//------------------------------// // The Beginning of the End // Story: The Final Wars of Equestria // by Final fantasy forever //------------------------------// The Beginning of the End “Sir, should we not have brought more forces with us?” “No,” Shining armor said replying to the soldier at his side. “This IS a diplomatic meeting; though I would scarcely call it that. I’m in all honesty loathe to be negotiating with Peryite or anyone wearing the Union’s colors, especially after what happened at the Empire and the mountains. Besides the Everfree Forest holds all manner of danger, and if a Union ambush is what we’re facing then I’d rather not lose a battalion out here.” “Then why, might I ask, did you volunteer for this?” “Because according to the deal he’s trading Twilight and Cadence back to us in exchange for land. We’re already poised to give up ground to these heathens; I want to make sure he wasn’t spinning a lie when he said he’d give back my wife and sister.” “And you’re sure he’s here?” “Our scouts confirmed visual that the Union’s slime ball king was here.” “Surely we’re not meeting in the middle of the forest for this? In what specific canopy of trees did the king say he wanted to make the exchange?” “We have a destination.” “Really? Well where the devil is it then!? “Ever hear of the castle of the two sisters?” “The old home of the princesses?” “Correct.” “Makes sense. The only real piece of civilization out here, and not all that strategic.” “Where is it?” another royal guard asked. “We should be coming up the bridge now.” Shining armor and his five guards found a clearing in the brush and exited the dense of the forest. The six looked out upon the castle across the chasm. Three Union zeppelins hovered over the keep like birds watching over a nest. “Well, I guess they’re waiting for us.” “Hey, I thought you said there was a bridge.” “There was supposed to be,” Shining armor said looking frustrated. The stakes in the ground were evidence that a bridge was there once, but no longer. The six watched as a Union barge made its way over the chasm to them. “Took you long enough. Get on,” a Union soldier griped. “What did you do to the bridge?” “Seriously…why do you care? If you must know, old raggedy rope bridges aren’t the best thing to hold up a group of soldiers in armor and carrying weapons. The damn old thing collapsed. No one was seriously injured but the inconvenience was the reason I had to wait out here in the damn barge to get you across. I’m surprised this damn place hasn’t collapsed. Anyhow, just get on so I can be rid of you.” Shining armor and the guards hesitantly boarded the barge. “Don’t fall.” The barge slowly turned and hovered across the chasm and stopped at the castle. “His eminence is waiting for you. Be on your way.” Shining armor and his guards hopped off the barge and entered the castle. Immediately two Union guards approached them. “Please follow us,” one of the guards said gesturing them to follow. The six followed the soldier closely through the castle. “Where are we headed?” Shining armor asked. “The throne room. Our king and your princesses are waiting there.” “You’ve uh…you’ve begun renovating this place huh,” another guard said noticing the Union banners around the castle. “Aye, this place was a dump, we spruced it up a bit. In you go,” the guard said as he and his partner opened the door. Shining armor and his guards entered the throne room a bit on edge. Union elite guards eyed them every step towards the thrones. Peryite and Twilight stood before the thrones, unaware anyone had entered. “And if all goes well, we shall meet back here within a fortnight.” Peryite said to Twilight. “Agreed. I’ll talk to the council; they’ll be able to put an end to this.” “Good. May we meet again under pleasant circumstances and for a better future.” “Peryite,” Shining armor said trying to grab the Union’s king’s attention. “Huh,” Peryite said turning to the captain. “Oh, it’s you. Guess that means you’re the one who’s come to take them back. I truly wish it were somepony less loathsome, but it is only proper that a husband would want to see his wife home safe and sound, perhaps even more so for a brother to want to see his sister home safe and sound.” “You’ve received your land, now give them back!” “Of course. Twilight, until we meet again I suppose.” “When we next meet I’ll put you to the sword,” Shining Armor hissed. “Hold your tongue dear brother. This is a peaceful meeting. Don’t step out of bounds or you may find yourself dead,” Peryite said with a sly smile. “Then don’t taunt him!” Twilight said a bit flustered. “Go on now child.” Twilight trotted towards Shining Armor who locked her in an embrace. The white stallion was a bit unsettled by his sister’s lack of eagerness to be away from her captors. “Twily. Are you alright?” he asked concerned. “I’m fine,” Twilight said wrapping her forelegs around her brother’s neck.” “Good. We’ll be home soon.” Shining Armor turned his gaze to Peryite once more. “And Cadence…where is she.” “Enjoying a cup of tea. You two,” Peryite said pointing to some nearby soldiers. “Go fetch her.” The two saluted to their king before heading off to complete their task. Peryite turned his gaze back to Shining armor. “So…we’re related…huh…” “Don’t feel obligated to call me family,” Shining Armor snarled. “Don’t worry. I don’t.” “Perhaps it’s better if none of us talked for a bit,” Twilight said intervening. “That’s a wonderful idea,” Peryite said clapping his hooves together before flying to one of the thrones and resting in it. Silence befell the throne room as everyone passed glances to one another. This lasted for five minutes before the guards returned escorting Cadence. “Cadence,” Shining Armor called out, relieved to see his wife appeared unharmed. The pink mare galloped to her husband and the two embraced. “Are you alright?” “I’m fine. He wouldn’t hurt me.” “I’ll ask how that…’pony’ is your brother, or why you never mentioned you had a brother later.” “I hope in time you’ll grow to accept him,” Cadence said with a light smile. “Maybe when he’s in a cell of his own.” “Don’t be that way. He’s not that bad; I know you don’t really think that way but he is working to end the war, isn’t he? Shining Armor blinked a couple times comprehending what he had heard. “Indeed, ‘brother’. I am have proposed and end to this conflict. I’ve tied up my ends. ‘Our’ dear sister needs only to get the rest of your alliance to put down their weapons long enough for a peace agreement.” Shining Armor shook his head lightly as though dazed. “So, what exactly was all this for?” “Should things go sour I can’t exactly ask Twilight to nicely come back to our prison. No. I require something up front so I know I don’t go away with empty hooves.” “So what now then?” “Go. Get out of here, shoo. You have councilmen to talk to. Or at least she does. If you can get them to come to reason we shall meet here once again.” “May we next meet