Prologue

PROLOGUE

Chaos. That was the best thing Captain Rainbow Dash of the Wonderbolts could describe the scene surrounding her.

All around her, Equestrian soldiers clashed with King Sombra’s mind-controlled slave soldiers, fighting to the death.

The dying cries of her comrades filled her ears, while Sombra’s forces remained silent, simply dropping to the snowy ground like flies.

She couldn’t help but pity them. Despite the fact they were the enemy, they had been forced against their will to fight, the helmets they wore bending them to the Shadow King’s will.

And this was something that both saddened and angered the pegasus.

The very fact that King Sombra was sending innocent crystal ponies to fight made her sick to her stomach. How could he possibly sink so low? She thought, gritting her teeth.

A charging Crystal Warrior snapped her out of her thoughts, and she nimbly dodged the swipe of his hooves, before kneeing him in his stomach, knocking the wind out of him.

Rainbow Dash eyed the unconscious pony, a ping of sadness in her battle-hardened eyes. She was broken out of her trance when three more erupted from the snow.

She cursed under her breath, and took off before the warriors could pile on top of her. She managed to get a good view of the battlefield from her new position.

All over the field, the bodies of dead or wounded warriors were scattered, accompanied by broken equipment such as catapults and ballistae, the formerly white snow stained red with the blood of the fallen.

The sight made her heart sink. She wanted to cry, but she couldn’t. She was too used to it, by now.

She then saw King Sombra in the distance, standing atop a spire of black crystal, observing the carnage. Sadness gave way to anger, her magenta eyes narrowed in fury.

“Sombra…” She hissed, her voice dripping with rage. The very sight of the tyrant made her blood boil. She remembered her first battle against him.

She was just a cadet, then, fresh from the academy, eager to fight the Empire. That day, she decided to take on Sombra herself, against Spitfire’s orders to stay with the squadron.

She had reasoned that if she took out Sombra then and there, the war would be over, and she would be hailed as the pony who defeated the greatest evil in the history of Equestria.

Unfortunately, instead of a battle that would be spoken of in legends, it became one of Rainbow Dash’s greatest regrets.

The two clashed, and the odds were woefully in Sombra’s favor, while Rainbow Dash was badly beaten, a good chunk of her ear torn off by a wayward crystal, and her left eye scarred, as was the back of her head.

But the greatest wound she received from the battle was one that still haunted her: She had lost her wing.

It took the intervention of Princess Celestia herself to prevent King Sombra from doing any further damage, allowing Spitfire to rescue her.

This battle, along with many others, had taught her that war was not a game, but survival.

Since then, the young pegasus harbored a deep hatred for the king. She wanted to fight him again, to make him pay for what he did to her that day.

However, she knew that if she attacked him, the results would be the same. She sighed, her gaze relaxing as she regained her composure.

Her train of thought was broken when she noticed two earth ponies on the ground surrounded by a squad of Crystal Warriors.

One of them had a pale pink coat and a straight, dark pink mane with matching tail, along with light blue eyes.
The one beside her had a bluish gray coat, a short, grayish blue violet mane with matching eye shadow and tail, and light turquoise eyes.

The two were clad in the gray and magenta jumpsuits and armor of the Rock Trooper Corps.

Her eyes widened. She recognized them. They were the same Rock Troopers from earlier, the ones who saved her from a boulder that almost crushed her. It was quite a coincidence that she would see them again so soon.

This time, however, they were having trouble of their own. They fought well against the enemy squad, but Rainbow Dash could tell they were exhausted.

She looked back at Sombra, and then back at the soldiers below. She sighed, making her decision. Looks like it’s time to return the favor, she thought. With a mighty whoosh, she soared towards the combatants, leaving a rainbow trail in her wake.

Pinkamena Diane Pie, lieutenant of the Rock Trooper Corps, bashed her hoof across the helmed face of a Crystal Warrior, knocking him to the ground. She stood close to her sister, lieutenant Maud Pie, as the enslaved ponies circled around them.

Such a sight would unnerve other ponies, but the Pie Sisters have fought against much worse during the war. The Crystal Empire’s mere grunts were nothing compared to Sombra’s other servants. Another Crystal Pony swung his hoof at her, aiming for her leg, but Pinkamena blocked the attack and head-butted him.

Another tried to attack Maud, but the gray mare ducked and punched him right in the back. The Pie Sisters continued to fight off the Crystal Warriors, but despite their efforts, their opponents continued to close in.

Things looked grim. Regardless, Pinkamena was not willing to give up. She was a Rock Trooper, and Rock Troopers do not surrender.

If she was going to go down, then she would go down fighting. Determination burned in her light blue eyes, as she blocked another punch. Just then, they heard a ‘whoosh’, as a rainbow-colored blur zoomed down from below and landed on the ground in front of the two earth ponies, kicking up snow.

Pinkamena peeked between her front hooves to see a pegasus mare in the blue bodysuit and armor of the Wonderbolts. She had a light blue coat of fur, a short rainbow colored mane that hung over the right side of her face, and a tail that was also the same variety of colors.

Her magenta eyes were steeled with determination. A good chunk of her left ear was missing, and a scar ran down her left eye. But her most distinguished feature was her metal left wing.

Pinkamena recognized her as the same pegasus she and her sister saved from being crushed by a boulder pushed by Sombra’s soldiers. It would appear she decided to return the favor. The pegasus observed the enemy troops, her gaze unwavering.

“You have one chance to back off,” She told them, her raspy voice low and filled with danger. “If I were you, I’d take it.” The Crystal Warriors ignored her warning and charged.

Rainbow Dash bared her teeth and charged at them in turn, letting out a shrill battle cry as her hoof collided with the face of one Crystal Warrior.

The crystal pony tumble from the attack, and was launched into the air by a kick from the new combatant. The cyan pegasus turned to another Crystal Warrior, this one armed with a spear, as it lunged at her, aiming for her heart.

Rainbow Dash dodged, narrowly missing the tip of the spear, and swung her hind leg against the back of her attacker’s head. The sound of bones cracking could be heard as the crystal pony fell to the ground on its belly.

Another Crystal Pony charged, hoping to tackle Rainbow Dash to the ground, but the Wonderbolt leaped into the air, her wings keeping her aloft. She dived toward her opponent, kicking him to the ground, rendering him unconscious.

She could hear the sound of another pony approaching her. She turned to face the Crystal Warrior, a mare, judging by her physique.

The Crystal Warrior jumped towards her with an outstretched hind leg, hoping to strike the pegasus square in her face. Dash, however, jumped out of the way, and swooped in to attack. She tackled the mare to the ground, the two struggling in each other’s grip.

Rainbow raised her hoof, and brought it down hard on the helmet, smashing it. She repeated the attack until the helmet was finally smashed open, revealing the mare’s face.

Before Rainbow Dash could continue, she noticed the green glow in her opponent’s eyes fading, replaced with a faded blue.

Rainbow Dash stopped herself, her steely gaze softening as she looked at the crystal pony’s face. The mare managed to look at the Wonderbolt with her weary eyes, before losing consciousness.

The young pegasus was puzzled by what she saw. Did she just free one of Sombra’s soldiers? She was so surprised by what she just experienced, that she did not noticed the remaining Crystal Pony approaching her from behind.

However, before he could deliver a killing blow, he was struck by a flying stone to his head, knocking him off his hooves and onto the ground, unconscious.

The sound of stone colliding with metal awoke Captain Dash from her state. She turned around and saw the warrior’s unconscious form, and then heard hooves approach from the direction of the stone.

She turned around and came face to face with one of the Rock Troopers, Pinkamena.

“Thanks for the save.” She said, her voice monotone and emotionless. It was the kind of voice that sent shivers down ponies’ spines.

Captain Dash, however, was not one to be unnerved by such things. She nodded. “Just returning the favor,” She replied, saluting, the earth pony returning it in kind. “It’s the least I can do after what you did earlier. Tell me, what are your names?”

“Pinkamena Diane Pie, 1st lieutenant, Rock Trooper Corps, reporting for duty.” Answered Pinkamena, her face straight and serious. Her sister approached the two. “Maud Pie, 1st Lieutenant, Rock Trooper Corps.” She spoke as she saluted.

Rainbow Dash nodded, as she saluted as well. “Rainbow Dash, Captain, Air Cavalry, Wonderbolts 1st Squadron.” She said.

“It is an honor to meet you, Captain Dash.” Said Pinkamena in her stoic tone.

“And it’s an honor to fight alongside brave ponies like you.” Replied Dash. She then turned her attention to the unconscious crystal mare lying on the ground.

Her expression was one of sympathy. Despite the fact she attacked her earlier, she was still a victim of King Sombra’s ambitions. She couldn’t just leave her there.

Maud seemed to have read her mind. “What should we do with her?” She asked. After what felt like an eternity of thought, Rainbow Dash turned to her. “Take her back to our lines.” She said. “I’m gonna regroup with my squadron.”

Maud nodded, as she picked up the crystal pony, carrying her on her back. As the two earth ponies trotted off, Rainbow Dash took to the skies once more.

She scanned the skies, hoping to find her squadron among the blue-clad pegasi that swarmed the skies, swooping down to strike their enemy from above.

Sure enough, she spotted them, recognizing the Wonderbolt insignia, a golden lightning bolt, emblazoned on their uniforms.

She soared towards them, managing to hook up with them. However, she was intercepted by a black blur.

What the hay?! She mentally cried. She managed to get a good look at her attacker, and her eyes widened in shock and horror.

Hovering right in front of her was a massive pegasus in a black and gray armored jumpsuit. His coat was not the dull color of a Crystal pony, but the brighter color of an Equestrian On his chest was a blood red insignia in the shape of a lightning bolt with bat wings. Rainbow Dash's eyes widened. This wasn't a Crystal Pegasus. This was a Pegasus from the rumored Imperial Storm Rider Corps.

Rainbow Dash had heard about these renegade Pegasus ponies. They were once members of the Royal Air Cavalry, before they defected and joined King Sombra, believing it was best to fight for the strongest side.

They were said to be vicious warriors, unhindered by mercy or compassion. It was said that they were a terrifying sight on the battlefield. Campfire stories were told of how they would attack the enemy, and leave mangled corpses in their wake.

However, Rainbow Dash was not one to be unnerved by such stories. After battling King Sombra, she thought, A Storm Rider pegasus wasn't all that scary.

She narrowed her eyes and charged the stallion, her opponent responding in kind.

The two were locked in an aerial duel, trading blows with one another. Rainbow Dash blocked a strike from her opponent, and dodged a swipe at her belly.

She then dive-bombed toward the pegasus, kicking him square in the chest. The stallion groaned as he staggered, and Rainbow Dash kicked him hard in the head, knocking him out and sending him falling to his doom.

Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but let a smirk of satisfaction creep across her face. She had just fought a Storm Rider, and defeated him. However, she had no time to celebrate her victory, as she turned to the direction her squad mates were in, and saw they too were struggling against the newcomers.

She flew towards them, kicking a Storm Rider away from Soarin’. The pony’s green eyes widened at the sight of his savior.

“Crash!” He said in a mixture of shock and relief. “You’re alright! We thought we lost you!”

“It’ll take more than Sombra’s goons to stop me,” Rainbow Said. “You should know that by now, Clipper.” She then noticed somepony missing. “Where’s Commander Spitfire?” She asked.

“She flew off after one of them,” Answered Soarin’. “I don’t know why, but when she got a good look at him, she was pretty steamed. I wanted to help, but she told me to stay put. Said it was personal.”

Rainbow Dash quirked an eyebrow. It wasn’t everyday that Spitfire got angry (Well, except when dealing with new recruits who got under her skin), but she wasn’t one to leave her squadron to pursue an enemy on her own.

Rainbow Dash pondered the scenario, until she caught a glimpse of Spitfire in the distance, fighting against a cerulean blue pegasus stallion. Judging by how Spitfire was fighting with great ferocity, and her faint cries of how she was going to rip out her opponent’s heart and feed it to him, she was out for this pony’s blood. Her opponent, however, nimbly dodged her strikes with little to know effort. He was clearly taunting her.

Rainbow Dash flew as fast as she could to the two combatants, ignoring Soarin’s cries, hoping to help Spitfire, only for another renegade Pegasus to block her.

“Not so fast, little filly,” The warrior spoke in a guttural voice. “No one’s gonna interfere with General Wind Rider on our watch.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened like saucers. General Wind Rider? As in the Wind Rider? Was this pegasus saying that one of the most famous Wonderbolts, a Wonderbolt she admired since she was a filly, was fighting for King Sombra?

Her stomach churned as a feeling of dismay fell over her. Dismay was followed by betrayal… and then a feeling of rage.

Any ounce of respect and admiration for the old Wonderbolt she had was immediately dashed at the sound of this revelation.

She narrowed her eyes and bared her teeth.

“Get out of my way.” She growled in a voice that would make even a dragon stop dead in his tracks. The enemy pegasus just laughed, clearly not threatened by the mare’s change in attitude.

“So, the little filly thinks she can take on a stallion?” He mocked.

“Get. Out. Of. My. Way!” She snarled, her expression turning into one of pure anger. She was not in the mood for this stallion’s mocking.

“Or what?” Asked the stallion, a smug grin on his face. “I can take you down with one hoof behind my back.”

“You and what army?” Asked the irate pegasus mare, her eye twitching. As if on cue, six more Storm Riders surrounded her. Dash’s face became one of shock. You just had to ask, she mentally chastised herself.

The pegasi charged, swarming Rainbow Dash in black blurs. Dash had barely any time to react when one drove his hoof into her belly. She gasped in pain, spit flying out of her mouth, as she was sent flying back.

Rainbow Dash recovered instantly and flapped her wings, allowing her to hover in the air.

She breathed heavily, trying to catch her breath, as the Storm Riders charged. “Storm Riders, strike for King Sombra!” She heard one of them call out.

Soon she found herself dodging blows from the enemy. As she did she caught a glimpse of Spitfire’s unconscious form plummeting to the earth below, her opponent, apparently Wind Rider, diving after her and scooping her up in his front hooves.

“No!” Dash cried, trying to soar after her commanding officer, but no matter what she did, her opponents blocked her. She tried fighting them off, but she discovered that fighting just one Storm Rider was easier than fighting seven.

Regardless, she kept fighting. Spitfire wouldn’t have wanted her to give up, and she wasn’t going to now. However, despite her efforts, her opponents clearly had the numerical advantage. Rainbow Dash levitated, exhausted from fighting. I guess this is it, she thought, as her opponents closed.

“ALTIUS VOLANTIS- SOARING HIGHER!” Rainbow’s demise was cut short, as the Wonderbolt motto and battle cry rang in the ears of those present.

Before anyone could react, Soarin’ rushed in, kicking one of the Storm Riders right in the jaw, knocking him senseless. Fleetfoot, Blaze, and Surprise entered the fray as well, each one charging into an enemy pegasus.

Relief washed over Dash as her squad mates came to her rescue. Fleetfoot flew up to her. “You okay, Crash?” She asked. “I’m fine.” Rainbow answered, as the two dodged a swipe from their respective opponents before striking back in turn.

She saw Surprise trick two Storm Riders into crashing into one another, the white pegasus laughing triumphantly afterwards. Soon, the Storm Riders were defeated.

Rainbow Dash scanned the skies, looking for Spitfire, but there was no trace of her commanding officer. She attempted to fly off, only to be stopped by Blaze. “Dash, don’t!” Said the mare. “No,” Replied the cyan pegasus. “She might still be alive! I have to find her!” “We can’t start searching now,” Said Soarin’. “For all we know, she could be… well…”

“I HAVE TO FIND HER!” Shrieked Rainbow Dash. Soarin’ was silent, his ears folding back.

“Look! Down there!” They heard Surprise exclaim. They looked down to see Sombra’s Crystal Army retreating. It seemed Celestia had turned the tide, because Sombra was being carried off by two Storm Riders, weakened.

Rainbow’s eyes widened at the sight. Sombra? Defeated? A sense of satisfaction crept over her. She was hoping to see the monster limping away. Her only regret was that it wasn’t her who sent him running with his tail between his legs. The mare groaned as she felt weak, feeling the pain of her injuries. Immediately, Fleetfoot and Blaze caught her in the hooves.

“We better get you to base camp,” said Fleetfoot. “But, Spitfire…” Dash began. “We’ll find her eventually,” Soarin’ cut her off. “But right now, getting you help is our priority.” Rainbow was silent, and after what felt like forever, she nodded in reply.

The Wonderbolts flew off in the direction of their base, Rainbow Dash carried over Soarin’s back. As they did, Rainbow Dash sighed, a tear rolling down her face.

She lost many comrades to Sombra, and now, she may have lost her commanding officer.

She didn’t know whether she was dead, or worse, captured.

Considering what Sombra did to his prisoners, the former would be preferable to the latter. “Spitfire…” She whispered.

Meanwhile, with the Crystal Army, King Sombra was being supported by two of his elite Storm Riders. He was in really bad shape.
His armor was cracked in several places, a red scar ran across his face, and his horn was broken. A look of rage was on his face. Needless to say, he was not happy about his defeat.

One of his generals, a cerulean pegasus in black and gray armor, approached. Judging by his appearance, he was old, probably in his mid to late forties.

Sombra faced him. “Report.” He said bluntly. The stallion, remaining calm in front of his dark king, bowed slightly.

“The bad news, thanks to the Wonderbolts, Princess Celestia managed to push back our forces.” He said. “And the good news?” Asked Sombra. The pegasus smirked as he stood straight. “Thanks to my Storm Riders,” He continued, “We managed to capture their commander.”

As if on cue, two Crystal Warriors approached and tossed an unconscious pegasus mare to the ground. She was covered in bruises and scars, her orange mane messy from battle. She wore the unmistakable uniform of the Wonderbolts.

Sombra grinned evilly as he stood up straight, approaching the sprawled form of Commander Spitfire.

“You might be of use to me after all, Wind Rider.” He said.

Chapter 1: The Vision

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CHAPTER 1: THE VISION

Canterlot. The illustrious capital city of Equestria. For a long time, the city has stood as a beacon of culture and sophistication, home to the kingdom’s nobility and elite. Before the war, the city streets were filled with busy ponies, going to and fro about their business, and the members of the upper-class would gather at formal parties such as the Grand Galloping Gala, to spend time with friends and loved ones, discussing the latest topics and other things.

But now, the bustling streets are quiet, and the only thing spoken of is the looming threat of King Sombra and his army.

Ever since the war, the elite of Equestria had taken shelter in Canterlot, in search of safety from the war, while Canterlot’s citizens did what they could to help the cause, from making weapons and uniforms, researching spells to help tip the scales, to even serving in the E.U.P. Guard.

It was also here in Canterlot, that Celestia, Princess of the Sun, ruler of Equestria, and supreme commander of the Equestrian forces, made her home.

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The ivory alicorn princess had returned to Canterlot Castle after Equestria’s victory at the Borealis Fields. Many lives were lost, but eventually, the stalemate was broken, and the Crystal Armies commanded by King Sombra himself were pushed back into enemy territory, despite the efforts of the evil unicorn’s newly created Storm Rider Corps. Celestia herself fought against Sombra, and injured him greatly, forcing him to retreat back to the Crystal Empire.

