Let there be War
It was another beautiful day in the land of Equestria. The sun was shinning, the grass was green, and there was life. No one knew of the horrors that awaited them over the horizon.
But they would, and soon.
"Spike, are you ready?" The purple Princess asked. "We have to meet the others."
"I'm ready Twilight." Spike assured.
"Do you have the snacks?"
"Check." Claw baked this morning.
"Both Pinhole projectors?"
"Check." Claw and hoof crafted.
"Blanket?"
"Check."
"Scrolls and quills?"
"Check and check."
"This will be amazing." Twilight cheered. "Both a magical and scientific phenomena."
"It's just an Eclipse." Spike spoke with a roll of his eyes. "What's the big deal?"
"Oh Spike, it's more than a big deal." She stated. "There hasn't been an complete solar Eclipse since Princess Luna was banished and..."
She never had a chance to finish because of a pink pony. This pony went by the name Pinkie Pie.
"Are you two ready, because I'm ready and..." She took a sharp gasp of air. "Is that a homemade Pinhole projector?"
"Ye-"
"That's amazing, does it work, how long did it take to make, will you..."
"Pinkie, we have to meet the others." Twilight spoke cutting her off.
"You're right!" Pinkie agreed "Let's go."
A little later and they were in Sweet Apple Acres. It had a nice open field were they could watch the Eclipse in peace. They decided to meet early and hang out like friends should. They talked, mostly Pinkie, and ate, mostly Pinkie.
"Well ah'll be." Applejack spoke. "That there was a great apple fritter you made Twilight, you sure there ain't no Apple family blood in you?"
"I'm sure, but-"
"It's true Twilight." Pinkie bounced as she spoke. "I don't think I could bake anything better.
Now that was a compliment. Both Pinkie and Applejack were two of the town's best bakers.
"Thanks girls." Twilight spoke. "But I didn't bake them, Spike did."
All eyes turned to the baby dragon who was happily munching on a ruby. When he realized they were staring he paused and stared back.
"What?"
Pinkie Pie jumped into his face. "Spike these cookies are delicious, how long did it take to make, will you give me..." She was silenced by a well placed apple to the mouth.
"Woe there partner, let the little guy breath." Applejack spoke as she pushed the mare away. "Spike ah tip my hat at your skills."
"Spike these cookies are positively divine." Rarity complemented. "Truly delectable."
Just hearing her say that brought a blush even his thick scales couldn't hide.
"Thank you." He spoke with pride.
"Look." Pinkie pointed in wonder.
The Solar Eclipse was starting, five minutes at most to go. The mares and Spike each grabbed their Pinhole projector for the event, except one.
"Oh dear." Rarity whispered to herself.
"What's wrong Rarity?" Fluttershy asked softly. "If you don't mind telling."
"It seems that I have, uh misplaced my Pinhole projector." Rarity spoke in disappointed. "It seem's I'll miss the glorious Eclipse."
Each mare would have happily offered the unicorn their projector. Luckily or unluckily they never had the chance to offer theirs, Spike beat them to the punch.
"Here you go Rarity." Spike held the projector out. "I hope you don't mind a claw made projector."
"Spike I couldn't take it." She spoke. "You enjoy the Eclipse."
"I will." Spike assured.
"Oh, do you have a second?" she asked looking around.
"No."
"Then how?"
"I'm going to stare at the Eclipse." Spike announced.
"Now hold on there partner." Applejack announced. "No need to go messing up your eyes."
"Yeah." Rainbow Dash agreed "Even some pony as awesome as me wouldn't try that."
"No, you see I have brille."
This brought looks of confusion from the ponies, minus Twilight and Fluttershy. Twilight from all the books she's read and Fluttershy from all her experience with animals. Even the scary ones like dragons.
"Um, what are brille?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Look deep into my eyes and you will see." Spike ordered.
After rolling their eyes they did.
Spike opened his eyes wide and stared back. A greenish-yellow like transparent caps closed sideways over his eyes. They were like a pair of see through eyelids.
"Whoa!" Rainbow Dash shouted as she fell back. "Dude, that's creepy."