on a day of peace Peryite,” Twilight said. The two bowed to one another before going their separate ways. “I’ll give the all clear signal. The Vessel of the Elements should be here to pick us up soon,” Shining armor said pulling out a communicator. After all was set he gathered the royal guards and with his sister and wife at his sides, left the castle. Twilight leaned on the railing of the ship, looking out into the fields below. The night air she felt was too good to go to waste and even though she tried she couldn’t find her way to sleep. “Guess I wasn’t the only one with this idea,” Cadence said trotting up to her sister in law. “Can’t sleep either?” Twilight asked. “I’m pretty tired actually. But I don’t ride on these things everyday, I wanted to enjoy the ride while it lasted.” “Cadence.” “Yeah?” “You never told me you had a brother. And I know he wasn’t always this way.” Cadence sighed. “It was never easy to talk about. It brought me to tears to be reminded of him, so I just tried to never bring it up.” “I know he’s not biologically related to you. How did you two meet?” “In Stalliongrad. He saved my life, Aunt Celestia took him in as her student. He was a lot like you when he was more…innocent.” “I can imagine.” “When this is over, maybe we can develop a more healthy relationship as family. “I doubt it,” Twilight chuckled. “I think we’ll get along at the most. After all that’s happened we’ll have as good a relationship together as the Alliance will with the Union.” Cadence frowned. “Maybe things will turn out better…somehow…” “Things are going to be better, this war will end and right now that’s all that matters.” “Do you think things will go back to how they use to be?” Twilight sighed. “I think those days are long gone. With two armed powers now controlling and uniting Equus I think we’re always going to be watching each other for quite some time. But let’s not talk about this now. For now, let’s just enjoy the night.” Cadence sighed before putting on a smile and joining Twilight. “Are they here, are they here!?” Spike said climbing atop Pinkie pie as the five mares and baby dragon watched the flagship descend upon Canterlot. “Calm down now Spike. I’m sure Twilight and Cadence are onboard,” Applejack said staring up at the ship. The Vessel of the Elements halted and hovered over the palace. A few seconds later a barge detached from one of the docking bays and glided down to the palace carrying Twilight, Shining Armor, and Cadence. At seeing her friends the lavender mare leapt off the barge and flew down to the palace with glee. Without saying a word the six mares and dragon embraced one another in a group hug. “I missed you girls!” Twilight said wiping away a tear. “We thought you were as good as gone Sugarcube,” Applejack said with watery eyes. “I thought we were all goners back there at the caves,” Rainbow said trying not to let her mushy side show that much. “If it weren’t for Cadence being there, I’d say Peryite would have ended us there and then,” Fluttershy said with a slight shiver. “Are you alright dear? I hope those ruffians didn’t hurt you,” Rarity said concerned. “Did you happen to see Princess Celestia and Luna while you were there?” Pinkie Pie asked. “And hey, I thought Shining Armor said he was giving them back to us for that land,” Spike added. “I’m glad you all made it back okay. And no, I’m fine, and sadly no, he only released me and Cadence for the land,” Twilight replied. “But that reminds me, there’s something I need to do.” “Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on,” Rainbow said flying in front of Twilight. “You just got back. I’m pretty sure whatever it is can wait till later.” “I’m afraid it can’t,” Twilight said teleporting around the cyan pegasus. “I promise once it’s done we can celebrate properly.” “Well if it’s so important can ya at least tell us what it is?” Applejack asked. “No time. I promise to fill you all in later.” The five mares and dragon watched as their friend once again left them “Come on, come on,” Twilight said to herself as she tapped her left hoof on the floor impatiently. The three monitors in front of her held only the symbol of the U.E.A and the words ‘Stand By’. One by one the monitors flickered and the members of the Alliance council stared back at her. “Princess Twilight! I had heard you were captured by the enemy,” the Gryphon king said shocked. “A-ahem. I mean, it is good to see you are back on your throne, sound and safe,” he added straightening his robe collar. “Indeed. I am glad your absence was not as long as it was last time,” the king of Saddle Arabia said with light smile. “A glorious day it is,” the new Premier of Stalliongrad said taking off his hat and holding it against his chest with his left foreleg. “I’m a bit surprised you didn’t hear about my release agreement.” “What was the agreement?” The Gryphon King asked. “Just that Equestria gives the Union some of its own land.” “Well any bargains Equestria makes is between Equestria and its business partners. So long as you haven’t given any official alliance secrets it is strictly your business. Fret not though princess. You’ll have those lands back, it’s only a matter of time.” “Actually…about that…” “What? Were you planning on retaking them now and are asking for reinforcements?” “No, it’s not that. It’s more…I don’t plan on retaking those lands.” “I-I beg your pardon, highness,” the king of Saddle Arabia said a bit taken back by Twilight’s words. “Are you giving up the fight?!” “No, but…” Twilight sighed. “The main reason King Peryite released me was because we’ve come to some common ground. We both wanted to end this war. The Union is willing to end this war. We can put this all to rest.” Silence filled the room before someone spoke up. “You think we can trust them!? You think we should smile and shake the hooves of the ponies that, need I remind you, attacked us!” The Saddle Arabia king said flustered. “Well hold on now! We should at least hear what the Union is offering on this,” The Gryphon king replied. “Of course YOU want to put this to an end. Union forces have been driven from the Gryphon Kingdom for some time now. You have nothing to lose from peace.” “Gentlecolts! Let’s not forget it’s our populace that we are trying to protect here,” the Premier intervened. “Well then Princess. We’re all ears,” the Saddle Arabia king replied. “Thank you. In truth I don’t know the terms for the peace agreement. Only that a ceasefire is in order for it to even begin.” “Very well, I have no objections to that,” the Gryphon king said. “Nor I,” the Premier replied. “I can’t find anything wrong with it, simple and reasonable,” the king of Saddle Arabia added. “Excellent. I’ll be sure to send word to the Union. We will reconvene for the peace meeting in two weeks. Once you’re in Canterlot escorts will see you to the meeting grounds.” “Until then princess,” the Premier said before his screen powered off. “May we put an end to this