However, it was in this battle that Spitfire, Commander of the elite Wonderbolts Squadron, was captured by the enemy. It pained Celestia to know that one of her best commanders, and trusted comrade, was in the clutches of King Sombra. Truly a fate worse than death.

She hoped Spitfire would remain strong and wouldn’t tell Sombra anything, including the greatest power known to all of ponydom. Heaven knows what would happen if he gained possession of them.

Celestia sighed as she made her way to the throne room. The two Pegasus guards at the door stood to attention as she approached. With the use of her magic, the doors swung open before her, revealing the enormous throne room.

Celestia stepped inside, walking down the aisle towards her throne, observing the rows of stained-glass windows on each side. These windows were made as reminders of major events in Equestria’s history, from the defeat of Discord to Tirek’s banishment to Tartarus.

She stopped when a particular window caught her eye. She walked over to it, a mournful look on her face. Painted on the window was an image of Celestia battling a black alicorn, with six jewels hovering over Celestia and striking the other alicorn with a rainbow of light.

Celestia sighed. She knew what this window depicted: the battle between her and her sister, Luna. She remembered that day. A thousand years ago, long before the Empire had returned, Celestia and Luna ruled Equestria together with fairness and justice. In those times, Celestia raised the sun, ushering the day, while her sister raised the moon, ushering the night.

However, while the ponies played and frolicked in the day, they shunned and slept through the night. Because of this, Luna became bitter and resentful, her heart consumed with envy. One day, Luna refused to lower the moon. Celestia tried to reason with her, but Luna’s bitterness was so great, that it changed her into a dark mare full of hatred: Nightmare Moon.

Nightmare Moon vowed to shroud all of Equestria in eternal night, and she fought her sister. The battle was great, and when it seemed like Nightmare Moon was victorious, Celestia harnessed the power of the Elements of Harmony- six powerful jewels- and used it to banish Nightmare Moon from Equestria and into the moon. Since then, Celestia took it upon herself to raise both the sun and moon.

Celestia hung her head. She may have defeated Nightmare Moon that day, but it was on that same day that she lost her sister. She tried to tell herself that she had no choice; that she had to save Equestria at all cost. But deep down, she felt nothing but guilt.

She snapped out of her trance and approached her throne, taking a seat. As she did so, she began to reminisce on recent events. First, of course, was the day she had found a student. Of course, Celestia had many students in her School for Gifted Unicorns, but to become Celestia’s personal student was an honor many young unicorns dreamed of. There was one unicorn in particular who succeeded: A mare named Sunset Shimmer.

Celestia remembered it well. Sunset was a true prodigy, full of potential. Her teachers were so amazed by her magical prowess, that Celestia made Sunset her personal protégé, intending to teach her the magic required to make her the next Alicorn Princess.

However, Sunset felt nothing but pride and ambition. She desired power, and when she did not achieve her desire as quickly as she liked, her heart darkened, making her cruel and dishonest. Celestia had tried to lead her down the right path, but Sunset refused to listen. She abandoned her studies, and left to pursue her own path.

Celestia did not know where Sunset was now, but she hoped she would return one day.

Later, on the day of the Summer Sun Celebration, Nightmare Moon had returned, determined to finish what she started only to mysteriously vanish. It was also on this day, that the Crystal Empire returned, and with it, King Sombra himself.

Celestia long speculated that Sombra had something to do with Nightmare Moon’s disappearance. If her assumption was correct, then Sombra possibly had plans for her. That theory made Celestia’s blood run cold.

On the topic of the Crystal Empire, Celestia had sent her niece, Mi Amore Cadenza, better known as Cadance, and a detachment of Royal Guards to the Empire to reclaim the throne.

However, her hopes for Amore's heir inheriting the Crystal Empire were shattered when she was told that Cadance was missing. According to the reports, her company was ambushed by Imperial troops. Cadance was separated from her escorts, who were forced to retreat back to Canterlot.

The news had broken her heart, knowing that Cadance was missing. Shining Armor, captain of the guard and Cadance’s fiancé, took it harder than most. The young stallion vowed that he would find her one day. But he was needed to lead the forces against Sombra, so vengeance would have to wait. Celestia could only hope that Cadance was safe.

The princess sighed, her eyes filled with sadness. Nothing was going right these days. First, Sunset abandoned her studies, then Nightmare Moon disappeared, then Cadance vanished the very day King Sombra regained control of the Crystal Empire, and now Equestria was locked in a war of attrition with Sombra and his empire.

True, the recent victory at the Borealis Fields sent the enemy back into their territory, but it was a minor setback at best.

Sombra still controlled the Crystal Empire, along with much of Equestria, his influence growing greater every day. And in every battle, Celestia would watch as her very subjects were killed or captured by the evil king. One victory was not enough to turn the tide. Celestia knew this.
If only Star Swirl was here, she thought.

Just then, she saw a light. The alicorn gasped in shock, entranced by the light. Her vision became cloudy for a moment. When it cleared, she saw six jewels floating before her. She recognized them immediately. The Elements, she thought.

Then, the vision changed, this time showing six young mares, five of them wearing golden necklaces, each with a different colored gem, and the other, a unicorn, wore a golden tiara with an amethyst star in it. Celestia recognized one of the ponies as Captain Rainbow Dash, a pegasus she saved from Sombra during the Battle of Rainbow Falls.

The vision changed again, showing her a bird’s eye view of Equestria. She saw six symbols on Equestria; a trio of red apples marking the small town of Ponyville; a trio of blue diamonds marking the city of Manehattan; a trio of pink butterflies marking the outskirts of the city of Fillydelphia; a rainbow-colored lightning bolt and a trio of balloons marking the outskirts of Foal Mountain; and a pink six-pointed star surrounded by five small white stars marking Canterlot; accompanying each symbol was one of the ponies she saw earlier. For every pony that was shown, Celestia heard their names: Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight Sparkle.

The vision changed once again, showing the same ponies wearing their regalia, the unicorn carrying a heart-shaped crystal, accompanied by a baby dragon, confronting King Sombra, who was flanked by two ponies in shadow. Before she could catch a glimpse of one of the mysterious ponies, there was a flash of light, and she was in the throne room once more.

Celestia was left speechless. At first, she thought it was just her battle-wearied mind playing tricks on her. However, she came to realize what it truly was. The Tree. The Tree of Harmony had given her a vision. A vision of how Equestria could win the war.

“Princess?”

Celestia was snapped out of her trance, turning to one of the guards. He had a look of concern on his face.

“Is something wrong?” He asked.

Celestia stood up.

“Summon Captain Shining Armor and Commander Stratos. I wave a task for them.” She replied.

“But why?” Asked another guard.

“I think I know how we can defeat Sombra once and for all.” Celestia answered.

The guards were silent for a minute, and then nodded.

“Yes, Princess.” They said, bowing. The two guards took off, leaving the throne room as the doors shut behind them. A few hours later, they returned, accompanied by two other ponies, both of them stallions.

The first was a unicorn. He had a white coat, and his mane and tail were a combination of different shades of blue. His eyes were blue as well. He was clad in purple and gold royal guard armor, showing that he was a high-ranking officer. His cutie mark was a dark blue shield with a pink six-pointed star in the center, and three light blue stars above it.

He was Shining Armor, Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard and one of the E.U.P. Guard’s supreme commanders.

The second was a pegasus. He had a brown coat, and his mane and tail were black in color. His eyes were a shade of gold. He wore a blue formal uniform of the E.U.P. Royal Air Cavalry. His cutie mark was a pair of light blue lightning bolts crossed together.

This was Stratos, Supreme Commander of the E.U.P. Guard Royal Air Corps, and captain of the elite Blue Wings Squadron.

The two commanders bowed before Celestia, showing her their respect.

“We came as quickly as we could, your highness.” Said Shining Armor.

“What is your command?” Asked Stratos.

“I have received a vision from the Tree of Harmony,” Said Celestia. “And I believe it has showed me how Sombra can be defeated, and who will defeat him.”

The two stallions raised their heads in surprise. After so many centuries, the Tree had spoken to Princess Celestia, and showed her a means to end the war against Sombra in their favor. An awkward silence fell over the two, only to be broken by Stratos. “Is this true?”

Celestia told them everything about what she saw, and after a few minutes, Shining Armor and Stratos nodded.

“We will send our best troops to gather these ponies, Princes,” Said Shining Armor, “But, it would help if we knew exactly who we were looking for.”

Celestia nodded and she closed her eyes. She began to concentrate, channeling her magic into her horn. Soon, her horn began to glow, and six beams of light shot out of it, creating images of the ponies from her vision.

Stratos recognized one of them as Captain Rainbow Dash of the Wonderbolts 1st Squadron, and another as a member of the Rock Trooper Corps, 1st Lieutenant Pinkamena Diane Pie, he believed. However, he did not recognize the four other ponies. One was an earth pony mare. She had an orange coat, a blonde mane and tail, green eyes, and freckles. She wore a light brown jumpsuit, and a camouflage apron and bandana.

Another was a unicorn mare with a white coat, blue eyes, a purple mane and tail, and light blue eyeshadow. She wore a purple jumpsuit and bandana.

The third was a pegasus mare with a yellow coat, a pink mane and tail, and light blue eyes. She wore a tan jumpsuit and headscarf.

And the final pony was a unicorn with a lavender coat, a dark blue mane and tail with purple and pink streaks, and lavender eyes. Shining Armor’s eyes widened when he saw her image.

“Twily…” He whispered.

Celestia noticed Shining Armor’s change in demeanor. She followed his gaze to the image of the lavender unicorn. “Do you know her, Captain?” She asked.

“Yes,” Answered Shining Armor. “She’s my sister. Her name is Twilight Sparkle. She once tried to enter your school, but she failed the entrance exam. Needless to say, she didn’t take it well.”

He hung his head, saddened as he remembered his little sister returning home, tears in her eyes. Celestia’s serious gaze changed to one of sympathy. She heard of Twilight Sparkle. Her parents had told her that she had much potential to become a powerful unicorn, maybe a new personal student. When she heard that she failed the exam, she was disappointed.

But, this time, maybe Twilight would have another chance. And defeating Sombra might just be the thing.

Celestia regained her royal posture, standing up from her throne.

“Gather your finest officers. Go and find these six ponies,” She said. “Tell them I seek their presence.”

Shining Armor and Stratos nodded, and left the throne room, the doors closing behind them. Celestia sat back down in her throne. The order had been given. Now all she needed to do was wait.

Wait for Equestria’s saviors to arrive.

Chapter 2: Gathering the Heroes: Applejack and Fluttershy

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CHAPTER 2: GATHERING THE HEROES: APPLEJACK AND FLUTTERSHY

In times long gone, Ponyville was a lively, peaceful town. A long time ago, it was founded by earth ponies, but in time, it became home to unicorns and pegasi as well. It was a place where everypony was happy, celebrated, played games, and worked together to make it an even better place to live.

But when the war started, everything changed.

Ponyville was all but deserted, only a few ponies living there, while most left to help the cause in any way they could. It was a shadow of its former self; many homes left abandoned and dilapidated, many structures refurbished for the purpose of supplying the E.U.P. Guard. Even Sugarcube Corner, once Ponyville’s greatest bakery, was changed to serve in the war effort.

However, the one place in Ponyville to suffer from the war, was Sweet Apple Acres, or, as it was called nowadays, Sweet Apple Factory.

Once, it was a humble apple farm, where the best apples were harvested, made into the best treats anypony ever tasted, and sold in Ponyville’s market. But now, the farm has been re-purposed into a factory for applesauce. Instead of making sweet treats, Sweet Apple Factory made sour rations for the E.U.P. Guard.

Sweet Apple Factory was also home to the Apple Family, the same family who founded Ponyville in the first place. It was especially home to one particular earth pony. One who would be instrumental in turning the tide of war.

Her name was Applejack.

**************************************

The orange earth pony mare made her way back to the factory, long after speaking with the mysterious purple alicorn. At first, she had found it strange that an alicorn came to her, but what was even stranger was that she knew her name, and was friends with her in another timeline.

But after awhile, she believed her. The alicorn had told her that she would find a way to fix everything, undo the damage that Sombra had done, the damage that this Starlight Glimmer had allowed him to do. Applejack hoped she did. It was bad enough her Equestria was ruined. She wouldn’t want Princess Twilight’s Equestria ruined as well.

Then she remembered what she said before; about how she and her friends defeated Sombra in her timeline.

That gave Applejack some hope that Sombra could be defeated in hers.

But most importantly, the Applejack of Princess Twilight’s Equestria was friends with her. Maybe she could be friends with the Twilight of this Equestria as well.

Applejack shook her head.

This was not the time to think about such things. Who has time for friendship when their kingdom is at war with a mad stallion and his empire? Applejack had a job to do. Her entire family had a job to do. She had to play her part in helping Equestria win the war. The rest of the Apple family was doing it. Her cousin Braeburn from Appleloosa even joined the E.U.P. Guard’s Stalwart Horseshoe Volunteer Corps, a military unit formed from eager ponies willing to fight for Equestria.

That was when she stopped in her tracks.

Fight.

The word echoed in her mind. She wanted to fight Sombra. She was doing her part in making food rations for the army, true, but she wanted to do more than that. She wanted to protect her family and her home. Her cousin was out fighting Sombra’s forces, and she was stuck in Ponyville, harvesting apples to bring back to the factory, where they were processed into sour applesauce.

She sighed, and continued her walk. Soon, she could see the smokestacks of the factory in the distance, belching clouds of smoke into the red skies. The sight made her heart sink. She remembered the old days when it was still the barn of her home, filled with all kinds of farm animals. She remembered the times when she was just a little filly, playing in piles of hay with her older brother Big Macintosh. She also remembered Granny Smith reading her bedtime stories at night.

And then… she remembered them. Her parents. Her father’s bravery. Her mother’s kindness. From the beginning they were there for her, raising her to carry on the family tradition of apple farming. What would they say, knowing that the farm she called home had become nothing more than a processing plant for applesauce?

Applejack pushed the memories of her parents back into the depths of her mind. The memories were too painful. They reminded her that they were no longer with her; that they were… gone.

She finally arrived at the factory, taking note of the sign before her:

‘Sweet Apple Factory. Home of Granny Smith’s Applesauce.’

Applejack gave a short, cynical chuckle. “That’s a laugh,” She muttered. “If it’s so sweet, then why does everythin’ it makes taste sour?”

“Applejack. There you are. Where have ya been?” A deep but gentle voice asked. Applejack awoke from her moment of thought and turned to the direction of the voice. Standing in front of her was a tall, red stallion clad in the same factory uniform she was wearing.

“Um, sorry, Big Mac,” Said Applejack, pawing at the ground nervously. “Ah was just on mah way back from talkin’ with… someone.” She couldn’t tell her brother that she was talking to an alicorn and her baby dragon from another world. If anything, it would make him think she was going crazy.

“With who?” Asked Big Macintosh.

Applejack was silent, a nervous expression on her face. Finally, she spoke.

“You wouldn’t believe me if ah told you.” She said.

Big Macintosh was at first suspicious, but then brushed it off.

“If you say so,” He said. “Anyway, the train's gettin' ready to leave for the base at Foal Mountain. So, might want to get them barrels to the train station so they can get to the front.”

Oh boy, thought Applejack sarcastically, frowning. Ah do sure looooove deliverin' rations to the freight train. Matter of fact, ah downright enjoy workin’ mah flank off at a factory that makes sour old applesauce, a factory that used to be our own farm, a farm that used to grow sweet apples instead of sour ones before King Sombra decided to rear his ugly head.

Big Macintosh noticed his sister’s change in expression.

“Somethin’ wrong, AJ?”

Applejack wanted to say she was fine. That nothing was bothering her. But she couldn’t. She couldn’t keep her feelings bottled up anymore.

Her eyebrows furrowed, she growled and she kicked up dirt in frustration.

“Ah can’t take it anymore!” She cried. Big Macintosh stepped back, shocked by his sister’s sudden outburst. Applejack realized what she did, her expression changing into one of guilt, rubbing her foreleg against her other one. “Sorry Big Mac,” said the mare, her voice filled with sorrow. “Ah’m just… frustrated.”

“Frustrated with what?” Big Macintosh asked.

Applejack looked into her brother’s green eyes, her own eyes filled with sadness.

“Everythin’,” She said, her voice breaking. “The war, Sombra, Ponyville, the factory, everythin’! Look at us, Big Mac! We’re farmers, not factory workers! Our family has been sellin’ the sweetest apples in Equestria for generations! Now, instead of makin’ things like apple pie and apple fritters, we’ve been makin’ things like sour applesauce! Our way of life has been turned upside down! Our own farm’s been turned into a factory! Not only that, but most of our relatives, especially Braeburn, are out there fightin’ Sombra, while we’re stuck here makin’ rations for the Guard, worried sick about ‘em!” Tears began to form in her eyes.

“Just the fact Braeburn’s out there riskin’ his life protectin’ us, keeps me up at night,” she continued. “Ah can’t stop thinkin’ about what would happen to him, to our family. And when ah sleep, ah have nightmares of Sombra doin’ terrible things to ya’ll… and… and… and ah’m too late to save you.”

It was then that she broke down, sobbing uncontrollably as the tears flowed. She hadn't cried this much since the death of her parents. Big Mac’s ears folded back, saddened by his sister’s sorry state. He pulled her into a hug, allowing her to cry over his shoulder.

“Ah just wish… there was a better way ah could help Equestria,” She said tearfully. “And ah ain’t gonna do it by cannin’ applesauce to be shipped to the front while Braeburn dies out there!”

“What are you sayin’, AJ?” Asked Big Macintosh.

Applejack stopped crying, and looked into her brother’s eyes. Big Mac noticed a look of determination in her sister’s gaze.

“Ah’m gonna join the Guard.” She said, her tone carrying a hint of determination.

Big Mac’s eyes widened. He didn’t like what he was hearing.

“Oh no, AJ,” He said as he adopted a stern look. “We have enough of our kin servin’ in the E.U.P. Guard already. The last thing we need is you riskin’ yer flank out there.”

“Why not?” Applejack asked, narrowing her eyes.

“Fer one thing,” Big Macintosh began, “We’re basically the only ones here capable of runnin’ the factory. Apple Bloom’s still a filly, an’ Granny’s too old. Besides, yer the best at apple buckin’, and the reason Sweet Apple Factory’s been runnin’ so well. Factory work is still helpin’ the cause. We make enough rations to feed a whole regiment, and since the Borealis Fields aren't the best place for grazin', that's a good thing. Hay, from what ah’ve heard, even yer old friend Rarity’s in Manehattan makin’ uniforms for the Guard.”

Applejack’s expression remained unchanged.

“Are you sayin’ ah’m not fit for the Guard?” She asked her voice filled with a bit of anger. Big Mac started to sweat. He let go of Applejack, and she stood straight, tear stains still on her cheeks.

“N-no, o’ course not,” He said nervously. “It’s just that yer mah little sister. Ah care about Braeburn an’ the rest of the family as much as you do, but if you joined the Guard, than I’d feel the same way you do right now about them. An’ not just me, but so will Apple Bloom an’ Granny Smith.”

