight apologized tearing. "I just thought Spike could..."

She was cut off when a sound was heard from the other side of the alley. Applejack quickly motioned for everyone to hide behind one of the walls. Breathing heavily, the six ponies looked out for anything else. They heard the noise moving up the alley, and the closer it got, the more nervous they became. Pinkie started to whimper in terror, and Twilight put a reassuring hoof on her. As the noise drew near, Applejack got ready to pounce on whatever it was. As soon as it passed by the corner...

Applejack pounced and knocked down the creator of the noise. In fact, she learned it was creators, and that she just tackled her friend, Rainbow Dash, and Scootaloo as well fell out of the air.

"Geez, Applejack", Rainbow Dash moaned.

"Sorry, hun; didn't know it was you", Applejack replied. "Keep your voice down though." She offered her hoof to help bring Rainbow up. When everyone saw it was just Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo, they breathed sighs of relief. The eight ponies gathered around.

"How did you get here", Rainbow Dash asked.

"Well, me and Applejack were about to deliver some apples," Applebloom started, "when we stumbled right into that invasion."

"More importantly", Applejack asked Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo, "how did y'all found out about this attack."

"Well, I saw those balloons in the air", Scootaloo said, "I knew there was trouble. I tried to convince Rainbow Dash, and when we heard those shots ring out, she believed me."

"Then why didn't you just fly out of the city", Twilight asked.

"You try flying through crossfire", Rainbow Dash answered. "Those ponies down there would've shot me and Scoots out of the sky before we could get anywhere."

"As much as I love to talk with y'all", Applejack cut in, "our lives are at stake here, so we should get moving now." There were some grumbles in response, and the group carefully maneuvered through the small alleys.
They made it to where there was a break between the buildings, looking out to the street. Fluttershy took a look, and everyone stopped. Twilight and Applejack peeked over to see what she was staring at.
In the street, there was a commotion. On one side, blocked by several threatening Lunars, were broken families of mares and fillies. On the other side, were several Lunar soldiers readying their weapons, and lined up were five colts. All were relatively young. The commander was standing off to the side, with several soldiers guarding another group of colts. Applejack saw Big Mac among them.

"These five colts dared refuse our generosity of simply being a prisoner", the commander addressed. His soldiers loaded their weapons and dropped down their support bipods from the bottom of their rifles. As they could not stand on their own free will for long, the bipods were designed to lock into position at three stances; standing, leaning, and prone. Right now, they were set to stand mode.

"...and so", the commander continued, "they will pay for their insolence."

The crowd started weeping, as several mares and fillies were about to lose husbands and fathers. Fluttershy looked in terror at the crowd.

"We're not afraid! Remember us", one of the colts yelled out. The other four nodded in agreement. The commander then trotted over to the out speaker, and struck him with his hoof, sending the colt falling to the ground in pain.

"You stupidity is your downfall, you worthless filly", the commander told the colt. He then trotted back to a position next to his soldiers.

"All right!", the commander shouted. "Ready weapons!"

There was the sound of each Lunar cocking his weapon to chamber the round. Fluttershy gasped and started to whimper.
"Take Aim!" Each soldier carefully started to aim down their sights at one of the colts in the line. The colts closed their eyes, and stood with a brave demeanor. It seemed like eternity for Fluttershy, as she stood there, waiting for the final order:

"FIRE!"

With the sound each hoof-trigger being pulled, shots rang out, and soon, five colts and ten brass casings dropped to the ground. There was an outrage and mass cry from the crowd. The Soldiers then put up their weapons and proceeded to drag the bodies away. Fluttershy looked shocked, and started to cry. Twilight started to motion her away. Applejack watched as the bodies were drug out of sight, and the line of colts was driven away.
She moved on, taking lead again.
* * *
Not even twenty minutes later, they reached a point where they were on the outskirts. There were close to the forest, and knew that it wouldn't be long until they could make it out. It had been about three hours since the invasion started, and it seemed as if the Lunars had complete control over the city. Griffons patrolled with the Lunar ponies, as the nine silently moved through the backstreets and alleyways.

They saw the edge of the city, and knew all they had to do was walk out.

"Alright, y'all ready", Applejack whispered. The other eight were all eager to escape. They were about to make a dash for it when Applejack suddenly motioned for them to stop and move back. She glanced around the corner.
A lone Lunar soldier was patrolling the street, Rifle in specialized saddle holster, he was casually strolling outside. Applejack figured he was probably a sentry. He strolled, not paying any heed to the alleys. He probably thought that all the citizens were inside the borders, secured by the Lunars.

"Wait", Applejack said. The other eight started to look worried. The sentry started nearer and nearer to them. Applejack placed herself against the alley wall. Twilight figured out what she was going to do.
"Applejack, don't do it", Twilight advised in a low voice.
Applejack shot back whispering, "Quiet!"

She continued to wait as the sentry moved closer. Heart racing, she knew if she didn't do it correctly, it would cost her and her friends' lives. Slowly, the sentry moved right in front of the alleyway...
Applejack, with both fore hooves, drug the sentry into the alleyway, and slammed him against the side of the wall. "OOMF", the sentry let out, satisfyingly for Applejack. Twilight and the other seven looked on, as Applejack proceeded to hit the soldier in the stomach, sending him falling to the ground. She started from her advantageous position to kick the fallen sentry. Hitting with all her might, the soldier tired to cry for help, but was drowned out when the hoof broke his jaw. She stood on top of him, and started to strike him with her forehoof, creating a bloody mess out of his face. Repeatedly striking, she only stopped when the sentry was either dead or unconscious, judging by the amount of blood spilled.
Applejack was a sight to behold. With a blood-soaked hoof, her friends saw her differently. Before, they remembered a pony who was a hard-worker and wouldn't harm any of them. Now they saw a murderer. Without remorse, she probably killed the colt in front of her. And she did this with her bare hooves. They looked very shocked as Applejack drew herself up, and looked at her frightened friends.

"What are y'all looking at", she said.

The other eight looked nervously at each other, cautious on what each might say. "Well", Rarity started, "you just..."

"Killed him?"

"Well...", Fluttershy started.

Applejack looked at her friends. She knew what they were thinking. "Look, we've got to survive, and if anypony gets in our way..."
"I never thought we would have to be... violent", Twilight said.

Applejack rolled her eyes. She bent down and started to examine the body. " Come on, we've got to get the gear off this colt."

"Why", Rarity asked.
"He's probably got survival gear", Applejack said, "not to mention, rations. I don't think where we're going there's gonna be much food."
Applebloom spoke up, "Sis, why don't we just go home? We've can get all the food we need there."

The idea snapped in Applejack's head. Of course! Sweet Apple Acres had all the food they needed! All the ponies there started to nod and answer in agreement. They were saved!

But the sound of gunshots in the distance reminded them what they needed to do now. Applejack took the saddle off the body, and slung it around herself. She felt the load, but knew she could carry it without issue.

"What are we waiting for, let's go", Applejack said. "We're going to make a stop at Sweet Apple Acres."
The others looked happily. They were going to survive! They could get the food, then make their way somewhere safe... they eagerly started to sneak out into the forest.
Fluttershy noticed the rifle in the holster on the saddle. "You... you're really taking that.. thing?"