at last,” the Gryphon king said as his screen powered off as well. “I hope your trust in these cretins is not misplaced,” the Saddle Arabia king said before his screen powered off as well. Twilight sighed. “Well, that didn’t go so bad,” she said taking a deep breath. “I’ve done my part Peryite. Now you just better do yours.” Twilight opened the door to the council room with her magic and left the room. “Twilight!” Pinkie yelled as she grappled onto her friend. “Did ya find her? No matter how hard I try I’m always gonna get lost in this place,” Applejack said as she galloped up a set of stairs followed by the rest of her friends. “Girls. I’m sorry I had to run off like that,” Twilight said apologizing. “I wasn’t lying when I said it was important though I…” “We already know Twi,” Rainbow interrupted. “Your brother told us what happened.” “So is it true darling? Are you bringing peace back to Equestria?” Rarity asked. “Does this mean you can finally stop risking your life?” Spike added. “Um, maybe give her a chance to answer,” Fluttershy replied. “It’s alright Fluttershy,” Twilight reassured. “And yes. I believe this will all soon be behind us.” “Oh this is going to be the biggest celebration ever!” Pinkie said bouncing happily. “It’ll be like a party where the whole world is invited. Once this is over I think other ponies will finally be able to smile again.” “Um, excuse me,” a cinnamon stallion said as he entered the hall from one of the doors on the left side. “I’d hate to be rude but I must ask, would you kindly…” “What this gentlecolt is trying to say is; would you SHUT UP!!!” Casimir said in an agitated tone as he stepped out of the room as well. “I wouldn’t put it like that but I would appreciate a lack of noise if you’d be so kind.” “Sorry, we’re done here anyway,” Twilight reassured. “Twilight. I had no idea you had returned…again,” Casimir said surprised. “Goodness you must have someone watching over you child.” “Thanks I suppose. By the way, who’s this?” “Venn Fitzwilliam,” the cinnamon unicorn said bowing to Twilight. “I already know who you are princess.” “I don’t believe I’ve seen you around before. How do you know Casimir?” “We’ve had a little…’business deal’ going with him for some time. I’ve just been chosen to fill in for someone while he’s on a bit of a ‘vacation’” “O-okay…” Twilight replied a bit skeptical. “Say, what did it take to get away from the Union this time Twilight? A coup?” Casimir chuckled. “Better actually. Peryite released me so I could help negotiate an end to the war.” Casimir stopped laughing and turned to the lavender mare. “You’re putting an end to the war?” Casimir stuttered. “Yes. I’ve convinced the members of the council to at least hear Peryite out on his conditions of the peace agreement. He’s already gotten his Marshals to do the same.” “I-I’m a bit dumbfounded to hear all this truth be told. Nonetheless it is good news indeed.” “W-when is this peace meeting taking place?” Venn asked in a shaky voice. “Two weeks from now.” “Alright,” he said with a sigh. “Mr. Casimir, I’m afraid I must be on my way. We’ll talk more about the growth of Celerium later. I-I have to go.” Casimir grabbed Venn by the foreleg and pulled him back. “Why don’t you stay for a celebratory glass of champagne?” “Oh, I couldn’t. I can’t hold my liquor. Now I really have to go,” Venn said prying his foreleg away from Casimir and continuing down the corridor. “That guy was weird,” Rainbow Dash remarked. “He seemed nice,” Rarity replied. “He’s a decent stallion who’s part of a bad bunch,” Casimir said. “What bad bunch?” Twilight asked. “Don’t worry about it…” Casimir replied. “Well I…” Twilight stopped. “Oh gosh! I just remembered I still have to send the news to Peryite. Girls, come along. This won’t take long.” Twilight’s friends all agreed and joined the lavender mare on her way to the throne room. “So all is in place?” Peryite asked.” “The council will meet with your marshals two weeks from now,” Twilight replied. “Good. I need not remind you what is at stake here.” “Of course. May the days to come lead to peace.” “Indeed. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve matters to attend to.” The frequency ended and the communication room grew silent. “That’s good, right,” Rarity asked. “Yes, now the ceasefire has been made official. The war has become a lot less bloody now. In two weeks we’ll put it to an end.” “Nothing but good news today,” Rainbow remarked. “Yeah, don’t jinx it,” Applejack replied. “Come on girls,” Twilight said. “For once I really don’t have something I need to do. We’ve all been through a lot. I say we deserve at least one day of leisure.” “You most of all Twilight,” Pinkie Pie said hugging the lavender mare. “Before we go anywhere though, I didn’t get the chance to eat this morning.” “Can’t really have a good day on an empty stomach,” Applejack replied The six mares and baby dragon laughed with one another before heading off to get some food. “This was not supposed to happen!!” “Please sir, calm down,” Venn said in an uneasy voice. “How, how? The last war lasted almost a thousand years. This one has not even reached its tenth.” “You forget; Peryite was born into a world at war. And Twilight, well she’s seen it up close to say the least. Neither of them want this war my lord.” “I cannot have this Venn. The Mammon machine has not yet met its quota. Magus, Beldam, and Eldritch still need more time to prepare. If this is not stopped then all the destruction will be undone. This mustn’t happen Venn.” “I’m sorry my lord, but there’s nothing that can be done.” Venn watched his master slowly trot towards him. The black stallion towered over him with red eyes full of fury. His wings were unfurled due to the stress on him. A sphere of magic formed inside the stallion’s twin curved horns as Venn was levitated up to eye level with him. “Venn Fitzwilliam. Don’t you ever tell me nothing can be done; WE CONTROL FATE VENN! Need I remind you all which we’ve done to see this through? For it to all be for naught? Inconceivable!” “P-Perhaps Azrael can…” “No. Azrael has never had a strong point in discretion. That was what you and Ghast were for and he bucked his job up!” “Please father I…” “I am not your bucking father!” The stallion said letting Venn drop to the floor. “I raised you but that is it. I am your master.” “Yes Cain,” Venn said gasping for breath. “Enough. Rise.” “Yes master,” Venn said getting to his hooves. “How may I serve thee?” “Now that’s the stallion I raised,” Cain said with a chuckle. “I need you to insure this peace agreement fails.” “How though, sir?” “Do whatever it takes. Sweet talk a general into making an attack, assassinate a diplomat, bathe one side in fire and bombshells.” “Sir, with all due respect I feel Ghast would be better at igniting death than me.” “I think so to. But I will not let him get out of his punishment for any reason. This is your task; if you fail, do not return.” “Am I to do this in