“Ah no, Big Mac,” Said Applejack, her expression relaxing. “But ah have to try. Mom and dad would have done the same thing in mah position. Dad especially wouldn’t stand here while our relatives were riskin’ their lives out on the front. If he was willin’ ta risk his life helpin’ the Orange family when they were cornered bah that sphinx in the Dismal Desert, then ah’m willin’ to risk mah life fightin’ against the Empire.”

“Ye sound jus’ like yer pa already, Applejack.” Said an old voice. Applejack and Big Mac, taken by surprise, turned to the direction of the voice, and saw Granny Smith. She was an elderly mare, with a pale green coat, a gray mane and tail, with light orange eyes. Next to her was an earth pony filly. Her coat was a pale, light grayish olive color, her mane was amaranth, and her eyes were a brilliant gamboge. A red bow rested in her mane. This was Apple Bloom, the youngest member of the Apple family.

“Granny! Apple Bloom!” Exclaimed Applejack, surprised to see her grandmother and little sister. “How long have ya’ll been there?” Granny Smith chuckled. “Long enough t’ hear ya say that yer gonna enlist so ya don’t feel left out.” She answered as she trotted over to them.

Applejack was a little nervous. Well, anxious might be the proper word to describe what she was feeling. Big Macintosh had already disapproved of her decision, and she was worried that Granny Smith would do so as well. Applejack bit her lip, waiting for her grandmother to tell her the same thing Big Mac did; that she was never meant to be a soldier like Braeburn.

“Granny…” She began, but a raised hoof from the old mare silenced her. Granny’s look of amusement was replaced with one of concern.

“Now, now, Applejack,” She said, “Ah understand where yer getting’ at. Ah’m worried about the rest o’ the family, too. Celestia knows how many times ah’ve lost sleep thinkin’ about what’ll happen to ‘em. But Big Macintosh has a point.”

Applejack’s ears folded back, sadness in her eyes.

“Like yer brother said,” Granny Smith continued, “We have many Apples servin’ in the army, but we also have many Apples workin’ at their own orchards, helpin’ the cause like we are. There ain’t no need fer more of our kin goin’ out there. Besides, apple farmin’ is our trade.”

“Exactly,” Said Applejack bluntly, anger dangerously rising in her voice. “Apple farmin’ is our trade. Not workin’ in some factory that’s blackenin’ the sky all day with smog, boilin’ apples and turnin’ ‘em into sour applesauce!”

“Trust me, Sugarcube, ah don’t like it either,” Said Granny, “After all, the sign says ‘Sweet Apple Factory’, and not ‘Sour Apple Factory’. But my point still stands.”

Applejack was about so say something, when they heard somepony clear their throat.

“Are we interrupting anything?” Asked a male voice. The four turned to see a trio of pegasi standing in front of them.

Two of them were clad in gold armor, indicating their status as members of the Canterlot Royal Guard.

The one in the middle, however, wore gold and red armor. Applejack guessed he was a lieutenant. His coat was a bright yellow color, and his eyes were chocolate brown. His tail was bright scarlet. On his flank was a red lightning bolt for a cutie mark. He had the look of an experienced soldier on his face, serious and calm.

“Who might you be?” Asked Granny, casually.

“I’m lieutenant Red Lightning, of the Canterlot Royal Guard, ma’am.” The officer replied, saluting. “We are here by order of Princess Celestia herself to find Applejack of Ponyville.”

Big Macintosh narrowed his eyes, pawing his hoof against the ground. However, Granny Smith raised a hoof in front of him before he could do anything rash. The guards seemed to be relieved by her action, but Red Lightning remained calm, his expression unchanged.

Granny looked back at them, a suspicious look in her eye.

“What for?” She asked.

“We cannot give full details, ma’am,” answered Red Lightning “All we can tell you is that Princess Celestia wishes to seek an audience with her.”

Applejack’s ears perked up. Princess Celestia wanted to see her? For what reason? It wasn’t every day the ruler of Equestria wanted to see a factory worker like herself. Then again, this could be a chance to join the Guard, like Braeburn and many others in her family.

Maybe, this could also be the chance to find the Twilight of her Equestria.

She regained her composure, a look of determination on her face.

“Ah’ll do it.” She said.

There was a tense silence. Applejack glanced and saw Granny Smith and Big Macintosh giving her concerned looks. She sighed deeply.

“Granny, Big Mac,” She began, “Ah know ya’ll are worried about me, and ah appreciate it, but ah can’t stay here while the rest of our family risks their lives fightin’ Sombra. This is mah chance to make a difference. Ah’m sure the mayor will send somepony to take mah place in the factory while I’m gone. Whatever the Princess has in store for me, I’ll be ready for it.”

She waited for the inevitable reply. For Granny to deny her the chance to help Equestria. But instead, Granny smith chuckled. “You are definitely yer father’s daughter, Applejack,” She said. “Ya always were more stubborn than a mule. Er, not that ah have anythin’ against mules. It helps that the Princess wants to see ya, too. Alrighty then. You can go. Ah’d say yer old enough to make yer own decisions, after all.”

Applejack was stunned for a second, only to beam happily, tears of joy welling up in her eyes, as she hugged Granny. “Thank you.” She said. Granny smiled and hugged her granddaughter back. “Just be careful out there,” the old mare said. “We don’t want our bushel to be short one apple.” “I will, Granny.” Said Applejack. The two parted, and Applejack faced Red Lightning. “Lieutenant Lightning, sir,” She said. “Ah would be honored to go to Canterlot.”

A small smile formed on Red Lightning’s face. He hoped he would say that, after what Captain Shining Armor told him.

“Very well, then,” He said. “Pack what you need as soon as you can.”

“First ah’ll need to say goodbye to mah family.” Said Applejack. Lightning nodded.

Applejack turned to Big Macintosh, who wore an uncertain expression on his face.

She smiled and gave him a hug.

“It’s gonna be okay, Big Mac,” She said. “Ah’ll be fine. Just make sure to keep the factory in tip-top shape while ah’m gone.” An maybe, when ah get back, it won’t be a factory anymore, she thought hopefully.

Big Macintosh smiled and returned the hug. The two parted, and Applejack turned to Granny.

“Goodbye, Granny,” She said. “Ah’ll be back soon.”

“Ah know you will, young’un,” Granny said, hugging her granddaughter once more. Once they parted, Applejack faced her younger sister, Apple Bloom. The little filly looked at Applejack with sad eyes.

“Oh, Apple Bloom…” Said Applejack.

“Applejack… promise me you’ll come back…” Said Apple Bloom, tears filling her eyes. Applejack bent down and hugged her, smiling.

“I promise, Sugarcube,” She whispered. “I promise.”

Hours later, after packing her things, Applejack came out of the farmhouse, wearing a Stetson hat rather than her bandana, carrying a sack of essentials over her back. She approached the lieutenant and his entourage.

“Are you ready?” Asked Red Lightning.

“Yep,” Applejack answered. “Ready as a bear on the last day of winter.”

“Very well, then. Let’s head for the train station.”

The three pegasi took their leave, Applejack behind them. The mare took a moment face her family again. “Apple Bloom,” She called, “Be sure to take care of Winona while ah’m gone!” “Sure thing, sis!” Applebloom called back.

Applejack smiled, and then turned to follow after the guards. She walked tall, and wore not an expression of sorrow and woe, but one of determination and eagerness.

Ah hope yer ready, Sombra, she thought, because there’s one more Apple joinin’ the fight.

However, little did she know, that somepony was watching her: A suspicious pony with glowing green and red eyes.

Canterlot?, thought the spy, I don’t why you’re going there, but I’ll find out soon, and so will His Majesty.

The pony transformed into a black shadow and followed after the four.

*****************************************************

The city of Fillydelphia was normally a tranquil town, full of happy ponies going about their business, much like many other cities in Equestria before the war.

But like the rest of Equestria, it had been put on the defensive. What was once a peaceful city, became an industrial stronghold for manufacturing the E.U.P. Guard’s weapons and equipment, namely the wool used to make the cloth that would be used to make the uniforms.

Hundreds of wool plantations were dedicated to the war effort, as were the shipyards whose ships brought sheep and goats to Equestria from their allies, such as Maretonia, Saddle Arabia, and Abyssinia. While many towns in Equestria had wool plantations who supplied the war effort, Fillydelphia was among the major contributors.

This was one of the reasons why the Crystal Empire sought to invade it, besides turning its inhabitants into battle-thralls. The Guard regiments deployed at Fillydelphia fought with all their might to push back the Crystal Armies, but it seemed like their efforts were in vain.

Until, of course, the Battle of the Borealis Fields, which saw King Sombra’s personally army pushed out of Equestrian territory. The news of Sombra’s defeat at the battle forced the invaders to retreat, leaving much ground for the E.U.P. Guard to reclaim. There was still plenty of territory under Sombra’s control, but it was better than nothing.

However, despite Equestrian victory at the battle, the threat of Sombra invading still lingered, and thus everypony in the city was afraid.

Particularly a timid yellow pegasus named Fluttershy.

**********************************************

Fluttershy walked anxiously to the fields, where the sheep and goats waited to have their wool sheared. A part of her really didn’t like doing it, robbing harmless creatures of the thing that kept them warm during the cold nights, but she had no choice. The E.U.P. Guard’s army, air cavalry, and special units needed uniforms for protection against the elements (and of course crystal arrows and other weapons, but that was what the armor made in cities like Manehattan was for), and without wool, the tailors in cities such as Manehattan would not be able to make them.

She let out a deep sigh, as she approached the door leading to the shearing fields. She stopped when she glanced at one of the many propaganda posters found all over Fillydelphia. This one in particular portrayed the face of King Sombra, with the words ‘he’s watching you’ written below his looming visage in big, bold letters.

She started to feel short of breath. Those eyes. Those sinister, evil red eyes. They stared right into her soul. And they were the eyes of a monster. With a whimper, Fluttershy looked away and opened the door, heading outside. She chastised herself for staring at that poster. She knew how much Sombra frightened her. Just the very mention of his name sent chills down her spine. And ever since the attack on Fillydelphia, she was even more on edge than usual. It didn’t help that there were propaganda posters warning about his spies being everywhere, watching everything everypony did.

Soon, she saw a flock of sheep, waiting in line to give up their wool. It may have been necessary, but taking their wool still felt bad. She pulled out her shears as the first sheep stepped forward, ready to be sheared. Fluttershy began to shear the sheep’s coat.

She couldn’t afford any distractions. She had to concentrate.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t help but dwell on her memories. Memories of when she was just a filly in Cloudsdale’s Flight School; where she was teased by the other pegasi there because of her shyness. It was not her fault, of course. There were so many ponies there that she did not know.

They were not like her family, whom she had known all her life.

Every day, she was teased by the other pegasi, particularly Hoops, Dumb-Bell, and Score, a trio of athletic but brutish pegasus colts who took great pleasure in belittling her. To say it was heartbreaking would be an understatement.

But then, one day, during the trio’s usual bout of bullying, an unlikely savior had come to Fluttershy’s aid: a cyan pegasus filly with a prismatic mane and tail named Rainbow Dash. Like Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash was also bullied, particularly teased with the name Rainbow Crash, after her infamous first impression at Flight School in which she fell into a garbage can after failing to perform a stunt. Since then, the two became friends.

Apparently, Rainbow Dash had had enough of the bullies teasing Fluttershy, so to defend her honor she entered a race against them. She didn’t know who won at the time, as she was accidentally knocked off her cloud the moment she waved the flag to start the race, plummeting to the earth below. It was a miracle she survived, as a swarm of butterflies saved her from hitting the ground.

That was her first time seeing the land below the clouds, as it was also the first time she saw the land-bound creatures. She was elated at the sight, filled with joy like no other. But it was fleeting, for the animals took their leave, leaving Fluttershy.

After the teachers brought her back to Cloudsdale, since she was too clumsy fly back up, she went to find Rainbow Dash. When she found her, she was in a state of misery. She told her what happened during the race: She managed to incapacitate Dumb-Bell and Score, and was about to get ahead of Hoops, when all of a sudden, she was stopped by a force of magic. Fluttershy had asked her who won, to which Rainbow Dash answered “Hoops.”

Since then, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash rarely saw each other, until later, Rainbow Dash left. All she left was a note on Fluttershy’s door, telling her that she was sorry for failing her, and that she was a terrible friend.

Fluttershy let out a sorrowful sigh as the memories came back to her. She wanted to find Rainbow Dash, to tell her that she wasn’t a terrible friend, that she did her best. But she never did find her.

Of course, there was something about her experience that felt… off. Like Rainbow Dash was supposed to win the race, but not just for the reasons she thought.

While she sheared the sheep, lost in thought, three pegasus stallions wearing the armor of the Canterlot Royal Guard approached her. At first, she did not notice, until she saw three shadows looming over her. She let out a high-pitched squeal of fright and leapt into the air, the sheep she was shearing two minutes ago running away. She turned to face the ponies and relaxed when she saw they were only Celestia’s guards.

“Oh, I’m sorry, sirs,” She apologized, floating back down. “It’s just that you startled me.”

“Our apologies,” replied the lieutenant, a green-coated stallion with blue eyes, a bright yellow tail, and a cutie mark the shape of a yellow shield with a blue thunderbolt on its surface. “We didn’t mean to scare you.”

Fluttershy nervously pawed at the ground with her hoof, a nervous expression on her face. “Um, can I help you?” She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes,” The lieutenant said. “I am Lieutenant Thunderblaze of the Canterlot Royal Guard, and we were sent by order of the Princess to find a pegasus pony named Fluttershy here in Fillydelphia. Judging by the description we were given, we believe that you are Fluttershy.” Fluttershy’s eyes grew wide, and she shrank back. Thunderblaze quirked an eyebrow. “Yep,” Said a guard. “She’s the one, alright.” Fluttershy let out a pitiful, frightened whimpered. “P-please, don’t hurt me,” She said, practically begging. “I’m not one of S-S-Sombra’s spies, I swear. I’ve n-n-never hurt anypony in my life.”

“Easy, young’un,” said Thunderblaze, “We’re not here to arrest you. The Princess seeks your presence in Canterlot.”

“But why?” Asked Fluttershy.

“We cannot say,” The lieutenant replied. “Captain Shining Armor and Commander Stratos said that all would be explained once you arrive in Canterlot.”

Fluttershy pondered for a moment. She didn’t know why Princess Celestia of all ponies would want to see her. She was just an ordinary pegasus. It wasn’t like she had any skills beyond shearing sheep and goats, even though it made her sick to her stomach.

But then, a thought occurred to her. Whatever the Princess had in mind for her, maybe it could help her find Rainbow Dash after all these years. She looked up at the three stallions, small glint of courage in her eyes.

“I’ll… I’ll do it,” She said. “I just hope it means I’ll find Rainbow Dash.”

The two guards next to Thunderblaze gave shocked looks when she heard her say the words “Rainbow Dash”.

“You’re friends with Captain Dash?!” asked one of them, completely awestruck. Fluttershy squeaked in surprised at the sudden outburst, but then composed herself. “Well, we knew each other since foalhood, so… yes.” She said meekly.

The guards glanced at each other, speechless from what they just heard. Thunderblaze rolled his eyes.

“If you two are done,” He said, a hint of annoyance in his voice, “We should get going.”

The guards immediately snapped to attention. “Yes, sir!” They said.

Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle quietly. Still, she was a little anxious about going to Canterlot. But if it meant she would find Rainbow Dash, it would be worth it. Besides, with so many ponies suffering from the war lately, it would give her the chance to help.

Hours later, Fluttershy already packed her things, carrying them in a sack slung over her back. She shyly looked at Lieutenant Thunderblaze.

“I’m… I’m ready.” She said.

The pegasus stallion smiled, and the four left the wool farm, making their way to the train station. Fluttershy walked with a feeling of confidence she thought she lost long ago. The confidence to find Rainbow Dash.

However, unknown to them, a mysterious pony in a black robe was watching them, his eyes glowing green and red underneath his hood.

“Canterlot, huh?” He said to himself. “I better follow them. I’ll need to gather more information.”

He then transformed into a cloud of smoke, flying after them.

Chapter 3: Gathering the Heroes: Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight Sparkle

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CHAPTER 3: GATHERING THE HEROES: RARITY, PINKIE PIE, RAINBOW DASH, AND TWILIGHT SPARKLE

Manehattan. The finest metropolitan city in Equestria. Next to Canterlot, it was a bastion of culture and refinement, home to many ponies who lived the high life, although there were still middle and lower-class ponies who had to work with what they had.

That was before the war against the Crystal Empire.

Now, Manehattan has become an industrial strongpoint where the Royal E.U.P. Guard’s weapons and equipment were manufactured. Resources from other settlements, such as Baltimare and Fillydelphia, were delivered to the factories of Manehattan, where they were used to make uniforms and armor, forge weapons, and construct catapults and the like. The ponies of Manehattan worked hard in the factories, doing what they could to help in Equestria’s war against the Shadow King.

This industrial powerhouse made it a vital target for Sombra, who sent his armies to invade Manehattan and other cities in eastern Equestria, cutting them off from the rest of the kingdom, in hopes of crippling Equestria’s war effort. For a time, it seemed to work, the Crystal Warriors fighting the Manehattan Defence Corps into a stalemate. But after the Battle of Borealis Fields, the army sent to invade Manehattan was called back into Imperial territory, sparing the city from a grim fate.

But many inhabitants of the city were still weary, knowing that Sombra’s armies would eventually return.

Of course, even if they did, that would be no surprise to Rarity, the unluckiest unicorn in Equestria.

**************************

Rarity, former resident of Ponyville and now one of Manehattan’s many uniform makers, was in the mess hall with the rest of her workmates, wearing the look of a pony who was watching her dreams and hopes slowly die, eating yet another tray of dry carrots, celery, and apple sauce. She was so use to the bland taste by now, it practically became natural to her… at least barely. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve eaten this gruel, she said, and I’m still not used to it.

Rarity sighed after swallowing another bite of her meal, staring off into space, her eyes full of sorrow and self-pity.

A long time ago, Rarity was a mare who had big dreams. When she was just a filly, she dreamed that one day, she would be the greatest fashion designer in all of Equestria. Ponies from everywhere would come to her boutique to buy the most spectacular outfits they had ever seen, courtesy of Rarity Unicorn, one of the greatest, trend-setting fashionistas in the history of fashion. She would have boutiques all over Equestria, each one dedicated to selling the latest outfits to the entire kingdom. And eventually, she would have enough bits to be among the social elite in Canterlot, while working charity.

But that changed one day in her foalhood, on the day of the School Play.

She was put in charge of designing the costumes, and she did her best to make them the greatest costumes Ponyville had ever seen. During the tryouts, where the rest of Rarity’s classmates were practicing for the play, they had tried on the costumes Rarity had made for them. She hoped her teacher would find them spectacular, but instead, she considered them nice.

Nice was not enough for a pony like Rarity when it came to designs. She needed them to be spectacular, extravagant, fabulous, even.

With the play being tomorrow, Rarity worked hard to make the best costumes she could think of. But no matter what she tried, it wasn’t enough. She nearly gave up her dreams, when her horn began to glow, dragging her out of Ponyville and into the middle of nowhere. A part of her wondered that maybe, just maybe, she was being taken to her destiny. Eventually, her little odyssey across Equestria came to an end, and she was brought to the one thing that still haunted her to this day: A rock.