"Of course", Applejack said. "We need something to defend ourselves with."
The other ponies agreed and started towards Sweet Apple Acres.
* * *
The nine successfully trudged the road, until they neared Sweet Apple Acres. They saw the Lunars had already started to invade the countryside, but weren't too concerned yet. They were thinking of what they were going to do after they got the food and supplies. Sure, life was going to be harder, but at least they could guarantee their survival. They trotted cautiously, yet eagerly. They were about to come into view of the farm.

"Alright, Applebloom", Applejack told her sister. "Go up ahead, and make sure there are no Lunars there."

"Yes, sis", Applebloom answered. She moved up, out of sight.
Applejack and the other seven decided to take a break, and looked around. Still shaken by what was happening, the mares knew that their lives were changed forever. Hopefully, they all thought, that the Solars would come soon, and save them...

Yet again, they could only hope.

Twilight picked her head up. Her friends sat there, gloom filled, and sad. She remembered Spike. She regretted heavily that they had to leave him. She hoped that he was okay. Everything happened too quickly. Before they knew it, they were on their own. But she was glad that they were going to be okay for the moment.
After a while, Applejack started to wonder what was taking Applebloom so long. She decided to get up and look for her sister. She started to fear she was lost, or worse, captured. She walked along the path until she saw her sister standing, looking out into the distance.

"What's taking you... so... long" Applejack said as she approached her sister. She stopped dead, as she saw what lay ahead, and what her sister was staring at:

Sweet Apple Acres, or rather, what smoldering remains was left of it.

She looked in horror, as dying flames dotted the landscape. Everything was almost completely destroyed by fire. All the plants and all the trees were now ash. The fields burned in some places, and where they weren't there were salt bags sitting on top of the soil, symbolically representing that the fields were no longer to be used...

Applebloom and Applejack stood looking at their home. Everything they grew up with, was just... gone; a burning ruin.
* * *
Applejack and Applebloom were found by the other seven, who shared a similar reaction. It seemed as if all their hopes were crushed. There was nearly nothing left from what they saw. Applejack and Applebloom slowly led the group into the ruin. Looking around, they saw the damage up close. It was terrible. The smell of smoke and burnt objects filled the air, almost intoxicating the group.

Applejack nearly lost hope. Her brother was surely dead, was he not? There's nothing here. She only waited to see his burnt corpse as well. Tears fell down her face as she looked at the desolation. She could not believe it. In one day, she's had to escape for her life and see her home destroyed.

They wandered around until they noticed a single shed still standing. It was Big Mac's, which brought some hope to Applejack. A large wooden plank held the door shut. The door was Applejack could not open it herself. Rarity and Twilight helped her open the door by using their magic. After enough nails had been moved, Applejack and Pinkie proceeded to pry open the door.

When the door finally opened, they looked around. It was a basic storage shed. There were a few non-perishable foods, but not enough that could last past two days, especially with the nine of them. There were a few metal covers, which could be used as pans for cooking. However, one particular object. did take their eye.

Twilight moved over to an object laying on a table. It was an iron tube, grafted onto a piece of wood, as if it were a firearm.
The iron tube had a hole bored into the right side in the back. Next to the object were a few small metal balls and a jar containing a black powder substance, along with some wicks and matches. All of this was next to a type-written note, which Twilight took up with her magic, and brought it over to the rest of the group, and they read:

To Applejack and Applebloom
I don't know how long, but for a while I've had the feeling that our family might be in a dangerous position someday. So, for the last two years, I've gathered the materials and made this... weapon for you. It's not much, but it'll have to do.
To use it, you pack the black powder into the hollow end, then you put about five of those little metal balls in it. Once you're sure it's all packed in at the back (ram with a stick to make sure), place the wick into the hole in the end. Then, light the wick with a match. After the flame gets to the end of the wick, be sure to have a firm standing, because you're in for a treat. That thing's going to send you flying like a pegasus if you're not careful.
Be sure to only use it against things that are going to harm you. I trust, with your honesty, you will use it right, even if I'm gone.
With love,
Big Mac.


Applejack looked at the weapon on the table. It was primitive, but it could work. They needed all the protection they could get, now that they had the Lunars invading the land. Even with the rifle she had, that wouldn't defend her nine friends.

Applejack looked around and found a saddle bag. She took it in her mouth, and dropped it in front of Applebloom.

"Pack that weapon and everything else necessary in there. Take some of this food and one of those covers, also. We're going to need it."

"But sis..." Applebloom tried to object, not wanting to hold such a vile tool.

"Take the weapon, Applebloom", Applejack told her sister. "Whatever happens, somepony else has got to have something to defend us with."


* * *

The invasion had gone well. The Lunars had full control of the city, and they also received word that the invasions of Cloudsdale, Manehattan, Appleloosa, and Canterlot were successful. However, Celestia managed to escape Canterlot before the taking of the citadel. The Solar Army groups also were holding their own at their numerous border forts, and the invasion of the Marejave Airfield had failed, when Solar Pegasi managed to hold off the bombers.

For Major Gilda, the success was good enough. Gilda, a griffon who sided with the Lunars, led her detachment and helped seize and keep control of the city throughout the day. Her loyalty to Luna had gone back to two years before this war, when, under threat of genocide, many griffons decided to join with the Lunar Empire. Soon, griffons were armed with Lunar weapons, and sent to fight for the Princess of the Moon. Being a good soldier, Gilda rose the ranks quickly in her detachment. Now a major, she had the chance to take part in the most ambitious move she's ever known.

Gilda walked the streets, not wanting to fly, as the soldiers made their way around the city, mopping up what was left. Lunar soldiers and griffons had rounded up most of the town, and sorted through who they should send to the POW camps, and who could stay. The invaders had assured the citizens that once total control was seized, daily life would resume as normal, just under a new set of rules.

The truth was different, and Gilda knew it. Anyone who spoke out against Luna or her army was sent to a POW camp. And there, continuing misbehavior resulted in execution. Even today, soldiers had executed random colts to show that they meant business. Terror was their weapon now. According to the commander, terror was necessary to show that insurrection was not an option for them, and that if they wanted to live, they needed to accept Luna's reign.

Gilda wasn't too happy with the way that the citizens were treated, but she followed orders. Right now, they needed to prepare for any Solar counterstrike, and they needed to set up the POW camps outside of the city. Her mind needed to be on task. Before, small teams had arrested any residents living outside the city limits and burned their homes.
A young colt ran up alongside her. In full combat uniform, she remembered how young she was when she first joined her military. He saluted her, and asked for permission to speak. She granted it.

"Ma'am", the colt started, "the situation is stable now. We have rounded up most of the colts, and the mares and fillies are being held until further orders, Ma'am."

"Very good", Gilda replied. "I want every house searched. Any knowledge or tool that can be used against us, I want it destroyed. Identify the prisoners and citizens, so we can keep track on who is who and make sure they stay in the city. "

"Yes Ma'am", the soldier said, saluted, and proceeded to carry out her orders. She watched as he scurried away. This was the beginning of a new future. Unfortunate that it has to come at the price of the invaded, but this was war...
War hasn't been known for being too kind on its combatants.

* * *

It was already nightfall, and the nine had managed to wander around until they found a clearing. Far enough from Ponyville, so as to avoid detection by the Lunars, this spot would have to do.

Exhausted, being on the run for almost the entire day, the friends nearly dropped down dead from exhaustion. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy and flown nearly the entire time, and had to walk the last mile. Applejack and Applebloom immediately dropped what they were carrying and fell down.