a night!?” “Of course not, you have until the meeting begins. Look for any kinks in their security, talk to the diplomats, get our servant to help you out. I am putting the fate of Nod in your hooves Venn. Do not fail.” “I will see it done master.” “Indeed, now be gone.” Closing his eyes Cain trotted back to his throne. He illuminated his horn and brought forth a large black eye with a while retina. “Watching eye that does see all; show to me, the king Ural.” The eye winced before displaying a visual of Peryite. “I see you little moth, as you flitter onwards; flip flap, flip flap,” Cain chuckled. “A new light catches your eyes and you fly oh so close to it, before you burn up on these heinous ideas my guiding hoof will pull you back to a better road. You’ll be back on track in no time. Pave the way; pave the way for the glory of Nod.” (Cain) We’ll come down through Nod’s gates We’re the masters of fate When we win we will smother the sun We’ll slay also the moon Death will be with them soon When we’re there they’ll be as good as done. And I can’t wait to see you And finally free you From the Mother’s vicious snare. Someday I will replace that big frown on your face with a smile and a murderous glare. We are two of a kind Evil lurks in your mind You’re the key to my plans soon you’ll see. And if I were to die You would forever cry Peryite you’d be lost without me You'd be lost (You'd be lost) You'd be lost (You'd be lost) Peryite, you’d be lost without me. I will finally show you Just how well I know you I understand just how you feel. You pushed reason away On that marvelous day And your mind let go of the wheel Together we will battle For friendship is brittle You will learn to grow fond of this game. So you’ll not make it end For your will I shall bend We are opposites but we're the same We are two of a kind Evil lurks in your mind You’re the key to my plans soon you’ll see. And if I were to die You would forever cry Peryite you’d be lost without me You'd be lost (You'd be lost) You'd be lost (You'd be lost) Peryite, you’d be lost without me. You have heard of me from your stories I know all about you dear Ural. You’re a hero who’s bathed in glory And who’s meant to end it all! We are two of a kind Evil lurks in your mind You’re the key to my plans soon you’ll see. And if I were to die You would forever cry Peryite you’d be lost without me You'd be lost (You'd be lost) You'd be lost (You'd be lost) Peryite, you’d be lost without me. Journal Entry eleven, Official Journal of Twilight Sparkle of the United Equestrian Alliance Return if found. Tonight is the night, the night where all this is put to rest. The diplomats have all gathered here in the palace. In a few minutes three airships will transport them along with the council to the castle of the two sisters. When the sun next rises over our heads, it will be shining upon a land at peace once again. Twilight wrote the last words in her journal before putting it in her nightstand. She took a deep breath and trotted out into the hall. “You sure I can’t come along Twilight? I’ll stay on the zeppelin,” Spike said walking alongside the lavender mare. “It’s not going to be anything thrilling Spike. Plus it is a formal meeting, and I wouldn’t want you to just sit around in the ship possibly the bulk of the night.” “Oh alright, be back soon though.” “Well that’s more dependant on how quickly these diplomats can negotiate their own ends with the Union. Like I said it could take most of the night.” “Well once you get back let’s celebrate properly.” Twilight gave her assistant a quiet smile before continuing to the roof of the palace. “The Ship is ready Twilight,” Shining Armor said to his sister. “Good, we should be heading off.” Twilight turned to her friends who had come to see her off. “See you soon girls.” “May this all work out as we hope,” Rarity said smiling. “Watch your back Twi, this might be for peace but I still don’t trust those Union jerks,” Rainbow said. “Just make sure everything turns out okay and stay safe,” Applejack added. “I’ll be fine girls,” Twilight said reassuringly. “I don’t know how you can face Peryite after all he’s done to you,” Fluttershy said with worried tone. “I doubt he’d do anything rotten,” Twilight replied. “He wants this to end as much as we do.” “Get back soon so we can have a no more war party,” Pinkie pie said bouncing. “Twily. The other diplomats are waiting,” Shining Armor said interrupting the six mares. “I’ll see you all soon.” Twilight spread her wings and took flight up towards the Vessel of the Elements. The six mares watched as the three zeppelins tuned and sped off towards their destination. “Well ya’ll, standing up here all night won’t do anypony any good,” Applejack exclaimed. “Agreed darling,” Rarity replied. “I could use a bit of sleep,” Fluttershy said with a light yawn. “Indeed, I haven’t gotten good sleep knowing Twilight was being held captive,” Rarity replied. I feel we all could catch up on some sleep.” The five mares agreed and decided to call it a night. Each of them had separate rooms along a hall in the residential wing of the palace. They all bid each other goodnight as they worked their way up the hall, Rarity’s room being the one on the opposite side of the hall. After all her friends had found their rooms Rarity made her way to hers. As she turned the knob with her magic her ears perked up at the sound of voices having an argument down the next hall. Curiosity getting the better of her she decided to check it out. When she turned the corner into the next hall she saw a royal guard having an argument with a brown stallion in yellow robes. After a few seconds she recognized the stallion as the one that had talked with Casimir two weeks ago. “You aren’t permitted on the palace grounds,” the guard said with an angry expression. “Good sir, I assure you I am here only to do business with a certain individual. I need a favor done and only he can do it.” “Well that’s too bad. If you’re so interested in doing business with whoever this is then please get proper clearance for the castle grounds.” “If you will just allow me to see Mr. Casimir he will tell you I regularly do business with him.” “Enough. I don’t have time for an intruder. Come with me so I can escort you off the premises or I’ll have you thrown from them!” Venn cringed. “Good sir. It’s my hide or yours. Let me pass or else.” The guard laughed. “Never thought I’d see the day. Threatened by a stuff shirt! Alright you son of a bitch, you want to play that way fine!” “Stop that this instant!” Rarity said galloping towards the two. “Huh. Aren’t you one of the elements?” the guard asked. “Yes I am. And I assure you this gentlecolt isn’t lying when he said he does business with Casimir.” “But…look even if he does he’s still trespassing on palace grounds.” “And you’ve never brought him in for it? If so then this is the only time he’s failed to have his papers or have you simply never noticed.” “I