The unicorn’s eyebrows furrowed as she remembered that… embarrassment. It had to have been a joke, she thought, a sick, twisted joke. My horn must have been on the fritz that day.

Her expression then became one of sadness when she remembered what happened next.

After returning to Ponyville in a huff, Rarity continued making the best costumes she could think of. She hoped to Celestia that they would be enough to strike the audience with awe on the night of the play.

Sadly, her prayers went unanswered. On the night of the play, she watched as her classmates danced in (what she considered) dull and uninteresting costumes on stage. The audience was amazed, yes, but not in the way Rarity had hoped. She wanted her designs to wow everypony, to strike them with awe. Instead, they were just…. Nice.

After the play, she gave up on her dreams of becoming Equestria’s greatest fashionista.

Then came King Sombra and the Crystal Empire.

When news spread of King Sombra attacking Vanhoover, Rarity volunteered to go to Manehattan to help in the war effort, as a seamstress, making uniforms for the Guard. She figured that if she wasn’t meant to be a part of the fashion world, she could at least use her abilities for something useful.

Every day, she worked tirelessly like all the other uniform-designers, creating uniforms with each military branch and special unit in mind. She was at least thankful she was allowed to use really good colors. Although green wasn’t a color she was particularly fond of.

Green is the last color I would use to design military attire, she thought to herself.

She was also there when the Crystal Army laid siege to Manehattan. She never forgot the sight of the Crystal Barrier emerging from the ground, in an attempt to cut off Manehattan from the rest of Equestria.

She looked around her, observing her fellow workers. All of them had looks of sadness on their visages, their eyes filled with pain. Rarity couldn’t help but pity them. Poor dears, she thought to herself. I wonder if they had dreams they abandoned, too. She wanted to help them. In fact, she wanted to help everypony in Equestria. But she felt there was nothing else she could do.

She wasn’t really into fighting, considering it uncouth and barbaric. Then again, it’s not like she had any other talents.

A tear began to roll down her face. Throughout her entire life, she suffered humiliation after humiliation. First her costumes failed to take the audience’s breath away, then she gave up on her dreams all together, then Equestria was attacked by an Empire she up until the event didn’t even know existed, then Sombra tried to cut off Manehattan from Equestria, thus nearly crippling their supply routes, and now she was here in a dusty old factory, eating bland, dry carrots, tasteless celery, and sour, disgusting slop that barely passed for applesauce.

Well, at least the milk tasted good. Rarity had to admit that was a definite plus.

“You’d think they’d at least make the cider taste good.” A voice said next to her.

Rarity turned to the direction of the voice, and saw her co-worker, Miss Pommel.

Miss Pommel was an earth pony mare. Her coat was a light amber gray, and her tail and mane were cyan and a light opalish gray. Her eyes were light cyan in color. She wore the same uniform as the other factory laborers did, consisting of a gray jumpsuit and headscarf.

She held an empty glass in her hoof, possibly the one that was filled with the cider that Rarity heard her mention. She looked at Miss Pommel, and then back at her milk. After a moment of thought, she decided to hand it over to Pommel. The earth pony looked at the glass, confused, and then she turned to Rarity, who had a soft smile on her face.

“Rarity?” She asked. “You’re… you’re giving me your drink?”

“Yes,” She said. “Everypony here already knows this place has the worst cider in Equestria, and the milk here is practically the only thing here that’s not so bad, it would make a rat vomit.” Pommel was hesitant at first. But she smile, and eventually picked up the glass and gulped down its contents like a thirsty Timberwolf. She put the glass down, sighing with content.

“That’s better,” She said. “Takes away the bad taste in my mouth, too.” She turned to Rarity, smiling for the first time since possibly forever. “Thank you, Rarity,” She said. “I never thought you could be so generous.”

“Anything for a friend.” Said Rarity.

Just then, they heard the sound of hoofsteps heading in their direction. The two mares turned to see the foreman of the factory, Mr. Stripes, a large earth pony in a black tuxedo, walking towards them.

Rarity’s eyes widened in fear. Her boss was here. And he was walking right toward her and Pommel.

She could hear her heart beating faster than normal.

Mr. Stripes didn’t normally come to personally meet his employees. But when he did, it was usually for either two reasons: to give them a promotion… or to fire them.

Rarity and Pommel exchanged horrified glances at each other, already anticipating the mammoth stallion’s intentions. As soon as he got closer, the mares immediately dropped to their knees, holding their forehooves together in a pleading motion.

“PLEASE, DON’T FIRE US!!!” They both wailed together. Mr. Stripes stopped, giving both of them an odd look.

“Why are you two begging?” He asked, confused.

“Please, please, don’t fire us!” Wailed Rarity, albeit melodramatically. “We’ve tried our best to make the most practical uniforms, but you have no idea how hard it is to concentrate when you’re sweating so much, you could fill an entire reservoir! We’ll try harder, just don’t kick us out! This is the only job I have! Please? Please?! OH PLEHEHEHEHEHEHEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASE!!!!”

There was an awkward silence, as everypony in the mess hall turned to the direction of Rarity’s outburst. Mr. Stripes was silent for a moment… and then he laughed out loud. Rarity and Pommel’s expressions of desperation quickly became ones of utter confusion. “What?” Rarity asked flatly.

Mr. Stripes continued laughing like a hyena. “ME? FIRE BEST WORKERS IN FACTORY?!” He said between laughs. “Ohohoho, that is good one, Miss Rarity! You are funny mare!”

The two mares blushed with embarrassment, although, Rarity was even redder.

“No, no, no, no, Rarity,” Said Mr. Stripes after regaining his composure. “I am not here to fire you and Miss Pommel. I am here to tell you that you have visitor. He says he was sent by Princess Celestia to find you. He did not say why he wanted you. Said he wanted to see you personally. Come, follow me.”

Mr. Stripes made his way out of the mess hall. Rarity shared a final glance at Pommel, who nodded, before she trotted after her boss.

Perhaps her luck was finally changing for the better.

********************************

Rarity stepped into Mr. Stripes’ office, where a gray unicorn stallion in gold and red armor was waiting. He had a silver mane and tail, as well as light blue eyes. His cutie mark was a silver shield and helmet. He saw Rarity and smiled.

“Ah, Miss Rarity, I presume.” He said.

Rarity stood stock still, a nervous look on her face.

“Yes, sir,” She managed to say. “May I ask your name?”

“I am lieutenant Iron Vigil, of the Canterlot Royal Guard,” He answered. “I am sure your employer has already told you why I’m here.”

“You’re… you’re here on behalf of P-P-Princess Celestia to find me.”

“Is something wrong, ma’am?” Asked Iron Vigil

Rarity smacked herself across her face, bringing her back to her senses.

“Sorry, sir,” She apologized. “Let’s just say this is happening so fast, and I’m still trying to comprehend what’s going on.”

“I see,” said the Stallion.

“Although,” Rarity began. “I would want to know why a lieutenant of the Royal Guard would be sent to look for me. This isn’t a draft, is it?”

“I’m afraid I can’t go into full detail,” Said Iron Vigil. “Other than that Princess Celestia wishes to see you in Canterlot.”

Rarity’s eyes widened in shock. Did he just say what she thought he said? Princess Celestia wanted to see her? She didn’t know what to think about that. Surely the Princess would prefer invite somepony of high stature, rather than a member of the working class like herself.

She pondered for a while. It seemed a little strange… but then she realized that she’d have an audience with the Princess. The thought brought a smile to her face. She turned to face Vigil.

“Lieutenant,” She said, “I would be greatly honored to accept the Princess’s invitation!”

“Excellent,” Said Iron Vigil. “I’ll be waiting outside for you, whilst you get ready.”

The stallion stood up from his seat and left the office, Rarity and Mister Stripes watching him leave. Rarity then looked back at Mr. Stripes.

“Mr. Stripes,” She said, rubbing her leg against her other one nervously. “I hope you’re not too disappointed in my decision to leave. I know I’ve been Employee of the Month for three years straight, but too be perfectly honest, I believe I can do more than making uniforms to help the war effort.”

Mr. Stripes smiled. “I understand, Miss Rarity,” He said. “I don’t know why Princess wants to see you, but if she thinks you can help, I certainly hope you can.”

Rarity smiled. She was glad that Mr. Stripes understood her feelings. He may have been gruff and harsh, but at least he had a good heart.

“Rarity?” Asked a voice behind her.

Rarity turned around to see Pommel.

“Oh, Miss Pommel,” She said, surprised to see her co-worker. Pommel smiled shyly, pawing the floor with her hoof. She was nervous.

“Hi, Rarity,” Said the amber earth pony, “I just wanted to say good luck out there. You’ve made my time here a lot better ever since you came to Manehattan. I just hope that you’ll come back soon. You’ve been a good friend, and I don’t want to lose you.”

Rarity smiled as she pulled Pommel into a hug.

“Oh, Pommel,” She said. “It’s nice of you to say that. And you’ve made my time easier, as well. Don’t worry, darling. I’ll be back once I’ve finished business in Canterlot.”

Mr. Stripes cleared his throat, gaining the two mares’ attention.

“I hate to break tender moment,” He said. “But guards are waiting. Miss Rarity, go to your quarters and pack your things. And be careful. We wouldn’t want to lose employee of the month, would we?”

“Of course, Mr. Stripes,” Said Rarity as she and Pommel parted. Rarity gave Pommel a wink before she left for her quarters to prepare.

Hours passed, and Rarity was outside, carrying a sack of essentials over her back. She observed her surroundings, looking for Iron Vigil. Soon she spotted him, accompanied by two guards, next to a lamppost at a curb. She hurried rushed towards them. Iron Vigil saw her and smiled.

“Glad you could join us, Rarity.” He said.

“But of course,” Said Rarity. “A chance to see the greatest city in Equestria and meet the Princess? I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“We’ll take the train to Canterlot, then,” Said Iron Vigil. “Thankfully, the railroads were repaired after the Crystal Barrier destroyed them.

Rarity nodded, and the four walked off to the direction of the train station. Rarity felt a new feeling wash over her. It was one she hadn’t felt since she was a foal. Determination. She felt like a new mare already, ready to do whatever it took to protect Equestria, and everything and everyone she cared about. She didn’t know why the Princess summoned her, but she would find out.

And besides, she thought, this might be a chance to visit Sweetie Belle.

Unknown to her, two suspicious ponies were watching her. One was a female earth pony; she had a pale orchid coat, a curly, violet mane, and brown eyes. The other was a male earth pony; he had a light chartreuse greenish gray coat, a mane with different shades of vermillion, and dark tangelo eyes. They were Suri Polomare and Svengallop.

“Canterlot?” Asked Suri.

“Why is that pony going there,” Asked Svengallop, “And why would Princess Celestia want to see her?”

“I don’t know,” Suri asked. “But we’re going to find out. We might gain very vital information for the Empire.”

She reached a hoof into her scarf, and pulled out a purple glowing crystal. It was a teleportation crystal, used to transport ponies to wherever they wanted to go. Svengallop reached for the crystal, but Suri swatted away his hoof. The stallion scowled.

“Not fair,” He grumbled. “Why do you get to use the crystal?”

“Because the last time I let you use it,” Said Suri in an annoyed tone, “We wound up in a dragon’s stomach. I spent weeks washing stomach acid out of my mane.”

“Oh.” Svengallop simply said, remembering that embarrassing episode.

Svengallop scooted closer to Suri, placing a hoof on her shoulder, while the mare closed her eyes, concentrating on the crystal. The crystal began to glow white, and in a flash of light, the two ponies vanished.

*********************************************

Foal Mountain was among the largest mountains in Equestria. It was a mountain full of gold and other precious metals. The metal deposits convinced ponies to construct their mines there, where they would extract the metal to be made into bits, tools, and other things. However, Foal Mountain was also said to be home to strange creatures and other mysteries, such as the mysterious Blue Light, said to lead miners astray. It was also here where an E.U.P. Guard base was constructed, close to the Imperial border. The mountainous terrain had protected it from enemy ground assaults, and enchanted anti-aircraft spires defended against aerial attacks. It was from here the Equestrian army launched their offensive at the Borealis Fields.

And it was also where 1st Lieutenant Pinkamena Diane Pie of the Rock Trooper Corps and Captain Rainbow Dash of the Wonderbolts were assigned to.

********************************************

The pink earth pony mare was at the Rock Trooper Corps barracks with the rest of her unit, polishing her helmet she recovered from the battle after it was knocked off by a Crystal Warrior.

It had only been a day since the battle, and the 7th Rock Regiment, or Lucky Sevens, as they were nicknamed, took this time to relax from fighting Sombra’s armies. Like the Wonderbolt Squadrons, they had proven to be highly instrumental in the battle, utilizing stones, rocks, and boulders against the enemy, as well as intercepting boulders launched by Sombra’s catapults.

Pinkamena and her sister Maud were particularly noted for their bravery, having rescued Captain Dash from being crushed by a boulder pushed from a cliff by two of Sombra’s soldiers. Out of the entire regiment, the two possessed the strongest hooves among the Rock Troopers, spending foalhood working on the rock farm. A lifetime of rock farming had also toughened Pinkamena, making her stoic and calm, almost emotionless.

Her stoic demeanor was considered unnerving by most of her comrades-in-arms, making it uncomfortable for them to even stand next to her. Maud, however, was undeterred by her sister’s usual behavior, as were their other sister, Limestone Pie, and Flinthoof and Buster, two earth pony stallions who also fought in the war.

She was thankful that the four weren’t afraid of her. True, she pretended that she didn’t care what people thought about her, but deep down, she wanted them to see her as a fellow warrior, rather than some soulless machine or monster, and she was most certainly neither of those.

Pinkamena did have emotions. Her life on her family’s farm simply made it difficult for her to express them (of course, it made expressing emotions difficult for the rest of her family, as well).

Of course, this wasn’t the only thing that bothered her.

What did bother her was that despite their victory yesterday, King Sombra was still alive. His personal army may had been pushed back into Imperial territory, but it was only a minor setback. Sombra still controlled much of Equestria, gaining more ponies to recruit into his ever growing ranks of Crystal Warriors, and according to military intelligence, he was gathering mercenaries from other races, such as griffons and Diamond Dogs. This meant that they would still have to fight.

Pinkamena hoped they had severely crippled the Empire’s chain of command, but it was more of a sting from a bee. Even when the victory allowed Equestrian forces on other fronts to recapture lost territory, it would only be a matter of time until the Crystal Armies struck back.

She thought about the rest of her family back on the farm: her mother, father, and younger sister, Marble Pie. While she, Maud, and Limestone joined the Rock Troopers to fight the Crystal Empire, Igneous Rock Pie, Cloudy Quartz, and Marble stayed at the farm, gathering rocks to send to the front for use as ammunition. She hoped they would be safe. The thought of Sombra killing them, or worse, turning them into his slaves, made her stomach churn.

I will protect them, she thought, even if it costs me my life.

She then turned to see Maud Pie bandaging up her foreleg, an injury she received from the battle. Her stare softened. From the beginning of their careers, Maud had been there for her, protecting her from anything Sombra threw at them, and she protected her in return. They wouldn’t have gotten so far if it weren’t for each other, or for Limestone. Limestone was still grumpy, although the war may have made her angrier than ever. Despite this, she showed she still cared about her sisters, especially when she singlehoofedly took down a crystal golem that tried to crush them back at the Defense of Hollow Shades.

Still, she was worried for them. If Maud or Limestone were to die, Pinkamena would never forgive herself.

Maud noticed her sister staring. A look of concern crept on her face.

“Pinkie? You okay?” She asked. Pinkamena was awoken from her trance.

“Oh. Sorry, Maud,” She said, her voice calm as ever. “I was just thinking.”

Maud got up from her bed and trotted over to her sister, sitting down next to her. “Thinking about what?” She asked.

“About our family,” answered Pinkie. “I’m worried about them. I know we beat back Sombra yesterday, but he’s still alive. And with him around, they’re in danger.”

Maud gave her sister a comforting smile and wrapped a leg around her shoulder. “I understand, Pinkie,” She said. “I’m worried about them, too. Believe me, the last thing I want is Sombra brainwashing them. But that’s why we joined the Guard in the first place: to protect the ponies we love.”

Pinkamena nodded as she remembered her promise. She then remembered something else.

“But that’s not the only thing I’m worried about,” She said. “There’s also the possibility of you and Limestone getting killed. Every time we fight, we risk losing each other, and I don’t think I can forgive myself if anything happened to any of you.”

“I feel the same way, as well,” Said Maud. “That’s why I’ve been risking everything to protect you two. After all, we’re sisters.”

Pinkamena wanted to smile, but she couldn’t. She was too hardened by all of the pain the war had brought her, and by the hardships her family went through on their rock farm. Still, she was moved by her sister’s words, even if she didn’t show it. Maud, however, could tell her words were having an effect on her.

“I see you still don’t smile.” She said, a hint of sadness in her voice.

“There isn’t much for me to smile about.” Her sister bluntly replied. Maud pulled her into a hug. “Well,” She said. “One of these days, I’m sure you will.”

“Maybe someday…” Said Pinkamena.

“So sweet. It’s a sister moment.” Said a male voice.

The two mares turned to see two earth pony stallions. The first had a bright red coat, a goldish yellow mane and tail, and cerulean blue eyes. The second had a lime green coat, a sapphire blue mane and tail, and amber eyes. They were Flinthoof and Buster, members of Pinkamena and Maud’s squad.

“Flinthoof, Buster,” Said Pinkamena, slightly surprised by the two brothers’ sudden appearance. “I see you’re doing well.”

“Yep,” Said Buster, a proud smile on his face. “And it’s the best day ever, because we just pushed back King Sombra!”

“That was yesterday.” Flinthoof said.

“True,” Answered Buster. “But it’s still our greatest victory.”

“He’s right,” Said Maud. “This our biggest victory since the war started. With Sombra back in the Crystal Empire, we’ll be able to take back stolen ground.”

“It won’t be easy, though,” Flinthoof said. “Sombra isn’t one to leave his major strongholds unguarded.”

“Ha! I can take anything Sombra’s goons dish out!” Buster boasted.

Pinkamena, Maud, and Flinthoof rolled their eyes. Buster always was a blowhard, but they had to admit, his skills were admirable.

“Anyway,” Continued Flinthoof, “We were on our way to the training room to improve our skills. We were hoping you’d come with us.”

Maud turned to Pinkamena. “What do you say, Pinkie?” She asked.

Pinkamena was silent for a minute, and then she stood up. “Let’s go.” She said.

They were about to leave, when the door swung open, and pegasus stallion stepped in. He had a cobalt blue coat, a black and white mane and tail, and dark brown eyes. He wore the blue and gold jumpsuit and armor of the Blue Wings, an elite air cavalry squadron commanded by Commander Stratos himself. The pegasus approached the four earth ponies, his stoic expression unchanged, until he stood face to face with Pinkamena. The pink mare stood with an unreadable expression.

“1st Lieutenant Pinkamena Diane Pie of the Rock Trooper Corps 7th Regiment?” He asked.