"Don't be rude Rainbow." Rarity scolded. "Especially to such a nice gentle-drake."
"Anything for you Rarity." He spoke dreamily.
"Hey, Gummy has those." Pinkie exclaimed. "He uses them when we go snorkeling."
"They aren't meant to be used like this." Twilight spoke in annoyance. "They are meant to keep dirt and water out." The purple mare explained. "Not the rays of an Eclipse."
"I'll be fine." Spike spoke confidently. I hope.
"It's starting." Fluttershy spoke.
"Don't complain if you go blind." Twilight stated.
The ponies turned to their projectors. The dragon looked directly at the upcoming Eclipse. He didn't know if his brille would work like he said. They were made to keep dirt out and see underwater, not through an eclipse. But he wanted Rarity to see it more than himself. Let's hope being a dragon gives me a bit of Eclipse immunity.
Spike had to admit, Twilight was right. This was an amazing event, a work of nature. He wondered why the princesses didn't do it more often. Doing this rarely keeps it special I guess.
As they watched he felt a familiar sensation in his stomach. It was like his fire was being gently forced out. A letter.
As silently as possible belched the parchment out. He would usually tell Twilight immediately, but not now, for now he just wanted them to enjoy themselves.
He watched them as they gazed in wonder. He loved them, they were his best friends, his family and his very hoard. To a dragon the hoard is their very pride, that was everything.
All too soon it was over.
"That was amazing." Spike announced.
"It was nice." Fluttershy agreed. "Too bad Angel wasn't here."
"Thank you Spike." Rarity spoke giving him a kiss on the cheek "I truly enjoyed the Eclipse."
Pinkie began shuttering, it was her Pinkie senses.
"I feel a doozy!" She announced "And it's a big one!" She eyed the letter in Spike's claw. "And it's coming from there!"
"What's that Spike?" Twilight asked cautiously.
"A letter from the Princess." Spike answered with caution to Pinkie's statement. "I thought it wasn't that important during the Eclipse."
Twilight practically snatched the letter from Spike's claws and began reading. She, like every pony else, had learned never to question Pinkie's senses. If she said it was a doozy then was, this was a big one.
As she read her purple mane began to untidy itself and her ear began twitching. These were the signs that she was stressed and near a breakdown. What scared them the most was that she didn't have her crazed smile. She had a frown on her face that spoke more than any crazed smile.
"Twilight?" Spike called cautiously. "Are you okay?"
"...No."
"What's wrong dear?"
"The Changelings." she answered. "They've just declared war on Equestria."
The mares wasted no time in running toward the town hall. They had to inform the Mayor immediately, and the rest of Ponyville. It wasn't long before a meeting was underway and news spread.
The ponies didn't take it too well.
"Please stop!"
"We're doomed!"
"Every pony..."
"Ahh"
"If you would please..."
They were in the town hall were the announcement of war with the Changelings was announced.
Practically every pony was in a frenzy of panic. They were running around screaming in despair. The only ones who were calm were the mane six, Spike and the mayor. They were in the process of trying to calm the panicked citizens.
"STOP!" Twilight shouted in 'The Royal Canterlot voice'.
The ponies froze.
"I know that you're all afraid." Mayor Mare spoke "We all are, but everything is under control."
"How?" one Pegasus asked.
"Allow me to explain." Twilight stepped forward. "An army is being built as we speak. The Princesses are sending a Calvary to take in any volunteers."
"When?" The same Pegasus asked.
"We're already here." A voice spoke.
"Shining Armor!" Twilight called in joy.
"Hello Twili!" He returned.
After embracing in a quick hug they began the business. Twilight watched as he became a soldier before her very eyes.
"I am Shining Armor, former Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard and Prince of the Crystal Empire." He announced. "I am here for any pony willing to assist in the war." He eyed the crowd. "We mostly need soldiers and ponies for the medical field, no training is necessary. It will be provided for you once you join the ranks." He eyed them again. "Any pony?"
It was obvious many were reluctant to step forward.