The clearing was situated next to a forest, with a small spring for water. Ideally, it was located in a bed of tall rocks to the other side, shielding them from outside view. The clearing was rather large, so they were not cramped. It was by chance they found such an ideal location.

However, they all knew that they were still not exactly lucky. Without food, they would die out in days, and surrendering to Luna was not an option.

"What...", Pinkie yawned, "are we going to do now?"

"I don't know about you", Rainbow Dash said, "but I am exhausted, and I'm ready... just to...", she gives out a long yawn, "...get some... sleep."

"But... what if those soldiers come", Fluttershy asked nervously.

"Yeah, what if they try to find us", Rarity said.

"Alright, someone's gotta stand guard", Rainbow Dash noted.

Applejack knew very well that now was the time for rest. She herself was overly exhausted, and she saw the near-dead look in her friends' eyes. She looked at her sister. She hated to ask her and her friends, but she felt it was the only way.

"Sis, Scoots, Sweetie Belle", she addressed the three, "would you mind if you... stood guard tonight? I'm sorry, but someone has to."

The three looked annoyed at Applejack, but nodded in agreement. Applebloom took her bag again. "Where to, sis", she said.

"Just stand somewhere around here", Twilight answered. "You don't need to go far."

"Alright", Sweetie Belle answered. They trotted to near the end of the clearing, and laid down at their position.

"We're going to take shifts, right", Scootaloo asked.

"Sure", Applebloom said. "I'll take first shift. We'll change on the hour."

"How will we tell the time", Sweetie Belle asked.

"I guess we'll have to guess ourselves", Applebloom answered.

So the two other young mares rolled over and began to drift into dreams, as did the other six...

* * *

There had been two shifts so far, and Scootaloo was expecting a good sleep after hers. She fell asleep quickly, despite the hard ground. She thought about all that had happened before she slept: earlier that day, it was normal life for her. Now, she had ran (or rather, flown) for her life. She remembered how much danger they would be in if the Lunars ever learned they were here...

Of course, all of this was pushed out of her mind as she slept...

Before she knew it, she was being nudged awake. Apparently, it was Applebloom's shift again, but Sweetie Belle was waking her up. The dawn hadn't come yet, but she felt it was nearing morning. Applebloom stood to the side, gesturing that they move.

"Come on", Sweetie Belle said, "Pinkie's missing; we've got to find her." Scootaloo was confused by the news, but got up immediately and went with her friends.

"Where do you think she went", Scootaloo asked.

"I don't know", Applebloom answered. The three started to carefully patrol the perimeter. At night, there was little visibility, save the moonlight.

They wandered around the rocks, until they saw a figure hanging her head down in the moonlight. She was perched on top of one of the jagged rocks. They slowly advanced towards it. What they saw was a rose-maned figure This was definitely Pinkie, but somehow... different.

Sweetie Belle whispered to her friends: "Do you think we should try to get her attention?"

"I don't think...", Scootaloo answered in a lower whisper.

Applebloom looked at her friends, then started to climb up to the pink mare's perch.

"Are you insane, Applebloom", Scootaloo whispered, but Applebloom kept on going. Eventually, she was right behind Pinkie, and tapped her with her hoof.

Pinkie shot back with a glance that nearly gave the three friends a heart attack. Her eyes looked as if they were piercing their very souls; filled with rage and sadness. Her mane was seemingly a little inflated in the back, but most of her rose hair was straightened, a portion covering her left eye. She calmed down, and looked back out to the stars. "What do you want", she asked rudely.

"Errr, we just wanted to know if you were okay", Sweetie Belle said, backing up with her friends.

Pinkie sighed. "I'm fine, just go away."
"Alright", Scootaloo said, trying to get away. Applebloom held her back.

"No", she said, "Pinkie, there's something bothering you. What is it?"

Pinkie puffed the hair out of her eye, and shot Applebloom a look, then looked away again. She lowered her head, and proceeded to explain:

"I'm not living like this. I know... it's only been about a day. But... I don't know, if...", she paused, and smiled to herself, "I was a party-pony. Just wanted to... spread joy. And now... what's left of that. It's like... the world's coming to an end. And all I can do now is watch it burn." She sighed again. "I'm not going to live like this... I'm going to leave. I'll probably die in the wilderness. And if they find me... it's going to be alright. Nothing matters anymore..."
Scootaloo was first to speak out: " Miss Pinkie don't leave!"

"Stay here", Sweetie Belle joined. "We need you here! I know, but it's just the first day. Tomorrow, we'll... we'll sort out everything."

"Just stick it out, I have a feeling we're going to be okay", Applebloom added.
Pinkie just about ignored all they said, but started to feel remorse. What if she stayed? Would it make a difference. She looked out to the stars again.

"I have an idea", Scootaloo whispered. She flew up to Pinkie, and stopped right behind her. Then, she tapped her with her hoof, and quickly withdrew.

"Tag! You're it!"

Pinkie looked at Scootaloo as if she were insane.

"Come on", Scootaloo said gleefully. "It's a game! It's not fun when one pony's playing." Sweetie Belle and Applebloom smiled in agreement.

Pinkie looked again at the three young mares, then a smile grew on her face. "Alright", she said finally. She got down from her perch, and started to chase the three visitors playfully. "I'm going to get you!"

"No you're not", Applebloom answered joyfully. Giggling, as if it were some sort of party, the four chased each other around for several minutes, before collapsing together in a playful and exhausted unison.
Pinkie looked over at the three young mares. "Thanks", she told all of them.

"Aw, no problem", Applebloom replied.

"I wonder why Celestia let's Luna raise the moon still", Sweetie Belle noted.
"I heard it was some sort of agreement made in the division of the states", Scootaloo noted. "It was mandatory, no matter what, that they had to perform their duties. So they really don't have a choice in the matter."

"Still gotta wonder why though", Sweetie answered. Sure, it was for the best, but if they were really at war now, why do they still act as if it was some regular day?

The thought didn't bother her much. Maybe, there was something there with the sisters, that connected them, despite anything. Sweetie Belle stopped her thoughts when Applebloom got up.

"Come on, Miss Pie", she said. "The others will probably wonder where you went..."

* * *

In the middle of the morning, all of the nine had awoken. Fortunately, Scootaloo and her friends managed to bring Pinkie back to camp before anyone woke up and noticed she was gone. Twilight went into the forest, and returned with several flints and sticks, in tow with magic. She set them down, and began to pick up two flints, and tried to spark a flame over the sticks to start a fire. As for the rest of the group, they sat lazily in their circle they made. Rarity had already started sorting pebbles, and Rainbow Dash was pointlessly hovering slightly off the ground. There was an unbroken silence among the group, as no one had the nerve to say anything.

Twilight had finally managed to start a small fire, and she started to huddle near it. Applejack looked around. Here they were, finally away from the chaos, and they had no idea what they were going to do next. Obviously, whatever food they brought couldn't possible last them a long time.

Rainbow Dash was the first to speak out. "Well, I'm bored", she said.

"Oh please", Rarity replied, "what in the world do you think we can do? Go back out there and get killed?"

"Alright", Applejack interjected before a conflict started.

"Hey Applejack", Rainbow Dash said, "don't you think you should look at what we've got?"

Applejack got up, and replied: "Okay. She moved to saddlebags, drug both of them over, and emptied their contents carefully in between the group.