“Yes?” Asked Pinkamena, her expression unchanged.

“I am Lieutenant Starchaser of the Blue Wings Squadron,” Said the Pegasus. “I have been sent by Commander Stratos to find you.”

“How come?” Asked Buster.

“That’s classified,” Starchaser answered. “Just know that Princess Celestia herself wishes to see both 1st Lieutenant Pie and Captain Dash in Canterlot.”

Pinkamena’s eyes widened. This was an unexpected turn of events. Why would the Princess want her and Captain Dash to go to Canterlot? It must have been something important.

She turned to Maud, who glanced back at her.

“What do you think, Maud?” She asked.

Maud was silent for a moment, and then, she nodded. “Princess’s orders, little sister,” She said. “Go with the lieutenant.”

Pinkamena faced Starchaser. “I’ll go.” She replied.

“Follow me,” Said the pegasus. “I’ll take you to the airship. We’ll wait there until Commander Stratos Captain Dash.”

Pinkamena nodded and the two walked for the door. Pinkamena cast one last look at Maud before closing the door.

**************************************************************

Rainbow Dash walked down the hall, making her way to the interrogation room where the crystal pony mare was staying in, Soarin, Surprise, Wave Chill, High Winds, and Fleetfoot following her.

She had just got back from checking on Misty Fly, who was knocked unconscious by a Crystal Warrior during the Battle of Borealis Fields. The mare had suffered a concussion which would take a month or two for her to recover from. It saddened Rainbow Dash that Misty Fly would be incapacitated for so long, but she was relieved that she didn’t die. She lost more than enough friends to this war. Especially Spitfire.

The prismatic pegasus was still angry with herself that she couldn’t save her commander from the traitor, Wind Rider. Had she been faster, she would have gotten to them in time. She was supposed to be the Wonderbolts’ best fighter, and yet she couldn’t be there to help Spitfire. It was the same as before, like at Hollow Shades and Trottingham. The Wonderbolts 1st Squadron barely survived a Crystal Warrior attack at Hollow Shades, Lightning Streak was badly wounded. Rainbow Dash had managed to rescue him, but he would never be able to fight again. She blamed herself for that, as she blamed herself for Thunder Flash and Stormflight dying at Trottingham.

And now, she blamed herself for Spitfire’s capture.

True, she was at war, and she should have expected ponies to die or be taken prisoner by the enemy, but at the same time, watching her fellow Wonderbolts fall at the hooves of mind-controlled slave soldiers hurt her. So she wanted to protect as many of them as she could, not caring whether she died or not. After all, she knew what she was getting into.

But watching Spitfire be defeated by a Wonderbolt she had once admired and being powerless to do anything made her aware of her own limitations.

She had failed her.

She had failed Lightning Streak.

She had failed every Wonderbolt in her squadron who was killed or injured throughout the war.

The same way she failed another pony years ago, back when she was a filly.

Soarin’ and the others noticed the captain’s pained look in her eyes. He exchanged sad glances with Fleetfoot.

“Poor Dash. She’s not taking Wind Rider’s betrayal very well.” Said Soarin’.

“Can you blame her? Wind Rider was one of her heroes growing up,” Said Wave Chill. “She’s gotta be devastated after finding out he jumped ship and joined Sombra. To be honest, I can hardly believe it myself.”

“He was an inspiration to all Wonderbolts,” Fleetfoot added. “Even Spitfire looked up to him. Hay, even I thought he was a living legend.”

“Why would he turn against Equestria, anyway?” Asked Surprise. “It goes against everything the Wonderbolts stand for.”

“Probably to save his own flank,” Said High Winds, a hint of anger in her tone. “As far as I’m concerned, the Wind Rider we knew is long gone. When I see that back-stabbing snake, I’ll make him pay for what he did to Spitfire.” She pounded her forehooves together to emphasize her point.

Rainbow Dash seemed to have heard her.

“You’re not alone, High Winds.” She said, her voice barely above a whisper, but audible enough for her squad mates to hear. “I want a shot at him just as much as you do. Maybe even more.”

A feeling in Soarin’s gut told him that the latter was more accurate. Out of the entire squadron, Rainbow Dash was the one who looked up to Spitfire the most. She was like an older sister to the cyan pegasus. She tried her best to make her proud, to be just like her.

At Rainbow Falls, she thought that by defeating Sombra, she would gain Spitfire’s praise, in addition to ending the war. Instead, all she accomplished was losing a chunk of her left ear, gaining a scar on her left eye, and losing her left wing.

Since then, the medics had fitted her with a prosthetic wing. It was a tad uncomfortable, but at least it was light enough to allow her to fly again, and sturdy enough to withstand g-forces.

It wasn’t the same, though. She missed her old wing. Where once there was a wing of flesh and blood, there was nothing more than a cold, steel, featherless replacement. She lost count of how many times she preened her wing feathers, only to remember that the ones on her left were fake.

Whenever she took flight, she would feel the wind blow through the feathers on her right wing, but feel nothing on her left.

It also chafed a little, and she had a difficult time sleeping, as it had a habit of spreading outward. It felt like it had a mind of its own at times.

But back on subject, after having her wounds treated, she was later confronted by Spitfire, who scolded her for her brashness.

Of course, she had also told her that she was the best cadet she had in her squadron, and to lose her would have dealt a heavy blow to the Wonderbolts.

Spitfire was known for one thing: She always cared for the well being of her troops, and tried to get as many of them through battle alive as she could.

As the war raged on, Rainbow Dash fought as hard as she could, no longer interested in glory, but in protecting Equestria. Or rather, she was even more determined to protect it. Eventually, she earned the rank of captain, becoming one of Spitfire’s subordinates, an honor which she was proud of. She was then given command of Wonderbolts 1st Squadron, and Spitfire never regretted the decision since.

But now with Spitfire as Sombra’s prisoner, Rainbow Dash was uncertain whether or not she could follow in her commanding officer’s hoofsteps. Soarin’, however, believed that she had what it took.

The stallion cleared his throat as he began to change the subject.

“So, uh, Captain,” He began. “Why exactly do you wanna talk to that crystal pony we rescued?”

“I need to find out how we can undo Sombra’s control over the crystal ponies on a larger scale,” She answered, not once looking in Soarin’s direction. “And chances are, she knows the answer. Besides, we might find out how to stop Sombra for good, too.”

“I sure hope so,” Said Surprise. “I haven’t slept well for a long time, knowing Sombra’s brainwashes his soldiers and forces them to fight against their will.”

“It’s the fact we’re forced to off them that makes me sick.” Shuddered Fleetfoot.

“I don’t know,” Wave Chill added. “Killing them actually seems mercifully compared to what Sombra did to them.”

Soon, they arrive at the door to the interrogation room, greeted by Fire Streak and Silver Lining. The two stallions saluted Rainbow Dash, who saluted in return.

“At ease.” She said, and the two Wonderbolts lowered their hooves. “How’s our guest?”

“She’s a little gloomy,” Said Fire Streak, “But other than that, she’s physically unharmed.”

“Gloomy isn’t the word I would choose,” Said Silver Lining. “More like depressed.”

“Is she at least in the mood to talk?” Asked Dash.

“I dunno,” Fire Streak shrugged. “She looked like she was in the mood to end it all.”

Rainbow Dash was silent. She didn’t like the sound of that. But then again, it didn’t surprise her. If she was brainwashed by Sombra and forced to kill everypony she knew and cared about, she would have wanted to take her own life as well. That, or snap Sombra’s neck. She couldn’t help but feel sorry for the mare.

“I want to speak with her personally,” She said. “I have questions that need answers.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Said Silver Lining.

The stallion opened the door and Rainbow Dash stepped inside, the door shutting behind her. Right in front of her sat the crystal pony she freed yesterday at Borealis Fields. Her coat was a dull blue in color, and her mulberry mane and tail were also dull, the mane itself straight and hanging down. It reminded Rainbow Dash of Pinkamena’s mane a little. On her flank was a cutie mark in the form of a golden laurel. Her dull blue eyes were empty and lifeless. They were the eyes of a mare who had all of the hope and joy sapped out of her, and left with nothing but sadness.

The sight made Rainbow feel sympathetic. What did Sombra do to these ponies, she mentally asked herself.

She approached the crystal pony, who slowly raised her head and looked the captain in the eye. Rainbow Dash sat in the chair in front of her, placing her hooves together.

“Hi.” She said, trying to make herself sound as friendly as she possibly could. The last thing she wanted was for the girl to think she was in danger.

“Hello.” The mare said. Her voice was monotone and lifeless, devoid of any emotion, save for depression. Rainbow Dash brushed it off. She couldn’t afford to be unnerved. This was much too important.

“My name is Rainbow Dash, Captain of the Wonderbolts 1st Squadron,” She continued. “What’s your name?”

“Sapphire Joy.” The mare answered.

Sapphire Joy. Sapphire Joy. Considering her mood, the ‘joy’ part was misleading. Dash dared not mention that, though. She didn’t want to feel insulting. She was, however, surprised how compliant she was, for somepony who was going through interrogation.

“Anyway,” She began, “I’ve got some questions that need answers. Answers that’ll help us in our war against King Sombra.”

Sapphire Joy flinched at the mention of Sombra. Rainbow felt a pang of sympathy in her heart, seeing her like this. Regardless, Joy complied.

“First off,” Began Rainbow Dash, “Sombra’s mind-control helmets. How does he make them, how do we break their control on a wide scale?”

A tense silence filled the room, until Joy spoke.

“He is using an advanced spell that gives them the ability to channel his power into the wearer, bending them to his will. But I don’t know how we can break the spell on all of them at once.”

Rainbow’s heart sank. She didn’t like what she heard. She hoped there was a better way to free Sombra’s slaves without having to break open their helmets one at a time.

“Do you at least know how Sombra can be defeated?” She asked. In her mind, she was desperately hoping the pony knew. Sadly, her prayers went unanswered.

“I’m sorry,” Said Joy. “But I can’t remember.” That last word made Rainbow’s ears perk up. Remember, she thought, could it be? She furrowed her eyebrows, as she felt suspicious. She slightly leaned forward, and asked, “Do you remember anything? Anything about life in the Crystal Empire before Sombra? Anything at all?” Jewel Joy’s expression remained unchanged as she answered.

“I’m sorry,” She said. “I wish I could help you. But I can’t seem to remember anything before Sombra came into power.” Just when she said those words, memories flashed through her mind. Terrifying memories. Memories of the Empire resurfacing after so long, King Sombra surrounding it and regaining his physical form, crystal ponies put in chains once more, King Sombra placing control helmets on them all, and finally, his dark words echoing in her mind: “You will serve me as you once did… forever.”

The crystal pony gasped in horror as she leapt from her chair, falling to her knees. Her breathing became heavy, her heart racing. “But I remember his return,” she shuddered. “All those awful things he forced us to do through our helmets. We couldn’t stop ourselves. We couldn’t control ourselves.” Tears streamed down her face.

Rainbow Dash pondered what happened, until finally, the pieces fell into place.

Sapphire Joy’s memories were being repressed. She didn’t know how, but Sombra must have used his magic to repress Joy’s memories of the Crystal Empire prior to his reign. She could not remember the Empire in its Golden Age, but she could remember it when it was first under Sombra’s tyrannical rule, and she remembered it when it came under his rule once again. And chances are, Sombra had also repressed her memories of how he could be stopped. If Joy’s memories were repressed, there was a very good chance that was the case for all of the other crystal ponies. And judging by her words, while they were under the control of Sombra’s helmets, they were complete aware of things happening around them, including their bodies moving against their will, moving at the will of Sombra, like puppets on strings. Rainbow Dash could feel her forehooves shaking with anger.

However, she composed herself, relaxing. She looked at Joy, pity in her eyes. The crystal pony looked up at her. “I’m sorry I couldn’t help you,” She said, a hint of sadness in her voice. “I know.” Said Rainbow softly.

The pegasus stood up from her chair, and helped Joy back onto her hooves. The two walked to the door and Rainbow opened. They stepped out, greeted by the other Wonderbolts, who noticed the tears running down Joy’s cheeks. “What happened?” Asked Fleetfoot, concerned.

“She doesn’t have any information on how we can free the crystal ponies, or defeat Sombra,” answered Dash. “In fact, she doesn’t even remember the events prior to Sombra’s reign. Sombra must have repressed her memories, including how we can win this war. She does, however, remember Sombra’s reign.”

“That would explain the tears.” Said Fire Streak.

“So, you’ve questioned her for nothing?” High Wings asked?

“I wouldn’t say for nothing,” Said Dash. “I did learn that Sombra’s suppressing the memories of his slaves. He must be doing it for a reason.”

“What kind of reason?” Asked Surprise.

“If I were to guess,” Dash answered, “It’s so we can’t figure out how we can stop him.”

Just then, they noticed a familiar pegasus approaching them.

Dash’s eyes widened as she saw Commander Stratos making his way toward the Wonderbolts.

Immediately, she stood to attention, her squad mates following suit. Stratos returned the salute.

“At ease.” He said.

The Wonderbolts lowered their hooves. Rainbow Dash gave the commander a welcoming smile, which Stratos returned. Dash and Stratos had first met each other during the Battle of Whinnyapolis, where the Wonderbolts and Blue Wings proved instrumental in defending the city from Imperial forces. Since then, the two had respect for each other.

“It’s good to see you again, commander.” She said.

“And it is good to see you again as well, captain.” Said Stratos.

“To what do I owe the honor?” The young pegasus mare asked.

“Princess Celestia has asked me to bring you to Canterlot to meet with her,” Answered Stratos.

Rainbow’s eyes widened. An audience? With the Princess. She didn’t know what to say. It had been days since their last encounter, when Celestia saved her from Sombra. Since then, she had felt indebted to the Princess. She admired Celestia’s courage, her strength, her valor, and her determination. She was a kind, caring, wise, and just ruler, who always put the lives of her ponies before her own. There was no other ruler that Rainbow Dash would rather fight for.

But still, she was curious as to why Celestia would wish to see her. It would have made more sense for her to summon Spitfire, who was the overall Commander of the Wonderbolt Squadrons. But then she remembered: Spitfire wasn’t here.

Sadness crept into the blue mare, as the memory of Spitfire being defeated and captured by Wind Rider came back to her.

“Is something wrong, Captain?” Asked Stratos.

Rainbow was awoken from her thoughts. “Um, nothing, sir,” She said quickly. “I was just curious as to why the Princess would want to see me of all ponies. Surely, she’d want to see somepony higher up in the chain of command.”

“Normally, she would,” Said Stratos. “But this is different. You’ll find out once you are at Canterlot Castle.”

“Can you at least tell me if it’ll help us against the Empire?” Rainbow Dash asked. She respected Commander Stratos. Not only was he an officer of higher rank than her, but he was also a highly capable fighter. But if there was one thing she didn’t like, it was when he kept secrets from her. She had been fighting for so long, she was starting to lose faith that Sombra would ever be defeated, and her failed attempt to gain information on how to defeat him made her doubts only worse. She needed to know if there was hope.

“You always were impatient, my girl,” Said Stratos. “Don’t worry. Princess Celestia will fill you in on all the details.”

Rainbow sighed. Somehow, she knew he would say that. She wasn’t one for waiting, but she had no choice. And she wasn’t normally one to disobey orders, especially not after what Sombra did to her.

“Alright,” She said. “I’ll go.”

She turned her attention to Soarin’.

“Soarin’, you’re in command of the squadron while I’m absent,” She said, her expression firm. Soarin’s eyes widened.

“Me?” He asked. “Why me?”

“Because you have experience,” answered Rainbow, “With Spitfire captured, and me at Canterlot, someone has to take command, and you’re my best choice.”

Soarin’ was about to protest, until Rainbow placed a hoof on his shoulder and gave him a reassuring smile.

“You can do this, Soarin’,” She said. “I know you can.”

Soarin’ was silent for a moment, but then his worried expression became one of determination as he nodded.

“I won’t let you down, boss,” He said, a confident smirk on his muzzle. The two stared into each other’s eyes before snapping back into reality, embarrassed. Rainbow removed her hoof from Soarin’s shoulder as she turned to follow Stratos. “Dash,” She heard Soarin’ say, causing her to glance back. “Be careful.”

Rainbow smiled. She always appreciated Soarin’s concern. With a final nod, the young mare trotted after Stratos.

Soarin’ heard the others holding back their laughter. He turned to face them, eyeing them suspiciously.

“What’s so funny?” He asked.

“Hehe. Nothing, sir.” Snickered Wave Chill.

“Hey, Soarin’,” Said Surprise, “When you and Captain Dash have your wedding, can Fleetfoot, High Winds, and I be your bridesmaids?”

She, Fleetfoot, and High Winds giggled together, and Soarin’s face turned red like a tomato. He then came to his senses and scowled.

“She’s not my girlfriend!” He said, stomping his hoof. The others simply smirked, giving their newly appointed sub-commander knowing looks.

*******************************************

Rainbow Dash and Commander Stratos were already in the hangar, making their way to Bay 14, where Stratos’s airship was docked. Dash took her time to observe her surroundings. Throughout the hangar were all kinds of balloons, dirigibles, blimps, gliders, and gyrocopters. There were also a few biplanes here and there.

Of course, most of these vehicles were used by unicorns and earth ponies. Pegasi, being natural fliers, had no need for them, but an airship was a more reliable means of transportation when traveling to major cities such as Canterlot.

Rainbow Dash had ridden on hot air balloons and blimps before, but she had never ridden an airship. She heard they were really powerful, serving as the Equestrian Royal Air Navy’s aerial battleships and transports. Pegasus air troops were known to take off from them, giving them better altitude.

Soon they arrived at Bay 14, where Stratos’s ship waited for them. It was a large ship. It was colored gold and dark blue, with the flag of Equestria emblazoned on the balloon. The flag itself was light blue, with the sun and moon in the middle. surrounding the sun and moon were two alicorns, one white, and the other dark blue.

Rainbow Dash had been told that the two alicorns were Celestia and her sister, the image of them forming a circle representing their shared status as rulers of Equestria. At least, their status was shared, until the younger sister’s banishment to the moon.

Rainbow Dash didn’t know all of the details in the legend. She never was one for reading.

They noticed three ponies standing at the door to the airship’s gondola, waiting for them. One of them was Starchaser, Rainbow recognizing him by his black and white mane. The other was an orange pegasus stallion with a blue mane and tail and blue eyes, wearing the flight suit of the Blue Wings. The third one was somepony Rainbow Dash never expected to see: Pinkamena.

She and Stratos approached the three, Starchaser and the other stallion saluting when they saw them. Stratos returned the salute as he faced the orange stallion.

“Lieutenant Flash Sentry,” He said. “Is the ship ready?”

“Yes, Commander,” Said the stallion, named Flash. “We were just waiting for you and Captain Dash to return. “

“Wait no more, then,” said the commander, a smirk on his face. “Now that we’re gathered here, let’s climb on board and make our way to Canterlot.”

The four ponies climbed into the gondola, Starchaser closing the door behind them. Rainbow Dash and Pinkamena took their seats, Dash herself viewing the hanger from the window. Stratos turned his attention to the earth pony at the controls.