assure you no intruder gets past us.” “Well I assure you I witnessed him speaking with the chief scientist not a month ago. I’m sure he too would confirm this.” “But…oh fine! If you’re so interested, help this dingus find the chief scientist. Honestly, looking for him in the residential area. Even us guards know that guy rarely leaves his labs,” the guard said grumbling as he left to continue his rounds. “That was…thank you,” Venn said bowing to Rarity. “That’s quite alright dear. I know you had done business with Casimir before.” “Indeed. Now let me see…” Venn slowly circled Rarity as he looked over her. “Is something amiss? I…” “Three gemstones as a cutie mark, generosity is your element; Rarity is your name…correct?” “Yes actually!” “Splendid! I had heard many of your accomplishments before the war. When Equus needed heroes you all answered the call.” “Believe it or not, you’re one of the few ponies that gave personal thanks for that.” “It’s not really thanks, more praise.” “Well thanks or praise, I appreciate it.” Venn smiled. “Well, anyhow I must be going. I do have business with Casimir after all.” “Well since you didn’t know where he was why don’t I show you there,” Rarity offered. “Well I…sure! Why not.” “Excellent! Come along now.” Venn smiled lightly before following Rarity. “So, how exactly do you know Casimir?” Rarity asked. “I actually didn’t meet him until about a month ago. My master has a business contract going with him, and his usual go between is currently, ahem, ‘caught up’ in something. So I was the one chosen as the new go between for him and Casimir.” “Who’s your master?” “…You don’t know him…and you don’t really need to. Pray you never do,” Venn said in a hushed voice. “O-kay,” Rarity said a bit surprised. “Do you like him?” Venn paused and smiled. “Well he’s far from the best pony in the world. He’s pretty rotten, but I owe him a lot. So he has my loyalty, and that’s all he needs from me.” “How long till your debt to him is repaid?” “I never said I was in debt. But I am in a way. I’ll be out of debt when he says I am.” “That doesn’t sound very fair,” Rarity said with a concerned look. “Ah, I’m fine. It never bothered me. Say…” “What is it?” “Why did you help me back there? We’ve never met before, other than seeing each other once. Why would you help a stranger?” “Because it would have been wrong to not give you a helping hoof. And you didn’t deserve that, plus from what I saw you were a gentle soul. For kind words to be repaid like that is simply awful.” Venn chuckled. “I was trained to have a silver tongue. A well placed word can easily stop a conflict or, stop it from happening altogether. Or…set in motion those events.” “I don’t see why anyone would WANT such a thing.” “There are always those that can benefit from war. So long as there is a bounty of any kind at the end of that sea of blood, they will sail through it to their reward. Enough though, I believe this is where we part ways.” Rarity looked around the area and realized where she was. “Oh yes. It would appear so. I hope no further guards give you a hard time. May everything work out with you and Casimir.” “Thank you,” Venn said bowing to Rarity. “Should fate allow it, I’d like to share a few more words with your generous soul in the future.” Rarity smiled before leaving Venn’s company. When the white unicorn was gone Venn cautiously knocked on the door. “If you don’t have a key then we’ve nothing to discus, either you have the wrong door or something else, anyhow go away,” Casimir said from behind the door. Venn took a piece of black paper with a red scorpion tail from his tunic pocket and slid it under the door. A few seconds later hoof steps were head approaching the door. Moments later the door unlocked and slid open. “Did anyone see you?” “Oh yes. But fear not, all is well.” “Get in.” Venn straightened his shirt collar and entered the door. Casimir hastily shut it behind him before setting fire to the black piece of paper and throwing it in a metal trashcan. “What the hell is this!? You’ve never shown up unannounced. You said you wouldn’t show up until a month later.” “I know; we’ve had a drastic change of plans though Mr. Casimir.” “What do you want then? There’s tight security all around the castle today with all the diplomats that have been here. This isn’t the time for underground, shady agreements I’ve been forced into at knifepoint.” “I wish I could agree with you Casimir. But I need your help.” “With what? I know you ponies have always kept me in the dark as to what EXACTLY you are to gain from my services but now I want to know what could you bloodsuckers seek from me.” “We come to you on a day of peace, I assume you can tell my higher-ups are less than peaceful.” “…You want to sabotage the peace agreement…why the devil am I baffled? Oh right, because I’m having this told to me by YOU; the stallion who’s suppose to be the diplomatic side of whoever the buck you mudaks are.” “I understand your distress in this Mr. Casimir.” “Your damn right I’m distressed! No…j-just no; I can organize an underground science facility that doubles as a death factory, but you can’t honestly expect me to…what is it you expect me to do again?” “I haven’t said anything yet…” “And I’m already like this! So what do you want?” “I need to stop this peace agreement, but all the diplomats have left, the everfree palace is to heavily guarded. I need to frame the alliance, give the Union reason to keep up the fight.” “And how do you propose to do that?” “I was thinking of some ways. The only for sure way, is to M.A.D. bomb a Union base.” You’re kidding!? You’re kidding, right? How the buck do you expect me to help you get your hooves on an M.A.D. bomb? Besides, those things can’t just be launched. They have to be coordinated, prepared and the precisely launched from their silos. You’d have to break into a launching facility, defeat the security and science team WIHTOUT damaging the launching coordinators and controls, launch the bomb: which unless you’re a propulsion scientists are going to fail miserably at, and then somehow assuming you can achieve all I’ve said before, you’d still have to escape without being captured to get away scot-free. If you think you can do all that then you’re insane!” “I will have to…and I know you helped create the M.A.D. bomb. Surely you must have some access the launch labs.” Casimir sighed. “You strike me as a good soul Venn. Sins blacken my soul but that doesn’t mean I don’t know what’s wrong and what’s right. Surely you mustn’t like this.” “You mustn’t like having your sister’s life being used to blackmail you into working for us. It matters not what I like, only that the job gets done. It pains me to do it, but if not me then someone else would. You know this is true Casimir; we are legion, never ending.” Sighing once more Casimir asked, “What is it then, that you ask of me?” “Do you not have access to the M.A.D. bomb launching facility near Canterlot?” “Limited