From the vest the soldier wore, were several things. For one, and by far probably the most important, was his assault rifle, held in a sling on the side. In length, the rifle was about 710 millimeters. The mechanism seemed strange for the ponies to comprehend: a brass casing was struck with a hammer, causing the gunpowder to ignite and send the bullet out, and a mechanism shot the casing out of the side, and immediately inserted the next round. Fed by a magazine directly below the ejection port, it seemed simple enough to load. There was a large button on the other side that would release the magazine after it had been finished. In all, there were about thirty rounds in the magazine. Each magazine had a small handle at the bottom, so hooves could remove it easily as well. A large trigger, meant for hooves, was at the rear. It didn't take a genius to find out what the trigger did. On the front, was a bipod, that folded out into one of three positions, for a variety of situations.

Just as well, there was a box-fed sidearm on the other side in a holster. This simple design featured a box magazine directly in front of the hoof-trigger, and the ejection port was on top. To the rear, behind the port, was a large handle for chambering the next round once a new magazine was inserted. Magazines for the sidearm also had a small handle for pulling.

Firearms hadn't been introduced to the Solar Empire (or Equestria) until about four years before. When the threat of Luna started to rise with her new state, Celestia ordered most secret-weapons projects to come out. This included the mass production of firearms, armored vehicles. and new flying craft for pegasi (to enable combat skills, and to protect them). Within a year, the entire Solar army was refitted and retrained with these new weapons, as they were the future. It was apparent Luna had done the same, as soon, factories in the Lunar Empire were reportedly also making weapons, and across border espionage revealed that the Lunars had also modernized their army.

It didn't take long for the citizens on both sides to become used to these dreadful things. Though they were weapons of war, they appreciated the protection it gave, and the feeling that a modern army was more likely to succeed rather than an old fashioned one.

The rest of the bag contained a few ration bars, and, to Twilight's interest, a book. Filled with Lunar Army orders and procedures. Twilight immediately withdrew it. This manual contained all the necessary skill that they would need to somewhat counter the threat from the Lunars, should they find them.
There were also small spheres with small rings and straight pieces at the end. Twilight, flipping through the book she took, realized what they were.

"Don't touch those! They're explosive!"
Applejack took a quick step back. "How", she asked.

"When you pull that ring", Twilight answered, "that straight piece will come off if not held down, and then you will have five seconds to throw it or get out of the way, before it detonates."

"Alright", Applejack noted. Those could become useful in the future. She then moved to the next bag from Sweet Apple Acres. All they found was the homemade weapon Big Mac made, and about three cans of dried apples.
However, for nine mares, the food they had would not last them three days. This was noted by all of them.

"What are we going to do about food", Fluttershy asked.

"I know", Scootaloo added in. "What are we going to do when we run dry."

"We'll just have to go out and find more, I guess", Applejack answered.

"But from where", Rarity asked. "We can't possibly go right back into Ponyville and come out again, can we?"

"Maybe not...", Rainbow Dash thought for a moment, then remembering: "Or actually, maybe! I've got a friend, and I think she'll be willing to help us!"

"Do you think she's even alive after all this", Rarity asked.

"Trust me", Rainbow Dash answered chuckling, "She's not one that anyone would want to harm. She'll be more than willing to help us."
"Alright, but we can't go just yet", Applejack said. "We just left town yesterday."

"Alright", Rainbow Dash said. "We'll wait it out a few days. When we start running dry on food,", she started pointing to Applejack, "you", she turned her hoof towards Rarity, "Rarity", she turned her hoof on herself, "and I will go into town, and meet my friend."

"Alright", Twilight answered. "Sound's risky, but it's worth a shot..."
* * *
Major Gilda woke up from her slumber. The former mayor's residence became a temporary housing for officers. It had been successfully two days since the invasion, and so far, there was little trouble with the populace. They complied with the rules, and lived in fear of the occupiers. Perfect.

She hoped that one day, they'll grow used to this, and once the war was over, and hopefully when Luna would have won, this town wouldn't need martial law. However, they needed to be safe.

She washed up in a restroom, and put on her uniform and beret. She headed out to the streets, in a blaze of both common daily life and Lunar and Griffon patrols. She headed to the command building (an old house of some sort) and met the Lunar Commander outside, and she saluted him.

"At ease", the commander began, "congratulations, Major."He was a middle-aged colt, and probably served in Celestia's military before the split. Now wearing the badge and uniform of Luna, he seemed to be happier in this position. "I hear your decisions proved effective."

"Yes sir", she replied. "The local populace is safe, and any potentially dangerous civilians have been rounded up and sent to the internment camps outside of the city."

"Or shot", the Commander noted.

"Yes..er, yes sir", Gilda said lowly. She regretted having to shoot anyone on the first day, but yet again, terror was needed to show their power.

"With your judgement", the Commander started again, "I hoped I could seek your counsel."
"Anything, sir", she replied.

"Good lass", he replied. "It has come to my attention, that we failed to identify at least nine citizens in the last two days. We also had a report that the day of the invasion, one of our own went missing, and his body was recovered yesterday in an alleyway. Now, we don't know if these missing ones dangerous or not, but I want to know what you think we should do. Should we send out teams to find them?"

"Personally sir", she began, "I would simply leave them be. The wilderness would kill them, if they don't give themselves up to us first, that is."

"Alright, thank you Major", the Commander replied. "You are dismissed."

"Thank you, sir", Gilda replied. She walked out of the command center, and started to think of the missing nine.
What if they are dangerous, she thought to herself, and that they could possible threaten our plans...
She decided to shrug off such thoughts. Right now, she needed to focus on keeping the population in line.

"Oh and one last thing, Major", the Commander said.
Gilda turned back. "Anything, sir."

"We've got a potential collaborator being held in the library at the residence down the street. Strange thing is he's a dragon. I want you to... persuade him to help us. The guards will let you in. Tell them I sent you"

Gilda turned to her Commander and saluted him. "At once, sir."
* * *

On the third day after the invasion, food started to run short for the group. They knew now was the time that Rainbow needed to go to the city and hopefully get more. Rainbow Dash fitted Applejack with the saddlebag from the farm, and Rarity went unladen.

"We'll be back before nightfall", Applejack said.

"Alright, be careful", Twilight said, and the ones who were staying waved goodbye as the three left the clearing.
After about three hours of direct walking ,they made it to the point where they could see the city. From what they saw, there was no real damage done.

"So are we going to just walk back in", Applejack asked.

"Don't be ridiculous, Applejack", Rarity scoffed, "We aren't, are we Rainbow Dash?"

"No, I think we're going to have to sneak our way back in again..."
So, creeping along the grass, they found that the outer limits were not defended at all. There were checkpoints at all the main entrances, but that was all for real defense on the outside. The three snuck into an alleyway, and slowly made their way into the city. Coming to the streets, they joined the crowds, and thankfully did not attract any attention to themselves.
Just after three days, the town looked a lot different. Out of many buildings, hung Lunar Flags, displaying the mark of Luna. There were several smashed windows, and some of the buildings looked abandoned. The streets weren't as occupied as usual, but enough to hide the three.

"Alright, follow me", Rainbow Dash whispered. Applejack and Rarity did as they were told.
They continued down the streets, following Rainbow Dash. Trying not to look nervous, they hoped that no one would recognize them. However, they passed a group of notably young and obnoxious Lunar soldiers.
One of gave a sharp whistle. "Whoah", one called out. "Check out that white mare with the purple mane!"
Rarity stopped in her tracks, and so did Applejack and Rainbow Dash. "What", she said in disbelief.