“Take us up, helmsstallion.” He said.

The stallion saluted and began to pull an assortment of switches and controls. The rotors spun to life, and the airship lifted up off of the ground, the skylight above opening. Soon, the ship was out of the hangar and flew away from the Foal Mountain base, making its way for Canterlot.

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash looked from her window at the ground below, contemplating recent events. The past years were very hectic for her. She was used to fighting Crystal Warriors, but now that Sombra had formed his newest air cavalry legions, things had gotten more complicated. Mind controlled pegasi, whether they were crystal ponies or enslaved Equestrians, were dangerous fighters in the sky, yes, but due to the spells placed on them, their thinking was usually limited. But the Storm Riders weren’t mindless slaves. They were willing soldiers of the Crystal Empire, perfectly capable of thought. And such opponents were much more dangerous than brainwashed warriors.

This coupled with the capture of Commander Spitfire made things look grim for Equestria. But Rainbow Dash had to be strong. She would not allow feelings of doubt cloud her will to protect her kingdom. She had proven time and time again to Equestria that she would not abandon it. But still, the thought of Equestria losing to Sombra haunted her mind. She knew what it meant if the King of Shadows managed to finally conquer all of Equestria. And that was something she could not and would not allow. Her only hope was whatever Celestia needed her for was something that would help them win this war.

She noticed a recruitment poster on the wall next to her. It was a recruitment poster for the Wonderbolts, displaying Commander Spitfire in her blue formal uniform pointing her hoof at her, the words “I want you for the Wonderbolts” printed in bright red letters underneath her. Rainbow narrowed her eyes, her expression one of determination.

I promise, Spitfire, she thought, I won’t let you down. I won’t give up until Sombra’s defeated. I don’t know what Princess Celestia has in store for me, but whatever it is, I’m willing to take on any challenge.

She then pulled something out of her uniform’s collar and looked at it. It was her Wonderbolt Captain’s badge, in the form of a gold lightning bolt with wings.

“Altius Volantis,” she whispered, reciting the Wonderbolts motto. “Soaring Higher.”

*******************************************************

Out of all the districts in Canterlot, the Clover District was one of the most notable. Named after the apprentice of Star Swirl the Bearded, Clover the Clever, the Clover District was famous for its libraries, museums, schools, universities, academies, and colleges. The most notable school was Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, where unicorns who possessed highly powerful magic went to learn how to use their abilities for the betterment of Equestrian society.

When the war started, many families who came to Canterlot settled in the Clover District, seeking shelter from Sombra’s armies. Indeed, the majority of Ponyville’s population had settled her in search of sanctuary.

While most of the city of Canterlot lived in fear of Sombra’s looming threat, the ponies in the Clover District felt more secure, since the district was one of the closest to Canterlot Castle. As such, they felt secure in the presence of Princess Celestia.

Of course, the Clover District was also home to a certain lavender unicorn, who would be known as one of Equestria’s greatest heroes. One who would lead the other five against Sombra, and with their help, put an end to his reign of terror once and for all.

Her name was Twilight Sparkle.

******************************************

Twilight Sparkle, the librarian of the Orichalcum Library, was going about her regular runs sorting out all of the books and putting them in their proper places. She did so with a tired look on her face.

The young unicorn had spent another week without sleep, studying her books. But she wasn’t looking for simple spells. No, she was looking for any information on dragons.

Ever since she had failed her entrance exam years ago, she was obsessed with finding out how to use her magic to hatch a dragon egg. She searched through every book she had at home, but so far, she had no luck.

There were very few written records of ponies encountering dragons. Even Star Swirl the Bearded, a unicorn whom Twilight admired since foalhood, had written little about dragons in his notes and memoirs. Apparently, dragons were too fearsome for anypony to fully study. Of course, since dragons we massive reptiles with wings and the ability to breathe fire, any rational pony would avoid one if they could help it.

Despite these setbacks, Twilight’s determination prevented her from giving up.

Every night, she would search tirelessly in her books for any written event where a unicorn had successfully hatched a dragon egg. Alas, her attempts proved fruitless. Every. Single. Time!

To say it frustrated her would be an understatement.

She would never forget that day. The day of the Entrance Exam.

Ever since she was a foal, Twilight had always possessed a talent in magic. In Comet Tail Magic School, she was the top student. In every class, her grades were the best. She had the highest score on every test.

Then one day, her parents enrolled her in Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. That was the greatest moment of her life.

She impressed her teachers in every way, passing every test they gave her.

But to finally enter Celestia’s School, she had to pass one more test: she had to hatch a dragon egg.

She tried her best. She put her heart and soul into trying to cast a spell that would solve her challenge.

But, sadly, she never could.

That test was the one thing she needed to pass to achieve her dream.

And she failed.

Since then, she had been living a life of near-solitude, her parents, brother, and doll Smarty Pants her only company, in addition to her boss, Ebon Quill, the head librarian, Moondancer, her old friend from magic school, and Sunburst, a unicorn stallion from a distant village who possessed a vast knowledge of spells.

When the war started, she later became acquainted with a unicorn filly named Sweetie Belle, whose family moved from Ponyville to Canterlot in search of safety from the approaching hordes of Sombra, while her sister (Rarity, Twilight believed her name was) went to Manehattan to work as a uniform maker.

She rarely talked with Sweetie Belle, seeing as she herself had to work at Orichalcum Library, not to mention her never ending quest to find a spell powerful enough to hatch a dragon egg.

Apparently, her parents believed that she would succeed, because they requested that they kept the egg. Celestia gave them permission, saying that the egg might be important one day in the future.

As far as Twilight was concerned, that future was her becoming one of the greatest mages since Star Swirl the Bearded. Or, at least, the first unicorn to hatch a dragon egg.

Until then, she would spend every working day at the library, organizing books, making sure they were in the right places.

Of course, such a task would be much easier if she hadn’t spent all night reading through her books for a spell nopony believed existed back home.

Twilight fought to remain awake as she continued shelving books in the history section.

She lost the battle, as she instantly fell asleep, leaning against the ladder she stood on, the book she held in her purple aura plummeting to the floor.

To say she was exhausted barely scratched the surface.

But she didn’t have to worry about sleeping for long.

“TWILIGHT SPARKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

The booming voice of Ebon Quill, curator of the library, echoed throughout the room as he entered. Thankfully, nopony else was there.

With a surprised yelp, the lavender unicorn bolted awake, her sudden movement causing the ladder she was on to pull away from the shelf. She was wide awake, now, holding onto the ladder for dear life, as it stood straight up in the middle of the aisle. She swayed dangerously to and fro, until it turned immediately to face the shelf to her right and fell, with her screaming along the way, bumping into another book shelf, knocking it down and into another book shelf. The process repeated, until eventually, all of the shelves in the room fell like dominos.

Twilight saw the results of her stumble, completely dumbfounded (and horrified) by what she just did, surrounded by fallen books and shelves.

“Not again.” She mumbled softly, cringing with embarrassment. She then saw her boss, Ebon Quill. He was a tall unicorn, with a brownish-orange coat and yellow mane and tail, with brown eyes. On his flank was a cutie mark in the farm of a quill and inkwell. He wore a black coat, white dress shirt, a black bow tie, and spectacles. His left eye twitched with anger as he glared at his bumbling, young employee.

Twilight smiled sheepishly as she stood back up, facing her irate employer.

“Um, hi, Mr. Ebon Quill, sir,” She said, nervously. “Didn’t even see you there.” A nervous chuckle escaped her lips.

“Twilight Sparkle,” Said Ebon Quill, his voice dangerously low. “This is the seventh time this month you've fallen asleep on the job. And then, after you woke up from your sleep, you made a mess of my library… for the TWO HUNDRED AND TENTH TIME! LOOK AT THIS MESS! GIVE ME SPHINXES! TITANS! BASILISKS! FURIES! Anything but you! Compared to you, the monsters in Tartarus are harmless bunnies!”

Twilight’s smile dropped and her ears flattened against her head at Ebon Quill’s sudden outburst.

“S-s-sorry, sir,” She whimpered. “I-i-i-it was an accident.”

Ebon Quill calmed down, his expression unreadable. Although Twilight could tell from experience that he was still mad.

“An accident?” He repeated, giving a slight chuckle. “No,” He said. “When somepony trips and falls over, that’s an accident.” He then gestured around the room with his hoof. “This,” he continued calmly, before raising his voice yet again, “Is a DISASTER!!!”

Again, Twilight’s ears flattened against her skull. Considering how often Mr. Quill shouted at her, it was a miracle she hadn’t gone deaf.

The old unicorn heaved an exasperated sigh. “Every day it’s the same old thing with you,” He continued, “Every time you come here, you decide to sleep on the job. And when you actually are awake, one of either two things happen. You either start daydreaming, or you make a mess of my library!” He sighed again. “Why do I keep you around?!” He cried out.

It was then, when Twilight stood up straight, an air of confidence surrounding her. “Well,” She answered, “That’s simple. I’m highly skilled at organizing, and can memorize every section where each book must be put.”

“Yes,” Mr. Quill said bluntly, “And it’s a shame your pros are outweighed by your cons: laziness, absent-mindedness, and clumsiness.”

Twilight frowned, a slight growl in her throat. She was far from lazy, absent-minded and clumsy. Although, staying up studying might have put a strain on her. She had plenty of rest, but when it came to working at the library, she might as well have been cursed.

Her angry scowl was replaced with a look of fright when Ebon Quill glared at her. “Now,” He said, “Since you managed to make a mess of the entire magical history section, I want you to straighten it up.”

Twilight’s eyes widened as she glanced around the room. She and Mr. Quill were completely surrounded by knocked over bookshelves and scattered books. “You want me,” She said. “To straighten up all of these book shelves… by myself?” The last part came out as a squeal.

“Yes,” Hissed Mr. Quill, “I don’t care how you do it, I don’t care how long it takes, clean up this MESS!”

With that, the curator stormed out of the room, using his magic to slam the doors behind him, causing a book to fall off a leaning shelf and land on top of Twilight’s head. “Ow!” She yelped, rubbing her head. She then looked over the sea of knocked over shelves and scattered books. She let out a long, exasperated groan.

This was going to be a loooooooooong day.

******************************

After five, laborious hours of cleaning up the magical history section, Twilight Sparkle was finally free to leave the library. She heaved a long sigh of relief, finally free from having to reorganize every book she already organized. Normally, she liked reorganizing things, but when it came to Ebon Quill, reorganizing was a chore.

Then again, she did have a habit of falling asleep and knocking things over, so, admittedly, she wasn’t completely innocent. She couldn’t help it. She spent countless nights looking for powerful spells that could hatch a dragon’s egg, as well as historical references of unicorns actually achieving such a thing. If she found that spell, maybe she could finally succeed where she failed that day, and impress Celestia enough to become her student.

She sighed sadly, her ears drooping, as she continued walking, her cloak flowing in the wind. She observed her surroundings. She had walked down these streets before. She knew everything in this part of the city. The Clover District was full of ponies she knew, but she was acquainted with only a few of them. Her mother, her father, Shining Armor, Moondancer, Minuette, Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, Lyra Heartstrings, Sunburst, and Sweetie Belle and her family were the only ones who cared about her. In fact, they were the only ones who acknowledged her. The rest of the ponies ignored her, like she was invisible. And the ones that didn’t stopped to call her “the Canterlot Outcast”.

Such words cut like a knife. She tried to ignore their words, but deep down, she felt that they were true.

Maybe I’m better off alone, she thought, it’s not like anypony would want to be friends with a pony who couldn’t get into Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns.

She stopped walking as she just remembered what she thought.

Friends.

She never had many friends as a filly. The closest she had were Minuette, Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts, Lyra Heartstrings, and Moondancer. But four of her closest friends had already left to join the E.U.P. Guard, while Moondancer was preparing to leave for training, herself. And recently, Sunburst, had left for training himself.

Of course, having been more concerned with books, she never had time to make more friends. Besides, it wasn’t like the other ponies in her neighborhood were willing to be friends with her. They looked down on her, saw her as a failure for not being good enough to enter a school for gifted unicorns. Instead of becoming an accomplished mage, let alone Celestia’s student, she was reduced to being a librarian, not that she minded. In fact, working at the library meant she had plenty of books to read. The problem was that Mr. Quill wouldn’t allow her to even touch the books unless it was to organize them. He probably thought they’d burst into flames in her hooves if she opened. As far as he was concerned, Twilight Sparkle was a living, breathing, natural disaster.

Even though he had a hoof in today's disaster, this time, thought Twilight, with an annoyed look on her face.

As she continued walking, her mind swirled with new thoughts. Maybe there was something for her beyond Canterlot. Maybe her destiny wasn’t here, but out there.

I’ll find out someday, she thought.

Soon, she was at the door to her house. Although, it was more of a mansion, considering how wealthy her family was. She knocked on the door and it opened, revealing her mother, Twilight Velvet. Twilight Velvet bore a resemblance to her daughter, only her coat was light gray, her mane was purple and light gray, and her eyes were an arctic blue. On her flank was a cutie mark in the form of three purple stars. Velvet smiled when she saw her daughter.

“Welcome home, Twilight,” She said, pulling her daughter into a hug. “How was work?”

“The usual.” Said Twilight in a casual, albeit depressed manner.

“I see…” Velvet said in a sad tone. “You should really get some sleep, darling. You’re never going to get Mr. Quill to like you if you keep making a mess of things.”

“I know, I know,” Said Twilight. “It’s just I spent my entire life dreaming about getting into Celestia’s School and become a great mage like Star Swirl the Bearded. And when I failed the exam… I just know I can get that egg to hatch. Maybe when I do Celestia will take me under her wing.”

“Twilight…” Velvet sighed.

Just then, Shining Armor entered. He saw Twilight and smiled.

“Hey, Twily.” He said.

“Shining Armor!” Called Twilight.

She rushed to her older brother, and the two embraced.

“I’ve missed you so much, B.B.B.F.F.!” Said Twilight, referring to her brother by the abbreviation she gave him.

“I missed ya too, kid.” Shining Armor replied.

The two then parted, Shining Armor composing himself.

“What brings you here?” She asked.

“Princess Celestia sent me,” Her brother answered. “She wants to see you at the palace.”

Twilight was silent for a moment. After a few minutes, she finally found her voice.

“Princess Celestia… wants to see me?” She asked.

“Yep.” Answered Shining Armor.

Twilight’s eyes widened. She was speechless once more for a few moments. She then grinned from ear to ear, and jumped into the air, joy coursing through her entire being as she let out one big, “YEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!” She started jumping around Shining Armor, saying “Yesyesyesyesyesyes” as she did so, a big grin on her face. For the first time since she failed the entrance exam, she was happy. It happened. Not the way she expected it to, but it happened. Finally, she stopped bouncing, but her smile still remained.

“Sooooo….” She began. “Does she want me to retake the entrance exam for the School for Gifted Unicorns?”

“Well, no, not exactly,” said Shining Armor. “But it is something important. She’ll explain it once we get there.”

“Oh,” Said Twilight, rubbing her right foreleg against her left. “I see. Safety reasons, right?”

“Yep,” Said her brother.

Twilight nodded. She was curious as to why Celestia wanted to see her, but she understood why her brother couldn’t tell her at home. After all, there was always a chance Sombra’s spies were watching.

“I’ll get your things ready,” Said Velvet. “And you might want to take the dragon egg with you. Celestia did say it was important.”

Twilight nodded as her mother went up the stairs. Soon, she returned, carrying Twilight’s saddlebags in her mouth, said saddlebags filled with Twilight’s belongings, including a purple dragon egg. Velvet placed the bags on Twilight’s back, careful not to damage the egg inside.

“There you go,” Said Velvet. “Now you’re ready.”

“Thanks mom,” Said Twilight. “And goodbye.”

“Bye, sweetie.” Said Velvet, hugging her daughter.

After an exchange of goodbyes, Twilight and Shining Armor were off, making their way to Canterlot Castle. As they did, a little unicorn filly noticed Twilight and waved at her. Twilight recognized her. It was Sweetie Belle. She smiled and waved back.

Twilight followed her brother to the castle, not knowing that she was about to embark on a journey.

A journey that would determine the fate of Equestria.

Chapter 4: The Meeting

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CHAPTER 4: THE MEETING

A shadow appeared in an abandoned library in Canterlot, and took the form of a mare in a black cloak, her golden eyes glowing underneath the hood. She observed her surroundings, making sure nopony was there to see her. She had just tracked the orange earth pony from Ponyville to Canterlot, and used her magic to follow her and Lieutenant Red Lightning.

She her eyes glowed as she concentrated, using her magic to sense the presence of guards. There were none. The mare sighed quietly to herself. The coast is clear, she thought to herself.

“Moonsong.” A voice whispered behind her.

The pony, Moonsong, turned to see a unicorn stallion with a pale coat, a gray mane and tail, and yellow eyes. His cutie mark was a green seven-pointed star surrounded by six yellow stars. Like Moonsong, he too was wearing a black cloak.

"Sagittarius,” Whispered Moonsong, keeping as quiet as she could. “You shouldn’t surprise me like that.”

“My apologies,” Sagittarius replied in a hushed voice. “I was following some of Celestia’s guards here from Fillydelphia. They had a yellow pegasus with them. From what I gathered from their conversation, the Princess wanted to see her.”

“The ponies I was following from Ponyville had the same reason for coming here,” Moonsong answered. “I figured I would follow them and find out more. They’re probably in the palace, already.”

“Then we should follow them inside. Remember to stick to the shadows.”

Moonsong nodded, removing her hood, revealing her identity. She was a female unicorn with an ocean blue coat, a mane colored with hues of cyan and white, and golden eyes. She closed her eyes as she concentrated, her horn glowing in a golden light.

However, her concentration was broken when a bright light flashed behind them. The two spies turned around in the direction, and saw Suri Polomare and Svengallop standing in the middle of the room.

The earth pony stallion was observing himself, checking to see if any part of him was misplaced. When he found no mismatched limb, he sighed with relief.

“Good,” He said, smiling. “Everything’s where it should be.”

“And, judging by the refined architecture of the buildings outside,” Added Suri, “We’re in Canterlot. Excellent. I knew I’d get us here without any trouble.”

The two then noticed Moonsong and Sagittarius glaring at them. Svengallop immediately cowered behind Suri, fearing the cold stares of the unicorns. There was just something off about them. Especially Moonsong.

Suri, however, was undeterred.

“What do you two think you’re doing?” Hissed Sagittarius. “You almost gave away our position.”

“An accident, I assure you,” Suri said bluntly, her arrogant expression unchanged. “But judging by the fact nopony’s noticed our entrance, and we're inside an abandoned warehouse, I’d say our position is safe.”

“Did you find anything of interest in Manehattan?” Asked Moonsong in her monotone voice.

Suri chuckled, a smug smile creeping along her muzzle.

“As a matter of fact,” She replied. “We have. A trio of guards came to old Mr. Stripes’ factory to pick up a unicorn mare named Rarity. They said that they were taking her to Canterlot to have an audience with Princess Celestia.”

“Similar events occurred on our end, as well.” Said Moonsong.

The four spies looked outside the nearest window at the castle, eyeing the structure from above.

“Any ideas?” Asked Svengallop.