access, but enough to get past the automated security. The guards however will still pose a threat.” “I can handle them. How do I launch the missile from there?” “You’ll need a scientist to direct you. Then again, most of those things are on standby for launch after Cloudsdale was destroyed. If you’re in luck and the world isn’t then the bomb should be ready to launch when you get there.” “How about the guards, any tips just for good measure.” “I don’t know anything about them.” “Very well. I’ll need your genetic key to get into the facility.” “Here,” Casimir said giving Venn his key. “I don’t have anything else for you.” “Alright, thank you for this Mr. Casimir.” “I hope you fail.” “As do I…but my liege demands I succeed, so I will do everything I can to do just that. Now I know the scanner devices record anyone passing through the doors, correct?” “They keep records of those entering restricted areas, yes.” “Then hold still,” Venn said raising his cane with magic. “W-whoa! What are you doing!?” “If it registers that you were there that night, it’s better that we have an excuse cooked up for when questions are asked.” “And what excuse is that?” “That you were assaulted and robbed of your key.” “You’re kidding.” “I wish. Now close your eyes, it’s probably better if you don’t see it coming.” “Fine,” Casimir said shutting his eyes and bracing himself for the blow. Venn brought the hilt of the cane down upon the white unicorn’s head who slumped to the ground. “Forgive me if you can Mr. Casimir,” Venn said taking off Casimir’s lab coat and dragging his limp body into a nearby closet. With his tracks covered Venn opened the door and checked that the coast was clear before heading off to complete his work. “That didn’t stop him!” the Mother said angrily. “I know, I know. I thought the guards would be capable, guess that tip we gave them wasn’t enough,” William replied. “We can’t let him get away.” “Relying on the guards and security is too risky. We need to take more direct intervention.” “I know…follow him in close pursuit, only engage once he is by himself. We can’t have others getting in the way.” “Understood,” William said spreading his wings and giving chase. “Didier Quarts, of the ponies republic of Northern Prance; Indigo Field, of southern Prance.” “Aye,” Two stallions said, standing up simultaneously and glaring at each other. “Another meeting room has opened up, Please follow me so you may discus your own separate demands for your land as a whole,” a soldier said gesturing the two to follow. The two followed the soldier out of the throne room and into a smaller room that was converted into a negotiations room. “Well, this seems to be going well,” Peryite said to Twilight as he watched the other diplomats in waiting. “Seems like all is going according to plan,” Twilight replied. The two sat in the thrones of the pony sisters. The banner of the sun and the moon were taken down and replaced with the banners of the Alliance and Union. Peryite sat in the throne that was once Luna’s and Twilight sat in Celestia’s old throne. “How much longer do you expect it to take?” “Depends on how much your tsarist friends are trying to shake out of Union land. Rest assured though, you’ll be back in Canterlot eating your cake and drinking ale with those diplomats soon enough,” Peryite snorted. “How diplomatic, Twilight retorted. “I’m simply saying what you’ll do, I don’t view you nearly as bad as the rest dear sister. I feel you’re a mare of reason herding a flock of pigs.” “I’ll…take that as a compliment…and perhaps we shouldn’t talk about our very distant relation to one another.” “Very well, probably for the best anyhow.” “What, exactly is going to happen…once all this is over?” “We’ll both work towards tolerating one another more easily. Neither of us are going anywhere anytime soon, just about all of Equus is under either my Union’s banner or your Alliance’s banner. The world is now governed by two powers so to keep everything running smoothly we’ll have to learn to work with each other. So long as we don’t get on each others bad side, this will be the final war.” “You really think such a thing is possible, a final war?” “So long as we both keep the sheep in line then there will be no more conflict.” “Those sheep are ponies, our populace.” “Just a metaphor.” “What about the damage caused by the war?” “Property damage will be discussed separately by each diplomat. As for you and I, we’ll nurse Equestria back to health separately or together if you’d like.” “You’d help us rebuild?” “If you need some supplies I’d give them to you for some extra carpenters and perhaps vice versa, that sound fair?” “Sounds fair.” “Look at that, I guess finding common ground with one another isn’t as hard as I thought,” Peryite chuckled. “Guess not,” Twilight said sitting back in her throne and watching the other diplomats once more. “Please present genetic key,” the security AI said in a faintly feminine voice. Venn stuck the genetic key he took into the small slot on the panel. “Genetic key processed, welcome Casimir Adrian Tazal,” the AI said opening the door. Venn tugged at the collar of the lab coat he was in before entering the facility. He had removed his usual attire for something less noticeable. Taking a deep breath he trotted onward into the bowels of the launching facility. The only outstanding feature about him now was his cane, which he refused to part with. “Alright, where to begin, where to begin,” Venn repeated to himself. “First I should figure out where the damn launching control room is, then I need to figure out how I’m gonna deal with the science team and security, then the escape plan. Okay! Time to find a map.” Venn continued through the steel corridors of the facility looking for any indication where he was. Eventually he came across the employee break room and spotted two scientists on break; one was eating a half sandwich and the other simply coffee from a thermos. Venn hesitated; he knew talking to them was taking a risk, a small risk, but a risk nonetheless. Still he had no other way of finding his way around the facility. After figuring out how to approach the situation Venn approached the two scientists. “Um, hello.” The two looked up from their drink and food. “Hello,” One responded. “Good evening,” the other one added. “Something you need?” the first one asked. “Yes actually, do you all have a map of the facility on you, or know where one is? I’m a bit new here.” “Another brain added to the equation huh, the science division probably didn’t give you the grand tour. Oh well, here,” the first one said giving Venn a map of the facility.” “You still held on to that?” the second one asked. “You never know when you might need it.” “Thank you kindly,” Venn said looking over the map. “Ah yes, again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.” The two scientists bid Venn farewell before the latter took his leave. “Alright, science team dormitories are