"Yeah, you", one said. "Come over here with us!"

"I'm sorry," she replied, "but I've got somewhere to be right now."

"Aw, come on", one of them said. "Surely it can't be that important."

"I'm afraid it is", she said.

"Come on, sweet flank!"

She turned furious. "What... did... you just call me?" The soldiers burst out laughing. Rarity was about to charge them, when Applejack held her back, and motioned for her to keep moving. She held her anger as the soldiers continued to cry at their joke.

They continued down the street until they made it to a house near an intersection. It seemed fair, and not damaged in any way.

"We're here", Rainbow Dash stated. "This is where she lives. As I said, she's friendly." Rainbow Dash went and rapped her hoof on the door.

"Who is it", a slightly low voice called out from beyond. Rarity and Applejack looked at each other.

"A friend", Rainbow Dash answered. The door opened, revealing a gray pegasus with a light yellow mane. Her eyes were slightly misaligned. Her cutie mark appeared to be bubbles.

The gray pegasus grew excited."Dash!"

Rainbow Dash recognized her immediately, "Derpy!"

The two embraced friendly, and "Derpy" motioned the group to come inside. They walked into a small living room, with a kitchen behind. There was a hallway leading to what appeared to be the bedroom.

"It's been a while", Rainbow Dash noted.

"I know", Derpy replied. "And I see you brought company!"

Rainbow Dash grunted. "Um", she started, "Applejack and Rarity, I would like you two to meet my friend, Derpy Hooves. She's my old friend from fillyhood."

"Glad to meet you", Applejack said.

"Yes, very good to meet you", Rarity stated as well.

"Good to finally meet you two, as well", Derpy replied. "Dash has spoken about you two a lot!"

Rarity looked puzzled at a nervous Rainbow Dash "You have?"

"Once or twice", she answered.

"Oh, no", Derpy cut in, "she talks about your little escapades every time she comes over! About how much fun you have, and things like that."

"Thank you Derpy", Rainbow Dash said. "Now, can I ask you a serious question?"

Derpy looked outside her front window, and saw a Lunar patrol pass by. "We should take these matters to the kitchen", she said, and led them in there.

When they moved inside, Derpy motioned for her guests to take a seat. "Can I get you anything", she asked politely.

"Actually Derpy", Rainbow Dash said, "that's kind of why we're here."

"Is that so", she said. She moved to the table. "Please, tell me everything.

"Well", Rainbow Dash started, "we're not here legally..."

"I see", Derpy answered. "You escaped, didn't you?"

Rainbow Dash proceeded to explain "We're... we need help Derpy. I've got six other friends waiting for me. Me and my friends here.... we're here to get food. And we need it bad, because we're starting to run out..."
"Say no more", Derpy interjected. She got up and opened up another door in the kitchen. "Follow me", she said, and the three got up and did as they were told.

What they saw was a pantry full of food and such. There was plenty of non-perishable foods there too, which was exactly what they needed.

"This...", Applejack started, "this is amazing!"

"Take all that you need", Derpy said. "I'm your friend, and to tell the truth, I don't like these Lunars here either. So if you could do something about that to, that'd be great."

"We'll try", Rainbow Dash said. She and Rarity started packing food into the saddle bags. Strong as Applejack was, the load was starting to get heavy. Derpy noticed this.

"If you're planning a quick escape", she said, "being laden with food is not the best way to go." She left and returned with another saddle bag. "Here, take this."

"Thank you", Rarity answered politely.

"No problem", Derpy replied. "Oh and one more thing." She left the room as Rainbow Dash started to move some food from Applejack's load into Rarity's and started to put more food into Rarity's bags. Derpy returned a few minutes later, flying low, and carrying a familiar hat.

"Found this abandoned in the streets after the invasion", Derpy said. She moved and placed it on Applejack's head.

"Figured it belonged to you."
Applejack was speechless. She hadn't really noticed or cared her hat had been gone for the last few days, but she was joyous to have it back.

"Thank...", she started, "...Thank you very much Derpy!"

"Again, no problem", the gray pegasus said. Then, there was a sudden rapping on the door in the living room, and the shadows of a few Lunar soldiers stood outside. The three friends looked nervously at each other.

"Ms. Hooves", a voice called from the outside, "we're here to speak about your muffins that we've been told about."

Rainbow Dash shot Derpy a look "You bake muffins for them now?"

"Hey", Derpy defended , "gotta please the invaders somehow."

"Yeah, well", Rainbow Dash replied, "try not to get too close, okay?"

Derpy whispered to her friend, "Oh you can count on that!" Derpy moved to a back door, leading to her small backyard. "Quickly, if you can open that fence, you should be able to get into the alleyway. There ,you can find your way out of the city."

"Alright", Rainbow Dash whispered back, and the three moved to leave, as the rapping occurred again. Dash turned back, and hugged the gray pegasus. "Thank you so much for everything."
"Not a problem, at all, Dash", she replied. "Come back anytime. I tend to keep my pantry full at all times."
"Good deal", Dash whispered in reply. "Thanks..."
Derpy shot her a glance. "Go on! Quickly!"
Rainbow Dash took the hint and left with Rarity. But Applejack stayed behind. She went to Derpy.
"I just want to...", she started, "to thank you again. But... there's one last thing."
"Make it quick, please", Derpy said. "I don't know how long those soldiers can wait..."
"Alright", Applejack said. "My brother... if he's been captured, where would they have taken him?"
Derpy sighed. "The Lunars have set up some sort of internment camp outside the city. You're brother might be there; it's impossible to miss."
"Thank you", Applejack said, and waved goodbye to Derpy. She then raced to catch up with her companions.
* * *
The three arrived back at about dusk. Twilight was warming herself by the fire with the rest. "What took you so long", she asked.

"Hey, it's a long walk", Rainbow Dash defended herself. "But I brought food!"

Rarity and Applejack came struggling into the clearing. Carrying the loads for such a long distance proved challenging. She were glad to get the bags off. The entire site gathered to see.

Sweetie Belle got excited, "We've got food that could last us for months!"

"Oh my", Fluttershy said seeing the massive amount of food before her.

"If I may cut in", Applejack said, "I want to go back out there with Applebloom."

"What, are you nuts", Rainbow Dash replied. The other eight looked at Applejack as if she were insane.

"Rainbow Dash's friend told me about a camp outside the city", Applejack defended. "I think Big Mac's there. If I can find him, then we can try to save him."

"Are you seriously considering a rescue mission", Rarity asked, "that's insane!"

"If we aren't going to get him out right now", Applejack said," then I just want to make sure he's okay."

"Alright, sis", Applebloom said. "I'll go with you. Hopefully we'll find him."

Twilight got up and looked sternly at Applejack. "Be careful out there, alright. I don't want any of us getting captured, or worse..."

"Don't worry", Applejack replied, as she started on her way with Applebloom.
* * *

After another grueling three hours, Applejack and Applebloom came in sight of the camp. Surrounded by barbed wire, there was a large screen, with a tower projecting some sort of Lunar propaganda film on the screen. On the ground, were hundreds of colts, scurrying around, some mad from the film.
The sisters carefully moved toward the fence. She saw many colts leaned against it, and they all looked at her.

"Guys, cover us", one called out, "we've got visitors from the other side!" There was a small commotion as several colts pretended to wander around to block the view of the colts at the wire.

"Whaddya need", one of the colts asked Applejack.