"Any pony who joins will be paid well." He spoke. "You're families will also gain a large...compensation in case you...don't return."
"I'd like to volunteer." Mr. Cake stated.
"Honey, no!" Mrs. Cake cried. "Think of your kids!"
"I am." He answered. "That's why I'm doing this."
A soldier stepped up and began to ask questions.
"Name?"
"Carrot Cake."
"Position?"
"Soldier."
"Are you sure about your decision?" The soldier pony asked. "Any pony able to take your responsibilities?"
"I can." Pinkie announced. "I can help with the babies and shop."
"Are you sure on your choice?"
"Yes."
"Welcome to the army." He pointed opposite Fluttershy. "Stand there."
"I volunteer." Big Mac spoke.
"Name?"
"Macintosh Apple."
"Position?"
"Soldier."
"Are you sure about your decision?" The soldier asked. "Any pony able to take your responsibilities?"
"Ah can take care of the farm." Applejack announced. "If'n y're sure you want to do this."
"Eeyup."
"Welcome to the army." He pointed to Mr. Cake. "Stand there."
"I volunteer." A feminine voice spoke. "To be a soldier."
"Lyra!" Another spoke. "You can't be a soldier!"
"Of course I can." She stated. "Can't let all of the stallions hog the glory."
"Then I vol..." Bon-Bon didn't get to finish, she was silenced by a well placed kiss.
"Who's going to take care of our home?" Lyra asked. "You're the only one who can ."
"Fine." Bon-Bon conceded. "Just come back to it."
"I will." Lyra assured before gaining a lustful look. "Just be ready to give me a good horn waxing when I get back."
The blush Bon-Bon had was amazing.
"I hope that you'll accept one of zebra kind." A smooth voice spoke. "For I heal and only battle with my mind."
"...I assume you want to join the medical field?" Shining asked, not familiar with Zecora's speech. "Any experience?"
With a simple nod of the head she was in.
From there on there where no more volunteers. The Cutie Mark Crusaders tried but that was quickly shot down. No pony else wanted to step forward. Shining Armor did his best trying to coax out a few more to join, none did.
A scaly claw went into the air.
Pinkie began to shake.
"I feel another doozy."
"I volunteer."
There was a short pause and gasp of surprise.
"Name?"
"Spike."
"Wha-Spike no!" Twilight spoke frantically. "You can't join a war."
"Twilight I need to." He stated seriously. "No pony else will."
"Well I'm sure one of these able bodied ponies will volunteer." Rarity spoke before turning to the citizens. "Any pony?" She eyed the masses. "Come on, any pony!" There was silence. "Your all really going to let a baby fight!?"
"Well, why don't you volunteer?" The Pegasus from earlier challenged. "Your one of those Elements aren't you?"
Shining Armor stepped forward to his sister's friend's defense.
"As one of the Elements of Harmony." He stated. "She has already been drafted, as have the rest."
"We are?" Fluttershy asked frightened.
"Yes, but not as soldiers." He spoke. "You all will be working directly under Princess Celestia, Luna and Twilight from here."
"See that Spike." Twilight spoke happily. "You don't have to volunteer, you can just assist us here."
"No." He stated without meeting her gaze. "I...want to be a soldier."
"Don't be ridiculous!" Rarity begged. "War is no place for you Spikey-wikey."
Usually Rarity would have had Spike as putty in her hooves. Not now, he was too determined to let his love stop him. It was the very thing pushing him forward.
"I'm not Spikey-wikey." He stated shocking every pony and himself. "I'm a dragon and I have to protect my hoard."
"Then you have nothing to fear Spike." Twilight spoke relieved. "The Changelings don't want gems but..."
"No, you." He spoke, trying to get her to understand. "All six of you, you're all my hoard."
They were touched by the sentiment. They knew that to a dragon, the hoard is everything. It was more to them than even their very lives, it was already greater than the lives of others.
But they couldn't just let him go into a war. It was far to dangerous for a baby, dragon or otherwise.
"Spike..." Twilight faltered looking for an answer. "You're too young."
"Dragons age and mature differently." Shining stated.