here, guard barracks are here, transit hub is here, announcement systems and communications are here, the armory is here, and the launching control is over here. Hmm, alright looks like I’ll need to head over to the transit hub to reach the control rooms.” Venn wrapped the map up like a scroll and stuffed it into his lab coat pocket before galloping off. After eight minutes he reached the transit hub. The metro AI prompted him to present his key once more, which he did. After confirming his genetic key the door to the metro rail opened and allowed him passage onto the tram. Venn watched the facility go by him on the tracks. “Five minutes, until destination,” the AI said. The tram slowed to a halt while a hatch opened for the tram to go through. As it did Venn glanced out the window and saw a white pegasus staring back at him. The brown unicorn stared back at the pegasus speculating why his gaze filled him with a sense of dread. The two continued staring at one another until the tram began moving once more. “That was him!” the Mother said a bit flustered. “I know, we couldn’t have killed him here though, we’ll just follow him via the maintenance area,” William replied. “Hurry on then!” As soon as the bridge came down again William galloped onward. “Thank you for choosing Lightspeed metro; mind the gap,” the AI said as Venn disembarked from the tram. “Alright, now to the control rooms,” Venn said following the map to his destination. Visions of the pegasus’s blue eyes lingered in his mind all the way there. When he reached his destination he peered into the room from its window on the door. A dozen scientists and several armed guards were in the room. “Damn it,” Venn cursed. While he was trained in combat magic as well as illusions the cinnamon unicorn preferred less lethal action. Venn contemplated what to do next while looking over the map. “Let’s see here, the only nearby places are the armory, the communications center, and the guard barracks. What to do what to…” Venn stopped as an idea hit him. Quickly he rolled the map back up and made his way to the communications room. It only took a minute for him to reach its doors. He entered cautiously and found he was in luck; only one scientist was manning the announcement systems and alarms. Quietly he trotted in back of him and slammed his cane over his head. The scientist slumped to the ground limply. Venn grabbed the scientist and hid him in the corner before returning to the communication panel. Taking a deep breath Venn turned on the PA system. “Attention all staff, a suspicious individual has been spotted in the facility. Guards are to investigate the maintenance area A and secure the halls north of the metro terminal at launch facility and controls, all science personnel make your way back to the dormitories.” Venn listened as the sound of rushing hoof steps were heard echoing through the facility. Carefully he made his way back to the launching station and peered in trough the window. Only a scientist and a guard remained in the room. Satisfied with his odds Venn opened the door and crept in. “Hurry up will you,” the guard grunted. “Sorry, but this is protocol, if we’re leaving this place unattended then we have to put the bombs on lockdown.” “How long can they possibly take?” “Not much longer I just need to secure the silos.” The scientist scanned his key and armed the security on the silo controls. “Done, now we can…” the scientist grew silent as he heard the sound of something hitting the floor. “Not a very good set of guards you’ve got here, huh,” Venn said looming over the scientists. “W-who are…” “No one you need worry yourself with dear boy. Now, if you’d be so kind as to disarm the security locks on the silos.” “I…I…” Venn raised his cane over his head. “O-okay,” the scientist said typing in the code. The system disarmed and the panels showed a screen for entering coordinates. “Thank you, now, I must apologize for this next part.” Venn raised his cane and brought it down on the scientist’s head. Carefully the cinnamon stallion hid the two unconscious ponies behind a control panel. “Alright,” Venn said to himself as he looked over the satellite images of the world. “Where to strike? Manehattan? Eh, would definitely stop the peace but…no, hmm. Wait a minute, bases, bases,” Venn said to himself as he searched up known Union bases. “Aha! An industrial hub for the Union in the south east of Equestria; yes, that should do.” Venn entered the coordinates for the base into the launching system and the launching option was made available. “Stop!” Venn got to his hooves and turned to the voice. He saw the pegasus from before and froze before responding. “I-I’m just locking up the system, I’ll be ready in a minute and…” “Step away from the panels, servant of the Dread Father.” Venn felt a knot in his stomach form. “Oh, I see. You’re the one then, the one that made an attempt on Ghast’s life and killed Azazel. And now you want my life as well…” William formed a long golden spear out of magic and gazed hard at Venn. “Very well.” Venn took a deep breath made himself ready for combat. He illuminated his horn and released a bright flash. William winced but forced his eyes open in time to see the cinnamon unicorn break the glass of the window and leap out . “After him!” The Mother said in distress. William galloped out the door and pursued Venn. “Persistent as ever,” Venn said as he quickened his pace.” “I’ve hunted you dogs long enough to become accustomed to it!” William replied. “You’re a blade in the dark. The shadows are our overcoat, and our kingdom. To you, they are your armor, and your cave. You are but one soul, we are legion.” “Nod is a hydra, too many heads; but once you cut them all off the rest of the gargantuan dies.” “And each head will grow back!” “You’re not like the Brothers, let’s see how well the profane flame serves you.” “I’d rather not,” Venn said as he swiftly fired a bolt of magic at William and continued running. “You seem to have no problem killing me, so you should have no problem killing the security force. Intruder! The intruder is hear, guards!” Venn’s pleas were answered as five guards galloped into the corridor and opened fire on William. A golden shell of magic surrounded the white pegasus and absorbed the bursts from the guards rifles. “What do I do?” “They’re expendable,” the Mother answered. “Spare or kill them as you see fit, but do not let them interfere. William fired several bolts of magic at the guards incapacitating two of them. The remaining three continued to hammer into his shield. The white pegasus’s eyes glowed gold as an aura of magic surrounded one of the guards before levitating him and launching him at another guard. The shell around William shattered as several bursts of magic tore into his side. He gasped in pain before taking flight. A small circle of magic formed under the guard and a long golden spear sprouted from it, impaling the guard in the leg. The