“Sagittarius and I will infiltrate the castle and make our way to the throne room, where we can listen in on what the Princess has to say to these strange ponies.” Answered Moonsong.

Suri noticed that she and Svengallop were not mentioned in the enigmatic unicorn’s plan.

“And what about Svengallop and I?” She asked raising an eyebrow, her voice containing a slight hint of annoyance.

“Try not to be seen,” Moonsong dismissed casually. “Preferably, stay outside of the castle, but close enough to the throne room to hear the Princess.”

She then nodded to Sagittarius, the unicorn stallion returning the gesture. Their horns began to glow, and they disappeared in a flash of light. Suri could still feel Svengallop hiding behind her. She turned to face her cowardly partner, scowling at him, her eyes burning with annoyance.

Svengallop smiled nervously as he backed away.

“So, what do we do?” The stallion asked.

“Simple,” Answered Suri, her frown turning into a devious smile. “We go undercover.”

*************************************************************************

There were no words to describe the sight that Twilight set her eyes upon. The chamber she stood in was truly massive, the walls made of stone, colorful tapestries and banners hanging from the walls and ceiling. The ceiling itself displayed a mosaic. The mosaic was that of Celestia and another alicorn, standing tall, and ponies of all kinds bowing to them in reverence.

Twilight’s eyes widened in awe, a big grin plastered on her face. She had always dreamed that one day she would be in Celestia’s castle.

And here she was, in the main foyer of the castle, waiting to meet the ruler of Equestria herself.

Shining Armor noticed the elated look on his younger sister’s face. He hadn’t seen her so excited since their parents enrolled her in Celestia’s school. To see her like this brought a smile to his face.

He cleared his throat. “I better head inside,” He said. “To tell Princess Celestia that we’re here.”

“Oh,” Answered Twilight, snapping out of her euphoric state. “Right. Of course.”

With that, Shining Armor left the chamber, the doors to the throne room closing behind him.

Twilight resumed observing her surroundings, taking in the wondrous sight before her. The tapestries were intricately woven, displaying Celestia in her glory, as well as the sun and moon. Hanging from the walls were portraits of famous ponies throughout Equestria’s history, from Clover the Clever, to Rubedo the Alchemist, to the Great Sage Orichalcum, to General Firefly, founder of the Wonderbolts. But there was one portrait in particular that caught Twilight’s eye.

In front of her was a massive painting of Princess Celestia and the other alicorn from the mosaic with her childhood hero, Star Swirl the Bearded. She trotted closer to the painting, taking in the image. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Star Swirl the Bearded knew Princess Celestia? She then saw a plaque under the painting. It read:

“In memory of Star Swirl the Bearded. Equestria’s greatest mage, and friend of the Two Princesses.”

I don’t believe it, she thought.

Suddenly, she heard the doors open behind her. She turned around swiftly to see an earth pony mare entering the foyer, accompanied by three pegasus guards.

The mare had an orange coat, freckles on her face, and a blonde mane and tail, her tail in a large hairnet, and green eyes. She was clad in a brown jumpsuit and camouflaged apron, the attire of a factory worker, Twilight believed. Resting on her head was a brown Stetson hat.

“Wait here,” Said one of the Guards, who Twilight recognized as Lieutenant Red Lightning. “I must go inside and speak with the princess.”

“Ah understand,” Said the mare in a Southern accent.

Lieutenant Lightning and his guards walked to the doors, the two guards standing to attention as he approached. The doors opened and they entered, with the doors closing behind them.

The orange mare observed her surroundings, clearly amazed by the sight. She then saw Twilight, and her eyes widened.

“Twilight?!” She asked, her voice filled with shock and surprise.

Twilight was surprised by the pony’s outburst, but even more by the fact that she somehow knew her name.

“Uh, yes?” She answered, confused by this strange pony.

The mare quickly galloped to her, only to slow down as she observed her, her expression matching her own.

“Wait,” She said. “Where are your wings? And your baby dragon?”

Now Twilight knew this pony was talking nonsense. All of that factory work must have taken a toll on her mind.

“Wings?” Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow. “I never had any wings. And I don’t have a baby dragon. Well, not yet. He’s just an egg at the moment, but I’ll hatch him eventually.”

The mare’s expression became one of disappointment, her ears drooping.

“Oh. Ah see,” She said solemnly. “Ah’m sorry. Ah mistook you for somepony else.”

“That’s fine,” Said Twilight, still confused. “But I’m a little confused how you know my name. We’ve just met.”

The earth pony was silent for a moment, before answering.

“Yer gonna think ah’m crazy,” She began, “But earlier, when ah was workin’ at the factory, ah met a pony named Twilight. She looked just like you, except she was an alicorn, and she had a baby dragon with her. She told me that she was from another Equestria, where there wasn’t a war with King Sombra, and that you and ah were friends and defeated him, and now she’s trying to save her timeline from a pony named Starlight Glimmer. Apparently, this pony has been changin’ Equestria’s history, an’ now Twilight, that is t’ say, the other Twilight, has to set things right. And ah sure hope she does.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. An Equestria where there was no war with King Sombra? And where she was an alicorn? This sounded too good to be true. What also surprised her was that this other Twilight came here through time travel after fighting somepony named ‘Starlight Glimmer’.

“Ah understand you don’t believe me,” continued the mare. “But ah’m tellin’ the truth. There really is an alicorn version of you travellin’ through time tryin’ to fix the timeline so that this war never happened, and ah really hope she does.”

Twilight pondered for a moment, and then she answered.

“If you say so,” She said. “And even though you confused me for this alicorn, yes. I’m Twilight Sparkle. But I don’t know who you are.”

“Oh,” replied the earth pony. “Sorry. Ah was so surprised t’ see ya, ah forgot t’ introduce mahself. The name’s Applejack. Ah work at Sweet Apple Factory in Ponyville.”

“Ponyville?” Twilight repeated, hearing the name of the town Sweetie Belle and her family used to live in. “Do you happen to know Sweetie Belle by any chance?”

“You know Rarity’s sister?” Applejack asked in surprise.

“Well, yes,” Said Twilight. “She and her family moved to Canterlot for safety, and she did tell me that she had a sister. Why? Have you met this Rarity before?”

Applejack nodded.

“Yes, ah did,” She answered. “Last ah heard, she moved to Manehattan to help the cause.”

Twilight nodded, following.

“So,” Applejack continued. “Ah guess the Princess called fer you, too.”

Twilight quirked an eyebrow.

“You were called here, too?” She asked.

“Yep,” Said Applejack. “Ah was back at the factory, when Princess Celestia’s guards came an’ said that she needed me in Canterlot. They didn’t tell me why, but ah figured it was important. Ah hope it has t’ do with winnin’ the war. Ah was gonna join the E.U.P. Guard, anyway, so ah’m not complainin’.”

“I see,” Said Twilight. “And to answer your question, yes. I was summoned here, too. By here, I mean the castle. I’ve been living in Canterlot for a long time.”

Just then, another thought occurred to her.

“You said you were going to join the E.U.P. Guard before Lieutenant Red Lightning brought you here,” She said. “Why?”

Applejack hesitated, before she sighed and stood straight.

“After the Alicorn Twilight told me about her Equestria,” She began. “Ah started thinkin’ about how ah could do better to help the cause. Let me tell ya, makin’ sour applesauce to be sent to the frontlines ain’t somethin’ ah’m proud of. Plus, while some of mah relatives are on their orchards harvestin’ apples, others have joined the E.U.P. Guard, includin’ mah cousin, Braeburn from Appleloosa. The fact he’s out there fightin’ Sombra’s troops while ah was workin’ at a factory that used to be mah family’s farm, a farm that used t’ make the best apples anypony ever tasted, really frustrated me. Ah want to do more. Ah want to help go out there and fight Sombra, not can applesauce an’ haul it to the freight train. An’ when Lieutenant Red Lightning came and told me the Princess needed me, ah accepted it just like that. It took me a while to convince my family to let me go.”

Twilight nodded in response, the earth pony gaining her full attention.

“Ah know they’re worried about me an’ want me t’ be safe, an’ ah respect ‘em for it,” Applejack continued, her eyes narrowing in determination. “But ah don’t care if ah’m riskin’ myself out there. Ah know what ah’m gettin’ into. Ah won’t let my family down.”

Twilight felt a feeling of admiration for Applejack. She was just a factory worker, but her love for her family had made her determined to protect them, even if it cost her her life. After all, from what she told her, she had grown dissatisfied with her farm, her home, being turned into a factory that sacrificed quality for quantity because of the increasing demand for supplies, and working there while her relatives were risking their lives battling King Sombra’s Crystal Warriors. She had a lot of courage for such a little pony, even if her ramblings about a time-travelling alicorn made her sound a little mad.

The doors opened again, and another pony stepped inside, her escorts leaving for the throne room as well. She was a pegasus pony, with a bright yellow coat, a pink mane and tail, and moderate cyan eyes. She wore a tan jumpsuit and headscarf.

The two ponies saw her, and exchanged glances.

“Looks like we weren’t the only ones summoned by Princess Celestia.” Twilight said to Applejack.

The earth pony nodded in response. “Yep,” She answered. “She looks like she’s been workin’ on a wool farm. Fillydephia, ah think.”

“She also seems a little nervous.” Said Twilight.

“Can’t say ah blame her,” Applejack replied. “Ah mean, we are about t’ meet Princess Celestia. Ah’ve got butterflies in mah stomach, mahself.”

The pegasus mare nervously walked away from the doors, her expression that of anxiety. Twilight and Applejack couldn’t help but look at her with pity.

“Maybe we should go talk to her.” Whispered Applejack.

Twilight simply nodded as the two approached the newcomer.

“Howdy,” Applejack greeted. The pink-haired pegasus yelped in surprise, jumping a little. She turned to face the two ponies, her eyes wide with fright.

“Oh. Sorry,” Apologized Applejack. “Didn’t mean t’ startle ya. Mah name’s Applejack.”

“And I’m Twilight Sparkle,” Twilight introduced herself, smiling awkwardly.

A silence filled the chamber as Twilight and Applejack waited for the pegasus to respond.

However, the mare remained quiet, giving them the same, nervous stare.

“What’s your name?” Asked Twilight, breaking the silence.

The pegasus mumbled something in response. It was barely audible, but the two could make out the word ‘Flutter’.

“I’m sorry,” Said Twilight, “What was that?”

“Fluttershy,” The pegasus said a little more clearly. “M-my name is Fluttershy.”

Applejack’s eyes widened.

“Fluttershy,” She repeated. “That was one of the friends other Twilight told me about.”

“Seriously?” Asked Twilight, raising an eyebrow. “You’re bringing up that again?”

“Trust me on this one.” Applejack whispered to her.

“Well, her name is pretty appropriate.” Said Twilight.

The two then turned their attention back to the newcomer.

“So, Princess Celestia summoned you too, huh?” Asked Applejack.

“Um, y-y-yes.” Said Fluttershy, her voice barely above a whisper.

Twilight sighed. This pony certainly lived up to the name ‘Fluttershy’. Then again, she was a little socially awkward herself. She could understand Fluttershy’s situation perfectly.

The doors opened once more, and two unicorns entered the room. The stallion, Iron Vigil, took his leave, heading for the throne room. The three mares turned their attention to the other unicorn.

She had a white coat, a purple mane and tail, blue eyes, and light blue eye shadow. She was clad in a gray working jumpsuit and headscarf.

Twilight and Fluttershy didn’t recognize her, but Applejack did.

“Rarity!” She cried.

Almost immediately, Applejack rushed toward the unicorn, who noticed her.

“Applejack,” She called out, “Am I glad to see—waaaaaait, no I’m not.”

Immediately the two stopped approaching and turned away from each other.

“Hmph. Yeah,” Scoffed Applejack, “Me neither.”

Twilight, who was smiling earlier at what she thought would be a touching reunion, frowned, left confused by what she just witnessed.

“Ummmmm, Applejack, did I miss something?” She asked. “I thought you and Rarity were friends.”

“Yeah. We were friends,” huffed the earth pony. “Emphasis on ‘were’.”

“Sorry to disappoint you, darling,” Rarity said, holding her nose high in the air, “But I no longer associate with her.”

“And ah don’t associate with her, anymore.” Said Applejack, pointing her hoof at Rarity.

“But, why?” Asked Twilight.

“Let’s just say that Applejack is a stubborn, arrogant mule.” Rarity huffed.

Applejack seemed to have taken offense as she immediately faced Rarity, eyebrows furrowed.

“At least ah’m not a coward!” She retorted.

Rarity let out a noise of disgust as she turned around, glaring at Applejack with anger burning in her eyes.

“Well excuse me, Applejack,” She snapped, “If I’m not in pursuit of experiencing the glory of battle! I still stand by what I said years back! If you really wanted to help Equestria, you’d swallow your pride and help your family back on your farm!”

“Ah can’t just stand by while the rest of mah family’s fightin’ Sombra! Besides, the fact the War Production Board wanted us to optimize our output isn’t helpin’ matters.” Retorted Applejack.

“Either that, or you’re too lazy to actually use better apples.” Rarity replied in a snide tone.

Twilight had an idea what was going on. It sounded like they had a falling out some time ago, apparently over how to help in the war against King Sombra. From what she could tell, Rarity didn’t approve of Applejack enlisting, believing she would be better help back on her farm, or rather, factory. And it sounded like the Board had wanted Sweet Apple Factory to optimize production time, something Applejack was against because it meant they would produce less quality apples.

Before they could continue, they heard the doors open once more. They turned to see five more ponies, one of which Twilight recognized as Commander Stratos, accompanied by two of his Blue Wings, one of which was staring at her with wide eyes. Twilight noticed, and she blushed. The blue-haired stallion blushed in return.

Stratos spoke to one of the new ponies, a pegasus. “You two wait here, Captain,” He said. “We’ll go on inside and speak with the princess.”

The pegasus saluted.

“Yes, sir.” She said in a rather raspy voice.

Commander Stratos turned around and headed for the doors, noticing one of his soldiers gazing at Twilight.

“Flash,” He said. “Come with us.”

The stallion, Flash, snapped out of his trance.

“Uh, yes sir.” He said, following the commander.

Soon, the three entered the throne room, the doors closing behind them. Twilight stood there for a minute, and then turned her attention to the two new ponies.

The first was an earth pony with a pale pink coat, a long, dark pink mane, a short, dark pink tail, and light blue eyes. She wore a gray jumpsuit and dark gray battle armor, the uniform of the E.U.P. Guard Rock Trooper Corps. Judging by her expression, she was the veteran of many battles.

But the second pony was what really drew Twilight’s attention.

She was a pegasus mare with a cyan coat, magenta eyes, a short, rainbow-colored mane with a bit of hair that hung over the right side of her face, and a short rainbow-colored tail. She was clad in a light blue flight jumpsuit with yellow trims running down from the sides of her lower torso to her hind legs, with dark blue body armor covering her torso and shins just above her hooves, her uniform held by a gold clasp on her collar, a dark blue belt around her waist with a yellow pouch on each side. A blue combat helmet was tucked under her right wing. Over her left eye was a scar, and a notable chunk of her left ear was missing. But her most distinguishing characteristic was her prosthetic left wing.

Twilight’s eyes widened at the sight of the pegasus. She recognized the uniform she wore. It was that of the Wonderbolts, the most elite air warriors in the E.U.P. Guard.

A Wonderbolt? Here? She asked mentally. This meeting must have been important if Celestia summoned a Wonderbolt, let alone a Rock Trooper. She heard stories about the Wonderbolts. They were the greatest fighters among the Princess’s armies. Their speed was the stuff of legends, and like lightning, they struck the enemy quickly and without warning.

Rarity and Applejack stopped arguing and turned their attention to the new ponies. Their eyes grew wide at the sight of the pegasus.

“Land sakes,” Said Applejack. “She’s a Wonderbolt. Ah didn’t think Princess Celestia would summon one of ‘em here.”
Rarity scoffed, as if the earth pony said the dumbest thing ever.

“Of course she would,” Said the unicorn. “Only the best in the Air Corps are worthy enough to go on… whatever assignment the princess has in mind for those two.”

“I think it’s for the same reason the Princess summoned us.” Twilight said.

Rarity eyed Twilight.

“About that,” She said, “I understand her summoning military personnel, but why would she summon us?”

“I don’t know,” Answered Twilight, “But it must be something important.”

Rarity, nodded, and decided to change the subject.

“Anyway, my name is Rarity,” She began. “And you are..?”

Twilight hesitated, but answered the white unicorn’s question.

“Twilight Sparkle,” She said, a little nervously, “You’re Sweetie Belle’s sister, right? She’s told me all about you.”

Rarity’s eyes widened like saucers at the mention of her sister’s name.

“You know my sister?” She asked, completely shocked.

Twilight was taken aback by Rarity’s change in mood, but she nodded in reply.

Rarity rushed towards her, getting right up in her face. Twilight nearly fell over on her flank in response to the unicorn’s reaction, as Rarity launched a flurry of questions.

“How is she? Is she alright? Is she getting along with the other children? What school did she join? Has she been taking care of Opal? She hasn’t run into any bullies, has she?”

Twilight was silent for a moment, before regaining her composure.

“Yes, she’s perfectly fine,” the lavender unicorn answered, “She’s been getting along just fine with the foals in her class. As for school, she joined Comet Tail Magic School. Yes, she’s been taking good care of your cat from what I’ve heard. And as for bullies, well, not that I know of.”

Rarity sighed with relief. “That’s so good to hear. I have no idea what I’d do without my sister.”

“Well, I’m pleased to hear that.” Said Twilight. “I think you’re lucky to have a sister like her.”

Her gaze returned to the prismatic-haired pegasus. She recognized her from one of the propaganda posters. The image of the poster came back to her, displaying the pegasus standing tall, holding the flag of Equestria in one hoof, and a spear in the other, with a pile of Crystal Warriors lying beneath her. She remembered the words on the poster accompanying the image:

THE IRON PONY, HERO OF EQUESTRIA

Although, she looked a lot more confident and heroic on the posters. Now that she saw her in person, she looked… sad.

The pegasus must have noticed her, because she looked her way, her stern expression unwavering. There was a tense silence between the two.

“Can I help you?” She asked in a calm tone.

Twilight gulped. She could practically feel her knees buckling. She had to say something, but what? She had never spoken to a Wonderbolt before, especially not a Wonderbolt whose face was on many propaganda posters hailed as the hero of Equestria.

The pegasus raised her eyebrow.

“Are you alright?” She asked.

Twilight struggled to find her voice. Finally, she found the strength to speak.

“YOU’RE THE IRON PONY!”

It came out so suddenly. She wasn’t even thinking. The pegasus stared at her with wide eyes, shocked by the unicorn’s sudden outburst.

After an awkward silence, the pegasus recomposed herself, clearing her throat.

“Er, yeah. That’s me,” She said, embarrassed, “I am the Iron Pony.”

Twilight blushed.

“Uh, sorry,” She said, smiling nervously. “It’s just that I’ve heard so much about you, and I’ve seen the posters and everything. You’re a legend, from what I’ve heard. Is it true you fought at Trottingham?”