"I'm looking for a red colt that might be in there", she said. "His name's Big Macintosh. He's nearly impossible to miss!"

"Macintosh...", one trailed. "I think I know where he is, wait here!" The sisters waited nervously as the colt left, and started to look around. About five minutes later, her returned with news. "Alright he's coming!"

"Oh thank goodness", Applejack sighed in relief. He was alive.

The crowd split as the big red colt made his way to the fence, assisted by two of his fellow inmates. He had a very ragged appearance, and was bruised and cut nearly everywhere. His eyes were almost empty, and were staring with hopelessness. Applejack and Applebloom gasped when they saw their brother like this.

When he reached the fence, he nearly collapsed, and Applejack and Applebloom rushed to the fence, and saw as his two friends helped him up again. He placed his hoof in between links, and felt Applejack's face. "Sis?"

"Yes, Big Mac", she said. "Me and Applebloom are here."
Big Mac coughed. "Sisters... did you... did you get... that thing out of my shed?"

"Yes brother", Applebloom answered.

"G..." he started, "...good." He sighed, and coughed. He looked up again. "You know, I've been your older brother, and still am right."

"Of course", Applejack said. "Don't be ridiculous."

"For all these years", Big Mac said, "I wanted what was best for you two. I care about you... very..." he struggled with the words out of physical weakness, "...much."

"Yes, Big Mac", Applebloom said. "You'll always be my big brother."

Big Mac smiled at his sisters, and feeling returned to his eyes. He chuckled, but then went serious once more. "Applejack, Applebloom, I'm not going to be around for much longer..."

"No", Applejack cut in, "Don't say that! I'm going to get you out of here."

"Dang it Applejack", Big Mac nearly yelled. "I'm a goner! Don't you see! Once I'm in here, the only way out is either brainwashed or dead, and I'm not getting brainwashed." He chuckled again. "I have a feeling they're going to get me soon. For whatever reason... they're going to get me."

"No...", Applejack said, starting to cry.

Big Mac looked at his sister, and stroked her face with his hoof, wiping away the tears. "Sis, I'm going to need you to be strong for everyone, especially for Applebloom. You're going to be the biggest sis soon." He turned to Applebloom,
"Applebloom, you've got to be strong too, hear? I want you to do what your sister says. Be good in my absence." He looked at both of them. "Take care of each other. I know you're going to make me proud..."

Applejack and Applebloom looked down. Their brother had no faith. It was going to be up to them...

"Hey one of the guards is comin'", one of the inmates said. "You two mares should get out of here quick, now."

"Alright", Applejack said sobbing. Big Mac looked at her again.
"Remember, be strong", he said smiling. Applejack smiled back, tear stricken.

"I will", she promised. Then she and Applebloom started to trot away from the fence. As they left, Big Mac called out to them:

"Remember, remember me! Don't let the Lunars take over your lives! Remember my example!"

"Avenge me!"
* * *
Applejack returned to the camp late into the night. Almost everyone was asleep. There was a tiny fire on the outside of the camp. As during the nights previous, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo alternated night watch shifts. However, taking Applebloom's place was Pinkie Pie. It was her watch, and she lay rugged, the hand cannon by her side. Mane still flat in the front, a portion yet again covering her eye. When she saw them, she shot up, and upon recognition, relaxed once more.

Pinkie asked, "Did you find Big Mac?"

Applejack looked at her friend, and spoke lowly. "We found him in the prison camp... he's alive."

Pinkie felt there was something she wasn't telling them "And?" Applejack looked at Pinkie again, but walked past her. She took her spot around the doused fire and went to sleep.

Pinkie looked at Applebloom who was still standing there, looking into the distance. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle awoke, and saw Applebloom standing there.

"Hey", Sweetie Belle yawned, "did you find your brother?"
Applebloom looked back at her friends and Pinkie, all with tired, yet anticipating eyes.

"Yeah...", she started. "Yeah we did."

"That's good", Scootaloo said, "is he alright?"

Applebloom looked down in sadness. "He's...", she tried to start, "...he's giving up. He told me and Applejack to... remember him. He went on about how the Lunar's were going to kill him soon. He said he wanted us to be strong, and to take care of each other..." She paused, and sniffed. "It's going to be alright though." She trotted over, and took her place around their little fire, and began to doze off.

Sweetie Belle looked at Pinkie, who looked as if she was ready to collapse. "I'll take your shift", she said. Pinkie, without a word, passed the hand cannon, and took her position, and began to sleep. The night went on without interruption.

* * *

The next morning the group gathered around the main fire, and started to bring out . After about three nights of sleeping on the ground, they seemed rugged. The food that they received from Derpy was plentiful, and could last nearly a month. With the promise of more that Rainbow Dash brought, they were satisfied that they could possibly live like this until the Solars came.

However, the thought dwelled in all of their heads that their hopes might be displaced, and that they might be found and captured. The threat had loomed over their heads for the past three days they've stayed at the camp. But with no sign of any thing (not even nature), coming around the camp, they felt safe enough where they were. But to be sure, Applejack kept the rifle near herself.

In addition to the food they had, Fluttershy had been gathering some natural plants from the forest that could be cooked and consumed. Though not nearly enough to last a long time, the fact they had some sort of natural food source. Though not exactly delicious, it would have to do. She had gone out earlier to get some more with Scootaloo.

Silence hung over the group as they ate. Even though they were still weary from waking up, their silence was due to Applejack's trip the night previous. They didn't want to pry, but they wanted to know.

Eventually, Twilight gave in, and asked Applejack, "How is your brother?"

Applejack looked up from her meal. "He's alive", she answered. "But, he's shaken."

"Well at least he's alive", Rarity noted. Applejack did consider this. Even if he thought he was done for, there was always the chance he would survive. She could only hope, though.

They continued to eat quietly. There was much on their minds, and not many wanted to share. They were just grateful they were still alive. Twilight finished, and looked over at Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, who were all sitting together.

"How are you three handling yourselves", she asked them.

"We're fine, miss Twilight", Applebloom answered.

Twilight chuckled. "I appreciate the manners", she told Applebloom, "but they aren't necessary right now. Just call me Twilight."

"Yes, ma...", Sweetie Belle started, "er, Twilight."

The group chuckled. Despite all their troubles, it was nice they could keep a peaceful atmosphere amongst themselves...

They all heard a rustling from the forest. They all looked, and Applejack took the assault rifle and loaded it. She waited until she and the others saw Fluttershy run up, looking frightened.

"Geez, Fluttershy", Rainbow Dash said, "you scared us!"

Fluttershy had no time "Quick! I saw Lunars coming this way!"

Everyone got up. "Where",

"They're on the cliff road half a mile away," Scootaloo answered, "that leads right into here!"
Twilight looked at Applejack. "If they are really coming", she said, "We can only stop them or move away."

"Alright", Applejack said, putting her hat on. " Let's go and see. Applebloom! Get your hand cannon."

"Sure thing, sis", Applebloom answered back. The group hastened to follow Fluttershy. All except Rarity.

"You can't be serious", she said. "You're actually going to fight them?"

"If they come any closer", Applejack answered, putting on the combat vest, "then they'll definitely find us." She took the assault rifle out of its sling, and shoved it across the ground towards Twilight. "You've read the book; can you use it?"
Twilight remembered how, but was unsure if she really wanted to now. But was going to have to. "Alright", she answered, bringing it up with her magic.

"Let's go then", Applejack said.