newly wounded guard wailed in pain from the magic spear. “That should keep them from causing us any more trouble.” “Indeed, but the Cael got away; do you know where he could have gone?” “No, hurry! Back to the control room.” “Why?” “Did you see which direction he fled?” “No, but wouldn’t he be more concerned with his escape?” “Cain has no mercy for failures. He’s nowhere to go if he doesn’t succeed here; he will have returned to the control room.” “I hope your right about this.” “If we’re wrong it matters little, he’s but one soul to escape the light, all that matters is for stability to return to this land.” William healed his wound with magic before galloping back to the launching control room. He threw open the door expecting a fight but found only an empty room. “He’s not here. Did he already launch the bomb?” “Couldn’t have, we would have heard or even felt something.” The white pegasus approached the control panels and gazed over them. “So what now? Do we…” William was cut off as a blunt metal object hit him in the back of his head. The Ural pony sprawled to the ground, head pounding in agony from the blow it took. Venn raised his cane overhead before bringing it down again on William. He repeated this process twice in his chest and once in each of his hind legs. “I never thought for a second those guards would be able to deal with you. You’re good enough to go hoof to hoof with Ghast, you could easily take them on and then some.” William’s only response was a painful groan. “Now, I have something I need to do.” Venn trotted up to the control panel and selected the coordinates for the bomb. The launch option presented itself on the screen and Venn placed his hoof over it hesitantly. “Please…don’t,” William managed in a pleading voice. The cinnamon stallion turned to him with saddened eyes. “My king demands it, I cannot disobey. My orders are clear; he’d want me to kill you too. But I am not ordered to do so, thus I get the luxury of showing you mercy. Though you tried to kill me and will likely try again in the future, this world cannot afford to lose you. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors, even if those endeavors include killing me.” Venn turned back to the panel and pressed the launch button. The missile silo hatch began to open and the large warhead emerged. Half a second later the bomb was launched. “You should get yourself out of here. I don’t think the guards will be very understanding all things considered.” William watched the cinnamon unicorn destroy the panels before making his escape. “Get up…” “I can’t,” William said in pain. “You have wings don’t you. Pick yourself up and hope that no more guards have been alerted to where we are.” “I-I’m sorry…” “Don’t apologize…we don’t have time to weep over failure. We must adapt to this new outcome. We must change our plans and figure out our next move.” William groaned in pain as he flapped his wings and took flight. With all his remaining strength his wings carried his agonized body through the halls of the base. Peryite gazed out unto the empty throne room before him. All the diplomats had been called out and the last negotiations were being made. The doors to the room opened and a single Union guard entered. “It is done sir, all the diplomats have negotiated their own terms for the peace agreement. We’re ready to make this official.” “Good, good,” Peryite repeated taking a deep breath. “Twilight…” “Are we finally ready,” Twilight said rising from her throne. “Yes child, come now; we should make this announcement to them all.” “Very well, shall we make our way to the balcony?” “Indeed.” Peryite and Twilight rose from their thrones and made their way through several halls into and up a flight of stairs. “Would you like the honors of bringing them to attention?” “Would be my pleasure dear sister,” Peryite said with a smile. The gray stallion opened a set of doors before him with magic and the two trotted onto the balcony. “Order! Order in the room.” The many diplomats from the Union and Alliance all grew silent at the voice of the king. “Thank you. Gentlecolts...this marks a momentous day for us all. Our efforts on this day have not been for naught. Through cooperation, diplomacy, and reasonability, we have reached common ground. Let it be known for all time, ON THIS DAY. THE WAR. IS OVER!” The room was filled with shouts of joy and jubilation of the likes of which none had seen. “Silence, silence once again! Let us make this official. Princess Twilight…” Twilight turned to Peryite who extended his hoof to her. “Peace…” Twilight shook Peryite’s hoof. “Peace…” The room remained silent before a several Union soldiers standing guard saluted Peryite and began chanting the anthem of the Union. Several Alliance soldiers began chanting their own anthem, this continued until the room was filled with the two anthems. Twilight and Peryite smiled upon the room of ponies with pleasure. The twin doors behind them opened once more and a young Union soldier galloped onto the balcony with a look of terror and uncertainty. “Is something wrong boy?” Peryite said turning to his distressed soldier. Twilight felt a knot in her stomach form as her gut told her something was wrong. The soldier whispered into his king’s ear for what seemed like an eternity to the lavender mare watching them. “WHAT!? Are you sure of this? When did it happen!?” “Approximately twenty minutes ago sir,” the soldier said lowering his head in fear. “Is something wrong?” Twilight asked fearing the answer. Peryite turned to her with eyes like dark marbles. “My soldier has just given me a report…a M.A.D. bomb has just been launched on one of our bases.” “W-w-what!? Peryite a-are you sure…?” The soldier opened up a documents folder and presented his king with a full report along with an image of the decimated base taken from a zeppelin. “Sure as the light of day,” Peryite said gritting his teeth. “Peryite. I ordered no such strike…w-why would I want to do this!?” “I don’t believe you ordered this attack, but that is beyond forgiveness. It maters little who has ordered this atrocity. The ceasefire agreement has been made void, I suggest you skin whoever bears responsibility for this, for he or she is the reason more will die.” “Brother, please!” “No, don’t call me that! Just…don’t…” Peryite sighed. “I suggest you take the diplomats for your alliance and leave. This is meant to be a bloodless meeting, word of this could spark a massacre on its own.” “Peryite…please…don’t let this happen.” “If I were to fail to respond to a weapon of mass destruction being used on us while we were supposed to be in a ceasefire no less, and make peace. Well, let’s just say none of my forces would ever trust me again. No, this is beyond reasoning; I assure you Twilight, peace is a between us now is a fallacy.” Twilight wanted to speak but couldn’t find the words. She watched in absolute sorrow as Peryite left her along with the soldier at his side.