"Shining" Twilight shouted in disbelief. "How could you?"
"Who will help Twilight?" Fluttershy tried.
"Owlicious." Spike answered.
"How would we send and receive letters from Princess Celestia?"
"Owlicious." Spike answered again.
"What about your pet Peewee?"
"I trust you all." He answered.
"Why must you do this?"
"I need to do it!" Spike shouted. "I need to do something meaningful in my life." He sighed "I can't just assist you forever you know, besides, you'll learn everything eventually."
"Spike..." The girls eyes began to water.
"Spike I forbid you from doing this." Twilight stated as her wings flared.
"You can't stop me." He stated painfully.
This was killing Spike on the inside. They've always protected me. He wanted to protect them, keep them safe, not hurt them. Why won't they let me protect them?
"I can." Her horn began to glow threateningly.
Shining Armor stepped forward. He took a spot in between Spike and Twilight.
"Twili, we need him." The older Unicorn spoke. "We need all the soldiers we can get."
"But he's just a baby!" She cried. "You don't have to take him!" She spoke desperately. "Do this as a favor to your little sister." Another thought. "You and Cadence must have some pull..."
"Princess! Twilight! Sparkle!" He shouted in a tone she wasn't familiar with, not from her brother. "Are you asking a soldier and a Prince to break the law in a time of war?"
"Shining?" She was intimidated.
"We are heavily outnumbered." He continued. "Our forces have already been stretched thin." He pointed to Spike "He wants to fight for Equestria just as much as them." pointing to Big Mac and Mr. Cake. "He wants to fight for you."
This was no longer her big brother speaking to her. This was the Prince of the Crystal Empire. The Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard. A soldier.
"Then let me go with him." Twilight begged.
"As a Princess you have other responsibilities then fighting." He eyed the other elements. "You all do."
Twilight bowed her head in defeat. The hot tears in her eyes finally broke free.
"I hate you Shining." She whispered just loud enough for him to hear.
That cut Shining Armor deep, deeper than any sword could hope to cut him. He wanted to beg his sister for her forgiveness but he couldn't, he was a soldier first.
"I'm truly sorry." He stated monotonously.
"Buck your apology!" She shouted.
The stallion looked down at his sister and knew she wouldn't budge on the subject.
"I'm sorry Spike, but I legally can't allow you to join." He stated. "Twilight is right, dragon or not, you're still a baby. Unless she allows you to join, their's nothing I can do."
"Okay." Spike mumbled.
"Say your goodbyes, tomorrow you'll be shipped of as soldiers of Equestria." Shining ordered to the soldiers. "If any pony changes his or her mind, we will be taking these ponies away tomorrow, come and register then."
There were no more volunteers.
Spike had tried everything he could think of to convince Twilight to allow him to enlist. He tried from a patriotic point of an Equestrian trying to defend his home. He tried to tell her his very instincts were telling him to enlist to protect his hoard, them. He even tried to ask the other mares for assistance, but they decided not to get in the middle of it.
"No Spike!" Twilight stated for the umpteenth time.
"I given you over a dozen good reasons on why I should enlist Twilight!" Spike spoke in frustration. "Give me one on why I can't!"
"Spike, I can give you several good reasons." She spoke without looking at him. "But now is not the time, we have a lot to prepare for."
"I just want to hear one!" He demanded.
"So would we, Twilight." A regal voice spoke.
The ponies and dragon turned to the voice in shock. It was Princess Celestia and Luna.
"Princesses!" Twilight spoke in shock. "When did you-How long have you-"
The Princesses shared a small chuckle at the young Alicorn's expense.
"I didn't think any pony but Pinkie could sneak up on a pony like that." Rainbow Dash whispered.
"Old habits." The Princess stated. "Now, onto Spike."
"You don't honestly think he should enlist, do you?" Twilight asked in shock.
"He would be a great asset." Princess Luna spoke.
"He's just a baby?!" Rarity exclaimed.
"His scales are tougher than any pony hide and his claws can rend flesh." Luna took a moment to look at his claws before adding. "When sharpened."