* * *

A Lunar supply vehicle stopped for a break near some rocks. They were going to deliver some much needed things to the Lunar occupation force in Ponyville. This was the first of an entire transport line. The driver and the two escort soldiers, one an officer, stepped out for a stroll. All with assault rifles in slings, they moved about. They looked around and saw the forest from the top of a small jagged cliff.

"Solar territory's beautiful", one noted. "Love to live here one day."

"You're living here now, moron", another said, striking the first one across the head with his hoof.
Unknown to them, nine mares were hiding from below, not far down the cliff side. They didn't see them coming at first when they were scouting out, but when they heard the vehicle coming, they saw no other option and decided to hide where they were. If one was to see them, they would've looked foolish. Hearts pounding, they only hoped that the soldiers would pass by them.

However, the three soldiers continued to move closer to the group, until they were practically on top of them. Still staring into the forest, they wondered what lay ahead. However, one of the soldiers saw something that caught her eye...

"Hey, look at this hat", the soldier said. Her comrades followed. They saw a hat on the ground, unusual as there wasn't supposed to be anyone living out here.
Applejack gasped when she realized her hat was missing. Pinkie tried to quiet her, but tripped on the rocks, and a few crumbled. Unfortunately the soldiers heard this ,and immediately rushed over, and looked down to see the nine mares against the cliff side.

"Fugitives! Arrest them!"

The soldiers scrambled down the cliff, but the nine had different plans. Twilight, at the bottom, had her assault rifle ready, and standing up, with bipod unfolded to stand position, she began to open fire on the soldiers, cutting one down instantly, and wounding the other officer in the leg, and grazing the third. Falling over, the officer, growled in pain, and called to his comrade in vain:

"AAAGGGGHHH!!! BUCK! Help me! I'm wounded!"
Below, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom had all loaded the hand cannon. Getting it into position, Scootaloo held the lighted match in both hooves, as Sweetie belle put the wick into the hole. Scootaloo lit it, and Applebloom aimed it at the wounded officer.

BOOM!

A tongue of fire, smoke, and a volume of metal pellets flying at a high velocity flew out of the barrel. The recoil threw Applebloom back, dropping the spent hand cannon. After the smoke cleared, the officer's body was revealed, with many of the pellets embedding a bloody mess into his back and skull.

Applejack crawled up the cliff side to pursue the third Lunar. Grazed, she limped back to her vehicle. Crawling into the driver seat, she hoped to start the vehicle and make it out herself. But when it refused to start, she knew she was finished. When
Applejack came to the side window, sidearm ready, she saw her target.

The mare was about a year younger than Applejack. She had the uttermost look of terror in her eyes when she saw Applejack. Young, but still an enemy. Applejack thought for a moment if she should really have to take her life.
However, she decided that she couldn't risk the lives of her friends. So, the Lunar mare closed her eyes, and Applejack pulled the trigger. Soon, Applejack drug the body out of the bloodstained seat. Applejack then moved to the cliff, and saw the rest of the group helping Applebloom up after her fall. She was alright from what Applejack could tell.

"Everything all right down there", she called.

"We're good", Rainbow Dash answered.

"Good", Applejack replied. She looked at the supply vehicle and had an idea. "I'm going to see I can drive this supply vehicle."

"What", Twilight asked.

"Hopefully we can use whatever's in there", Applejack called back. She realized that this wasn't going to go unanswered with the Lunars, but if these supplies proved to be of worth, there was not a doubt in Applejack's mind that it was going to be worth it...

* * *

When they had finally snuck the last of the six crates off of the supply vehicle, along with some documents from the driver's area, the group headed back to camp. Despite gaining these supplies (of which they had no idea what it consisted of), they all looked at each other. They had just killed a group of Lunars, and if they were being expected...

Scootaloo was the first to speak: "What if they find the bodies!"

"Yeah", Rainbow Dash panicked, "if they find out that it was us, we're dead!"

"I don't... want to die...", Fluttershy mumbled under breath.

Twilight looked at her friend Applejack, who was pacing as the group panicked. She spoke up: "Look, we've just got to cover our tracks."

Applejack agreed with Twilight. "Exactly", she said, and turned to Fluttershy, " sugarcube, can you fly over or something and erase our tracks?"

"I'll try", Fluttershy answered, getting up and moving back into the forest. The group watched her leave. Applejack then proceeded toward the crates.

"Now", she said, "Let's just see what's in here." Twilight came to her side, and opened the lock with her magic. Applejack flung it open.

She was baffled at what she found "What the", Applejack managed to say. Inside the crate were stacks of Lunar Army uniforms, neatly folded. "What kind of supply truck was this?"
Twilight moved over to some of the documents they seized from the vehicle. She took one up, and started reading it.
"Apparently", she said, "these supplies were destined to Ponyville."

"Yeah", Applejack answered, "but is there anything else?"

"No", Twilight answered. "Just instructions...", something caught her eye in the stack. She took it up as well. "What's this?" She started to read it, and Applejack came up behind Twilight.

"What does it say, Twi", she asked.

"It says these were going specifically to the Lunar prison camp outside of the city. Can't imagine why though."

"I think I know why", Applebloom cut in. "That camp Big Mac was in? Remember sis when they were playing that movie? What if they were trying to turn those colts over to their side?"

"That does make sense", Twilight noted. This worried Applejack even more. If they were planning to turn colts over to their side by use of that camp, and Big Mac continued to refuse to obey...

"Let's see what's in these other crates", Applejack said, trying not to dwell on her brother too much. Twilight helped with the next one. This one contained sleeping bags.

"Great", Twilight said, "now we can stop sleeping on the ground!" There were a few sighs a relief and words of gratitude from the others.

Upon opening the next three crates, they revealed weapons, ammo, and grenades. "They were going to arm the ones they brainwashed", Rainbow Dash noted. The thought sent shivers down their spines.

"Well, at least we've got more to defend ourselves with", Applebloom noted.

Applejack looked inside the crate with the uniforms. She noticed something else on the side, in plastic bags. "Hey, Rarity", she called, "take a look at these."

Rarity came by her side, and took the two objects out with her magic. She examined them after removing them from their bags. They appeared to be two wrap-arounds, with a Velcro-like material on the outsides. "Well, I've certainly never seen anything like this before."

Rainbow Dash trotted by, and started to speak:"Well, if I was to guess..." before bumping into Rarity, and making her drop the object into the grass.

"Ah! Watch where you're going", Rarity told Rainbow Dash, looking at the two objects now collecting grass and dirt.

"Wait", Twilight interjected. She took one of the objects, and started to roll it around in the dirt and dry grass.

"What are you doing", Sweetie Belle asked.

"Hold on", Twilight answered back, still rolling the wrap around on the ground. When she thought she was done, she drew it up with her magic. The wrap around was covered in grass and dirt.

Rarity saw the wrap around. "It looks absolutely dreadful!"

Twilight looked at the wrap around. "I think this a camouflage suit." She wrapped it around herself, and ducked into the grass. "See? When you wrap it around yourself, it's covered in the grass and dirt, the enemy can't see you."

"That's actually pretty clever", Rainbow Dash admitted. The others nodded in agreement.

"That sure is effective", Applejack noted. "Would probably do us a lot of good."