"Plus his fire." Celestia spoke. "It can work both offensively and as a vital source of information transportation."
"So you want him to be courier?"
"When necessary."
"And a fighter when necessary." Luna added. "Twilight, war is upon us and we can not keep making decisions based on personal feelings. That will cost more lives than could have been saved through sacrifices of the heart."
"It's a painful reality." Princess Celestia stated. "But we must think of all our subjects before we ever make a decision regarding one."
"So you want me to let Spike go into a war?!" Twilight asked without meeting their gaze.
Princess Celestia knew how much her student regarded her, just her opinion was like law to her. If she said 'Yes' to her, then she would allow Spike to join the war. Princess Luna knew this as well, she also knew that Twilight held her in high regards as well, though not as high as Celestia. If she told the mare to let the dragon join, she would. Neither of these were good in the end. The decision had to be solely Twilight's and uninfluenced.
"It is your choice." Celestia spoke. "Spike is your ward."
Twilight was conflicted, she wished one of the Princesses had just gave a direct answer. It would make everything much more bearable for her, if only just.
"Why don't we just use the Elements to blast those bugs away?" Rainbow asked. "The Elements are in the Tree of Harmony, we can go get them and..."
She was silent when the Princess of the Sun and Moon turned their gaze to her. It was unnerving how their gaze pierced through her.
"Even if thou were to retrieve the Elements, it would do thee no good." Princess Luna spoke. "Tis not a weapon, but an instrument to keep a certain balance."
"Nightmare Moon, a corruption of the mind and heart." Celestia stated. "Discord, a being of unbalance. They would have worked on Tirek because of the unbalance in magic he wrought."
"But not a war." Twilight whispered.
"No." The Princesses answered.
"Why not sick Discord on them?" Pinkie asked. "I'm sure he'd love to go all chaos on their flanks."
"We do not wish to...over stimulate him into his old ways." They spoke uneasily. "He will serve where can."
"Excuse me, Princesses." Rarity spoke. "If you don't mind me asking, how did this war situation come about? Surely this isn't something done on a whim."
"You're right Rarity." Princess Celestia spoke. "This isn't out of the blue. The Changeling Queen met us and...
~Flashback
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sat on their respective thrones. Their guards at the ready for anything, as were they.
Before them was Queen Chrysalis, ruler of the Changeling hives. Her Hive-lings, but guards and children to her, stood as ready as the ponies.
"Why has thou come here Queen of Changelings?" Princess Luna asked. "It should be clear that your presence is unwelcome."
"I have come here for negotiations." The Changeling Queen spoke in her echoed voice.
"Why should Equestria negotiate anything with those who once tried to invade?" Luna asked coldly.
"I did what I had to do to feed my children, no matter the costs." The Queen answered.
"So an invasion?" Celestia asks calmly.
"My kind are starving in the Badlands and your Kingdom is literally overflowing with love." The Queen stated calmly. "It was an act of desperation."
"You still haven't told us why you've come."
"I've come seeking seeking one thing, or rather one pony." She spoke. "We come for Princess Mi Amore Cadenza."
"What?!" The Princesses of the Sun and Moon exclaimed.
"The Princess of love personified." The Queen spoke. "Unlike Shining Armor, she is an Alicorn, she is immortal. With her, the Changelings will never go hungry again. My children and those of any and all Queens after me will have no reason to go against Equestria."
"No." Princess Celestia stated with finality.
"Then we will take her!" Chrysalis shouted.
"Thou art mad!" Luna shouted. "Your Changelings are weak, starving and have little to no resources. You and your kind will be crushed under Equestria!"
"That was true, some time ago, before the wedding." The Queens stated with a smirk. "We are stronger than then and our numbers are immeasurable and can easily be replaced with little time. As for resources, we require nothing like the items you ponies need, we are our own weapons and your ponies will be our resources, our food."
It was a dark truth, any pony captured by the Changelings would be nothing but livestock.
"And where pray tell tell did you suddenly get such strength?" The Night Princess asked.