* * *

Three days later, the group was enjoying their new luxuries. The sleeping bags numbered at about seven, so there were two of the group every night keeping watch. To be fair to the younger mares, the older ones started to take shifts as well. As it was starting to get cold, they decided to wear some of the uniforms. Rarity, finding an emergency sewing kit in the supply vehicle, sewed off all the Lunar patches, and burned them. The new weapons also heightened their sense of safety.
Yesterday, Applejack and Twilight taught them the basics on how to use their rifles, should the time come when they will need to use them.

It was about midday, and the day was moving slowly. As a result of their incident, they now took turns as well during the daytime, watching the land in their new camouflage suits from a distance, with binoculars found in the clothing crate. Right now, the job was being done by Twilight Sparkle and Scootaloo. In the camp, the rest were indulging themselves on a small meal.

Rarity looked at Fluttershy. She and Pinkie had been quiet the past few days, and was looking as if she was staring into space. She asked of Fluttershy, "Is everything alright?"
Immediately out of her trance, and answered, "Hmmm? Oh, I'm fine."

"Are you sure", Applejack asked, "you've been very quiet."

"It's nothing", she tried to assure the others. But she knew that they won't be shoved off so easily. She finally admitted: "It's just that... ever since we left, I've had this feeling about the Lunars." She stood up. "Who are they to march into our town and kill and make prisoners of our friends? Why should anypony let them do that? If it was up to me, I'd..." she stopped, as her friends knew she was stopping being her old self, "...I'd...hurt them! They have NO right to be there, and if I was living there, I wouldn't let them live there another second."

The group was taken aback by Fluttershy's statement. This wasn't like her. "What happened to the shy part of you, Fluttershy", Rainbow Dash even asked. "As much as I'd like the Lunars gone now, do you really think that we could stand a chance?"

"We could", Applejack noted, "but I don't want to test that theory right..."

She was cut off by the arrival of Scootaloo. She came galloping, in full camouflage, quickly. By the time she got to the group, she was panting.

"Applejack...", she started, breathing heavily, "Twilight needs you now! Come on! Follow me!"

Applejack got up in a hurry, and followed Scootaloo to wherever she led her...
* * *
When they nearly arrived, Scootaloo stopped, and motioned for her to go down, as did she. She took the wrap-around off herself, and nudged it to Applejack. "Take it", she said. "I'll go back to camp."

"Alright", Applejack said, trying to put on the wrap around. When she had succeeded, she crawled up the hill. She saw Twilight with her binoculars being placed on her eyes by her magic, watching below. "What's going on", she asked.

"I think you should see this", Twilight answered, removing the binoculars and placing them over Applejack's eyes.

"What in...", Applejack said, and she saw looking down the hill. But then she saw what Twilight wanted to show her.
Below, there was an entire contingent of Lunar Army Soldiers, standing ready. She scanned next to them, and there stood a griffon, in full uniform, with white and brown feathers. There were a few other colts there, obviously senior officers. Among them was a familiar figure...

"Twilight", Applejack whispered, "That's Spike down there!"

"I know", Twilight answered, "just keep looking..."

Next to them, were three coffins. At the foot of each coffin, was a dug grave. On the other side, was a large trench. The trench and grave were dug by none other, than a group of colts. All ragged, dirty and weary, they were led to the trench by the Lunars, and lined up.

Applejack scanned the colts, looking for her brother. [Oh please, she thought, don't let me see...
And to her dismay, she saw Big Macintosh in the line.

"No...", she whispered. Covered in dirt, and with a look of courage in his eye, she saw he wasn't afraid to go. But she was.

"No, no...", Applejack continued to pine. Twilight put a comforting hoof on Applejack, but saw in desperation as well. The soldiers loaded their rifles, and stood ready, waiting for orders.

The line of colts stood waiting. They knew what was going to happen. But among the fearful, stood Big Macintosh. Applejack could see he was saying something; something encouraging. She watched in desperation, as time started to move slower. Finally, she saw Big Mac shout something at the Lunars, and soon the entire line started to shout with him. She felt proud of Big Mac; he was going out with a fight.

But the hoof of the commanding officer motioned towards to group, and soon...

After many loud shots, and felled brass later, the entire line had fallen into the trench bleeding. They were gone; all of them.
Applejack pushed the binoculars away from her eyes. She had seen enough. Tears started to fall down, and Twilight was next to her, offering comforting words and stroking her mane. But Applejack couldn't believe it. Her brother, the one she loved and grew up with; the one she loved so dearly, was now.. .gone.

After a minute, she strengthened up. She looked at Twilight, who now motioned that they should leave. Soon, they crawled until they were surely out of sight, and then made their way back to the camp.

* * *

When they had arrived back, the group all gathered to watch Twilight and Applejack make it back. Heads held low, they knew the news could not be good.

This still did not stop Applebloom from asking: "What happened?"

Applejack looked at her sister, and tried to meet her eyes. "Big Mac's... gone Applebloom", she admitted. "They got him."

Applebloom looked at her sister. She didn't need an explanation. Her eyes swelled with tears. She fell into Applejack's hoof, and started to weep. The others looked sorrowful as well. They had known Big Mac, and it was a great shame that he was now deceased.

Pinkie got up, and moved to Applebloom, who saw her. She retreated into Pinkie, who gave her a one hoofed hug. She walked her away to her friends, and both of them continued to comfort her.
After a few minutes, they all looked around. Things had just gotten personal. Fluttershy spoke up: "See what I mean? They're murderers! We should stop them!"

"Oh, shut up", Rainbow Dash told Fluttershy, flying to her. "What are we going to do?"

Applejack without hesitation, sniffed, and said: "We fight."

Everyone gasped. She couldn't be serious. Fight?

"Fluttershy's right", Applejack said. "We can't let them sit in our home anymore. Big Mac told me to be strong, and now I will. It's time we made our move; to show them that they should fear us."

"How to you plan to do that", Rarity asked.

"Look around", Applejack said. "We have weapons. We are smart. We have determination. More importantly we are friends. If we can work together, we can accomplish this." She pointed at Pinkie, "Pinkie, you made parties, now you can give them new surprises!" Pinkie had her doubts, but agreed now was a time of action. Applejack pointed to Rarity, "Rarity, besides keeping the uniforms in check, you can design new ways for us to stay hidden!" Rarity was skeptical, but she thought she needed to help.

She looked at Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, "Your speed, your agility, your wings, can all be used to find things, and to get away quickly!" Both of them nodded. Sure, war was a hard thing, but they needed to do something.

Applejack looked at Applebloom and her friends, "All three of you can help! Good things come in small packages."

"You can count on us", all three said in unison. For Applebloom, she wanted to remember the legacy of Big Mac, and along with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, they all felt that they should work to stop the Lunars.

Applejack took a step back and extended her hoof. "I know now that once we do this, we can never go back", she said, "but now, we need to act. Who's with me."

All of them looked at each other, and soon, everyone except Twilight placed their hoof above Applejack's. They all smiled at each other. Applejack looked at Twilight.

"Are you going to join us", she asked.
Twilight looked at her friend and sighed. "I'd never thought I'd ever had to fight. With my brother... I don't know Applejack. What would Princess Celestia think?"

"Twilight", Applejack told her friend, "right now, I bet you she's wanting you to do what's right. So what do you feel is right?"

Twilight looked down, and then looked up and smiled. Applejack extended her hoof to her, and Twilight joined it. "She would want me to go with you."

"Great", Applejack said. Now it was time. They were no longer just average friends. They were something more.

They were now comrades. Together, they would fight for the freedom of their people.

This Concludes Part 1