"I must thank the lovely couple." She stated, confusing the Alicorns. "We were hit by pure love, did you honestly think it would have no affect on the Changelings?"
Her statement was pretty sound. It was something that they should have looked into.
"Enough of these games." Princess Celestia spoke, finally losing her patience. "We will not give away a pony to be used as a livestock and we will not be intimidated."
"Then let there be war." The Queen spoke before disappearing in a flame.
~End Flashback
"That was several months ago and we have been fighting ever since." Princess Celestia stated sadly.
The ponies and dragon sat in silence to absorb what they had heard. It was hard to believe that a war could be declared over a simple meeting.
"How come nopony has ever heard of the war?" RD asked.
"We've been trying to keep the citizens from panicking and keep the peace." Princess Luna answered. "A happy community is a successful community."
"Wait a second." Pinkie Pie spoke, breaking the silence. "You said that as a Princess, you had to, and I quote- 'We must think of all our subjects before we ever make a decision regarding one' right?"
"I did."
"Then why didn't you give them Princess Cadence?" Pinkie asked. "Where you trying to call her bluff?"
"No Pinkie, I would never make a bluff or any kind of joke when war is involved." There was a flash of pain across her eyes that showed her age. "I've seen to much war to ever find humor in it." Princess Luna nodded in understanding. "I can not simply give a pony away, they are not items." Princess Celestia spoke. "I'm sure she would have made the sacrifice, but that would have brought about problems of their own." She turned to her former student. "Can you tell me what they are?"
Twilight wracked her brain for any of the suitable answers the Princess was looking for.
"The Crystal Ponies would no doubt be upset about the loss of their Princess who helped save them from Sombra." She answered. "It would have caused a stir, which...could have grown into a full out rebellion, which could have led to a civil war."
"And?" Luna pressed.
"Other nations would no doubt take notice of our situation and would try to take advantage of it." Twilight continued. "It could lead to war against them."
The Princesses nodded in agreement.
"There was also no proof that the Changelings would have kept their word and not attack." Pinkie stated. "They didn't Pinkie promise."
"Either way, a war would have ravaged these lands." The Sun Princess sighed. "That is the opposite of what Equestria represents. It is a place of freedom, equality and prosperity."
"Does thou not think that is worth fighting for?" Princess Luna asked. "Spike does."
All eyes turned to the baby dragon who had been forgotten. He had been silent while he listened to the ponies and Princesses talk.
"Shining Armor said that we were already recruited, what did that mean?"
"You ponies, and dragon, have faced off against beings that threatened our home." Princess Luna stated. "Did you not think we wouldn't call upon you for this?"
There was a moment of silence as they considered the words. Shining Armor and his soldiers came for volunteers, for them to be drafted was a shock.
"We are all going to have to do our part." Princess Celestia stated. "Ponies will have to have their lively hoods changed for the sake of a better tomorrow, these are the sacrifices of war."
"What sacrifices?" Rainbow asked. "Just point me in the direction of those bugs and we can crush them like we did in Canterlot! Seriously, we took out a hundred of them easy."
"Do not be cocky Rainbow Dash!" Princess Luna ordered. "It will get thee or those considered friend killed. What thou faced were but starving children while you were at your peak, what is coming will not be that easy."
"What we will be facing are armies of Changelings that outnumber us a dozen to one, at best." Her sister spoke. "For every pony we lose there forces can replace and we cannot."
"Whoa."
"If it's any consolation, you all will not often be placed on the front lines like soldier, but in places were you can be of the most use." Princess Celestia spoke with a small smile. "Maybe healing or commanding, someplace of where you will do the most good."
"And Spike?" Twilight asked, hoping he would be placed beside her.
"The choice is still up to you."
Everypony and dragon watched as the mare struggled with herself. They knew it was one of the, if not the hardest, decision, she had ever made. She was basically deciding between her family and her country.
"Fine!" She shouted. "He can join!"
There was no jumping for joy or cry of celebration. They all knew what was at stake, even Pinkie kept with the respectable silence.
All Spike did was embrace the mare with an emotional hug which she returned.
"Thank you." He whispered.