“Yeah.” Said the pegasus, her voice containing a bit of sadness. Already the memories were returning.
Twilight noticed her change in demeanor.

“Is something wrong?” She asked, concerned.

“Nothing,” The pegasus replied, “It’s just that Trottingham isn’t something I’d like to talk about.”

Twilight’s ears drooped. She felt a bit of regret in her heart.

“I’m sorry,” She apologized. “I didn’t mean to bring back any bad memories.”

“That’s alright,” the pegasus replied. “Just be more careful. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told not to lose my temper whenever the journalists ask me about my exploits.”

Twilight nodded, still feeling a little sad. She looked at the pegasus with pity. She always heard that the Iron Pony was a fearless warrior, a courageous hero who was unafraid to die. But now that she saw her, she seemed… broken. Instead of a bold, noble war hero, standing before her was a stoic, unhappy pegasus who looked like she had flown through the Underworld and back again. She was even missing a wing, for Celestia’s sake. And her eyes… her eyes were that of a pegasus who carried the burden of watching her comrades fall.

There was a tense silence, until Twilight spoke again.

“Allow me to introduce myself,” She began. “My name is Twilight Sparkle. What’s your name?”

The pegasus straightened up, standing stock still.

“Rainbow Dash,” She answered. “Captain, Wonderbolts 1st Squadron, Serial Number 4132249.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Captain Dash,” Said Twilight, shaking Rainbow Dash’s hoof. “You know, you’re not exactly what I expected.”

“Let me guess,” Chuckled Rainbow Dash, “You were expected a proud, fearless warrior who boasts about her victories every chance she gets.”

Twilight could practically hear the cynicism in her tone. “It’s just that the posters made you out to be a hero, but in person, you seem a little… grim.”

“Trust me,” Said Rainbow Dash. “If you saw as much death as I have, you’d have a grim outlook, too.”

She then realized what she said, and sighed, gazing at the floor. Her scowl softened as she looked back at Twilight.

“Sorry,” She apologized. “It’s just that a lot has happened lately, and a lot of ponies I’ve cared about have been hurt, or worse. So I hope you can forgive me if my attitude seems a little down.”

Twilight glanced at the pink earth pony, whose stoic expression remained unchanged.

“Who’s she?” She asked.

Rainbow Dash followed her gaze, seeing her companion, who approached them.

“1st Lieutenant Pinkamena Diane Pie,” She began in a monotone voice, “Rock Trooper Corps 7th Regiment, serial number 2477310.”
Twilight was slightly unnerved by Pinkamena. Her voice lacked emotion, and her expression was unreadable. She was like a machine. She must have been through a horrible experience. But then again, it couldn’t have been as horrible as what Captain Dash went through.
Speaking of the Captain, she already turned her gaze back to Twilight.

“You’ll have to excuse her,” She said. “She’s not much of a talker.”

“I can see that,” Replied Twilight.

“So, you girls were summoned by Princess Celestia, as well?” Asked the prismatic pegasus.

Twilight beamed with elation.

“Yes!” Shouted the unicorn, startling Rainbow Dash, who jumped back. Soon, Twilight began to ramble, much to the Captain’s dismay.

“And you have no idea how amazing this is! It’s like a dream come true! Ever since I was a filly, I’ve admired the Princess! She and Star Swirl the Bearded inspired me to learn everything about magic, and I’m really good at it, too! I was the best magic caster in my class, you know! I always wanted to know the Princess, even become her student! And now here I am, summoned by the Princess herself for something important! I can’t wait to actually speak with her! This is going to be so great! Maybe all of my research in magic will impress her so much, that she’ll finally…”

“I think we get the picture, Twilight.” Interrupted Rainbow Dash. Twilight snapped out of her state of euphoria and smiled sheepishly.

“Sorry,” She said. “I’m just really excited.”

Rainbow Dash smirked. This pony reminded her of herself when she first arrived at Wonderbolt Academy. She could easily understand how she felt.

Applejack, who was silent throughout the scene, chuckled at what she witnessed.

“More excited than a mouse in a cheese factory, that’s for sure,” She commented.

Rainbow Dash then saw Fluttershy. Her eyes widened like saucers when she did.

“It can’t be…” She muttered, her voice filled with shock.

She couldn’t believe it. It was her. The same filly from Flight School, the filly whose honor she raced to defend. The filly she failed. Already, the memories of that day came back to her. She hoped she would forget. She prayed she would forget. Time, it seemed, decided to be against her. She felt a pang of guilt in her heart as she remembered returning to the school with shame, when she told her that she lost, and when she had written her farewell letter.

“Fluttershy.” She whispered, her voice barely audible.

A confused expression crept onto Twilight’s face as Rainbow Dash stood still, looking like she saw a ghost. She then followed her gaze to Fluttershy, who looked at Rainbow Dash with a shocked expression of her own. She looked at Rainbow Dash, then back at Fluttershy, then back at Rainbow Dash again. Finally, a thought occurred to her.

Do they know each other?

Twilight waved a hoof in front of Rainbow’s face, trying to get her attention. No response. It was like she was in a trance. Did something happen between these two?

Finally, Twilight had enough.

“Captain Dash!” She said firmly. It wasn’t a shout, but it was still pretty loud. Finally, the Wonderbolt snapped out of her catatonic state. She saw Twilight in front of her, wearing a stern expression.

“Sorry, Twilight,” She said. “I just zoned out a little.”

“I noticed you and Fluttershy were staring at each other,” Twilight noted. “Do you two know each other?”

“Yes.” A small voice spoke behind Twilight. She turned around and saw Fluttershy, a small smile on her muzzle. The yellow pegasus wrapped her forelegs around Rainbow Dash and pulled her into a hug. The action took Rainbow Dash by surprise.

“It’s good to see you again, Rainbow Dash,” Said Fluttershy. “I missed you so much.”

Rainbow was silent. Her shocked expression became one of guilt, while her foalhood friend embraced her. True, a part of her did feel happy to see her again, but another part of her still felt regret for failing her on that day. She was surprised she could still remember it. She could still feel the burning disappointment of losing.

Fluttershy seemed to notice Rainbow Dash’s melancholy demeanor, as she looked up at her.

“Rainbow Dash? Are you alright?” She asked, worried.

Rainbow Dash tensed up a little, but then relaxed a bit.

“I… I’m fine.” She answered, not really believing her own words.

If anything, she felt awful. Just seeing Fluttershy again made her remember her failure. After so many years, it was still fresh in her mind: Hoops’ boasting, the other foals’ hurtful cheers and taunts, Fluttershy’s look of pity. She was amazed how well she was holding back the tears. Then again, seeing so many pegasi under her command dying before her eyes had that effect on her.

So, why did she feel like the tears were about to flow?

Fluttershy then noticed her old friend’s left wing. Her eyes widened in shock.

“Rainbow Dash,” She gasped. “What happened to your wing?!”

The blue pegasus’s eyes widened once the question was asked. Once again, Twilight saw pain in those magenta eyes. Fluttershy’s question must have brought back painful memories. Rainbow Dash let go of Fluttershy and stepped back, looking down at the floor.

“I rather not talk about it…” She mumbled sadly.

Twilight looked at the Wonderbolt with pity. She didn’t know how Rainbow Dash lost her wing, but it must have been something awful if the young pegasus didn’t want to talk about. However, she was still curious.

Rarity, who was silent through the whole thing, cleared her throat, gaining everypony’s attention.

“Well,” She began, “Not that this hasn’t been a touching reunion, but I think it’s time for a few more introductions. I am Rarity. I used to work at Manehattan making uniforms, but like you, I was summoned by princess Celestia.”

Rainbow Dash turned her attention to the unicorn, taking a good look at her. She certainly looked like a factory worker, despite her elegant demeanor, but Dash had a feeling she had plenty of spirit.

Applejack then stepped forward.

“It’s a pleasure t’ meet you, Captain Dash,” She said, saluting. “Mah name is Applejack, worker at the Sweet Apple Factory, although, ah was plannin’ on joinin’ the Guard.”

“I see…” Commented Rainbow Dash, sizing up the earth pony. From what she could tell, Applejack was certainly strong, working at a food production plant ever since the war. All of that harvesting was sure to have made her legs strong enough to deliver a good kick to Sombra’s soldiers. If this assignment Celestia called them for involved combat, she was willing to see her in action. Perhaps she had what it takes to be a soldier.

Her eyes were then drawn to something peculiar in Twilight’s saddlebag: A purple dragon egg.

She quirked an eyebrow. Twilight noticed her expression.

“Is something wrong, Captain?” She asked.

“Um, Twilight?” Asked Rainbow Dash. “Why do you have a dragon egg in your bag?”

Immediately, all eyes turned to Twilight, the purple unicorn surprised by the attention she’d drawn.

“Oh, this?” She asked, using her magic to pull the egg out of her bag so everypony could see. “Well, it’s a long story, but my parents gave it to my after they requested the Princess to give it to me. You see, my mother is friends with Princess Celestia, so Princess Celestia gave it to her, saying that it might be of use in the future. Since then, I’ve been trying to find a spell that’ll hatch the egg. So far, I haven’t made much progress, but I’ll get there.”

She noticed the odd stares the other ponies, except Pinkamena, who merely scowled, were giving her.

There was an awkward silence, until Applejack spoke.

“Question. When you hatch the egg, what are you gonna do then?” She asked.

“Raise it, of course,” Said Twilight, a gleeful smile on her face. “Very little is known about dragons, and I intend to learn everything.”

Rainbow Dash quirked an eyebrow. She was starting to wonder if Twilight might be a little… loopy. Then again, after a lost empire reappearing in the Frozen North, and its king declaring war on Equestria, a pony raising a dragon wasn’t completely farfetched.

Just then, the doors to the throne room swung open, and Shining Armor stepped out.

“The Princess will see you now, girls.” He said.

Twilight grinned eagerly. Rainbow Dash could practically see the excitement in her expression.

Yep, she thought, definitely me on my first day of training.

“Thank goodness,” Said Rarity. “I was starting to get impatient. After all, it’s not every day somepony like myself gets to have an audience with royalty.”

“Ah’m pretty sure this is the first time for all of us.” Said Applejack bluntly.

Twilight stored her egg back into her bag, and the six mares followed Shining Armor into the throne, the doors closing behind them.

The sight before them was truly one to behold. The throne room was a massive chamber, the walls and floor made of white, polished stone, tall pillars supporting a violet ceiling. Colorful tapestries hung from the ceiling; large stained-glass windows rested on the walls between them, displaying breathtaking images, particularly of events from Equestria’s past. On the floor was a magnificent red carpet leading to the throne. The throne itself was massive, made of gold and red velvet. On each side stood a pegasus guard clad in golden torso armor and blue-plumed helmets.

Twilight felt herself at a loss for words as she observed the room, her eyes filled with awe and wonderment. She took a glance at the other ponies, and saw that they too were taken by the sight. Rarity, in particular, looked like she would faint at any moment. Even Captain Dash couldn’t help but admire the architecture.

Twilight drew her attention to the throne… or rather, its occupant.

Sitting on the throne was an alicorn mare. She had a white coat, and her eyes were a light magenta. Her long tail and mane were a combination of light cerulean, turquoise, pink, and cobalt blue, flowing mystically behind her as if she were in water. She wore a golden collar around her neck, an amethyst in the center, along with golden slippers, and a golden crown on her head. Her cutie mark was a golden sun.

Twilight widened her eyes, a combination of shock, surprise, and amazement washing over her.

This was Celestia, the alicorn who raised both the sun and the moon, and benevolent ruler of Equestria.

She was accompanied by the guards who had brought the other five to Canterlot, along with two unicorn stallions. The first had a grayish blue coat, a turquoise mane and tail, and brown eyes. His cutie mark was a quartet of blue stars. Twilight recognized him as Stardust, the head of the Equestrian Royal Office of Strategic Services. The second had a white coat, an azure mane and tail, and light blue eyes. He wore a monocle and black tuxedo. He had three golden crowns with purple jewels as his cutie mark. He was Fancy Pants, recently made a member of Celestia’s inner circle.

The six ponies approached the throne, bowing before the royal alicorn. Twilight could barely contain her excitement.

“Nervous?” She heard a voice next to her whisper. She glanced to see Captain Dash giving her a glance of her own. “It’s okay. I know how you feel. Let’s keep it together, okay?”

Twilight nodded nervously as she tried to contain her joy.

The princess smiled at the six young mares, and stood up from her throne, towering over everypony in the room.

“Greetings, my little ponies,” She said, her voice carrying a kind and gentle tone. “Welcome to Canterlot Castle. I have been expecting you. You may rise.”

The ponies did just that, and Rainbow Dash stood to attention, setting down her helmet and raising her right hoof in salute.

“Captain Rainbow Dash of the Wonderbolts 1st Squadron, reporting, Princess.” She said, her voice carrying the tone of a disciplined soldier, with a small hint of admiration. It was almost similar to Twilight’s own admiration. Of course, everypony admired Celestia, but this particular pegasus seemed to have special admiration for her, as if she owed her life to her.

“At ease, Captain Dash.” Said Celestia. The pegasus lowered her hoof, nodding in reply.

“I take it you’re wondering why I summoned you here.” The princess continued, seemingly reading the thoughts of the gathered mares. The six ponies nodded in reply, although Twilight and Rarity nodded a lot quicker than the others.

“You are here because I have a special mission for you.” She said. It was then that Twilight raised her hoof.

“What kind of mission?” The lavender unicorn asked, “And why exactly would you call four civilians and two soldiers, rather than high-ranking officials?”

“Normally, I would,” The princess replied, “But you are especially needed for this mission. I know you might be confused, but I believe you just might hold the key to winning this war.”

Twilight nodded, still confused. She and the others were so focused on the coming conversation, they did not notice two suspicious ponies on a window cleaning scaffold outside one of the windows. Celestia cleared her throat.

“I trust you are all familiar with the war against King Sombra and the Crystal Empire?” She asked.

The ponies nodded.

“Yes, princess.” Said Rarity.

“Recently, the E.U.P. Guard managed to push back Sombra’s forces at Borealis Fields, Sombra himself wounded in our duel.” Began the princess. Rainbow Dash smirked proudly, remembering the injured Shadow King being taken back to Imperial territory. Applejack, on the other hand, wore a shocked expression.

“Really?” She asked.

“You mean you didn’t know?” Asked Rarity in a flat tone. “It was in the news all over Equestria.”

Applejack gave the unicorn a glare that could have sliced through concrete.

“Excuse me, Rarity,” She retorted. “Ah was distracted with work an’… other things.”

“Like what? Making plans to escape your factory and go to the nearest recruiting center?” Asked Rarity snidely.

Applejack growled angrily. She sounded like a bear. She was about to say something, when Stardust cleared his throat.

“Please refrain from arguing while the princess is speaking.” He said.

The two mares cast dirty looks at each other and turned their attention back to Celestia, who resumed her speech.

“However, even though we have managed to strike a major blow against him and reclaim lost territory, King Sombra is far from defeated. His resources are vast, and he still has a firm grip on much of Equestria, and his influence in the Crystal Empire is stronger, still. His magic has already twisted the lands he has conquered, as you may have noticed from the crystals everywhere.”

“Oh, I most certainly have, your majesty,” Said Rarity, her tone posh. “They are absolutely tacky. Razor sharp, dreary colors, and they don’t even sparkle. I wouldn’t even consider them crystals.”

“I see.” Said Celestia, before continuing. “As I was saying, this was only a minor setback for Sombra, especially with Commander Spitfire his prisoner, and the Hyperborean Pegasi serving him willingly. Our recent victory has only bought us time to bolster our forces, and Sombra is sure to double the strength of his own. If we do not act, the Crystal Empire will control all of Equestria.”

The six ponies’ reactions to what Celestia had just said varied. Twilight’s eyes widened with fear, Applejack wore an expression of worry, Rarity looked like she was ready to faint, and Fluttershy’s eyes shrank to the size of pinpricks, her knees shaking. Pinkamena’s expression was unchanged, but if one looked closely, they could see the fear in her eyes. Rainbow Dash, however, didn’t show any fear. Her brow was twisted into a scowl, her eyes burning with anger.

I won’t let that happen, she thought, I’ll die before I let that happen.

Twilight recomposed herself and cleared her throat, raising her hoof.

Celestia noticed the unicorn raising her hoof.

“Yes, Twilight Sparkle?” She asked.

“Princess Celestia,” Began Twilight, “What exactly is the Crystal Empire? I know they’re the enemy, but other than that, there isn’t anything about it in my books, or the books in the library.”

“There wouldn’t be,” Celestia answered. “Few even remember it even existed. Even my knowledge is limited.”

Twilight’s eyes widened with surprised. Celestia knew little about the Crystal Empire. She could hardly believe it. Celestia was over a thousand years old. Surely she would know everything about it.

The alicorn nodded to Stardust, who used his magic to pull a small gold box out of his uniform. He handed the box to Celestia, who took it and opened it, pulling out a smooth, pink crystal. She placed the crystal on the floor, in front of the six ponies. Celestia’s horn ignited, and she fired a beam of light at the crystal, causing it to glow, and create a three-dimensional image of a massive city. The six ponies took a step back, shocked by the spectacle.

“Holy smoke…” Muttered Captain Dash.

The girls stepped closer, gazing upon the miniature city before them. The structures were made of gleaming crystal, shining with illustrious colors, a tall palace in the center. They saw ponies walking to and fro in the streets, going about their lives in happiness. Applejack couldn’t help but smile a little at the sight. What astonished the six, however, was that the ponies did not have normal coats. In fact, they shined like crystal. Rarity’s eyes widened, her jaw dropping in shock.

“But I know that it contains a great power,” They heard Celestia say. “One thousand years ago, King Sombra took over the Crystal Empire.”

An image of a unicorn stallion’s head appeared. His coat was dark gray, his mane was black like a starless night, and his eyes were blood red and bright green, purple mist surrounding them. His horn was blood red, curved and sharp, and upon his head rested a gray, spiked crown with a red crescent. The stallion bared his teeth, revealing them to be fangs, as he growled in a way reminiscent of a dragon.

Fluttershy squealed with fright, backing away from the horrifying image.

Applejack yelped in surprise, falling on her rump.

Rarity shrieked in terror.

Pinkamena cringed.

Twilight stared on, horrified by the appearance of the monstrous unicorn.

Rainbow Dash however, glared at the image, baring her teeth in anger. She could feel her blood boil. She recognized this unicorn.

“Sombra…” She hissed under her breath.

The image changed, revealing the city in a different way. Instead of the shining city they saw before, they saw a twisted mirror of it, the buildings made of black, sharp crystals, torches lit with green fire, and a sinister castle standing ominously in the center of it all. The crystal ponies from before walked down the streets, but unlike before, they marched in a straight line, shackled in chains, their coats and manes dull and dreary rather than bright and shining, and in place of joy, their faces displayed sadness and despair. From a balcony on the castle, they saw the unicorn again, gazing upon the crystal ponies, wearing a malevolent grin on his muzzle. Twilight could feel the evil he gave off.

“He was ultimately overthrown, turned to shadow, and banished to the ice of the arctic north.” Celestia continued, as the image changed once more, showing Celestia and the other alicorn blasting Sombra with beams of light. The evil king’s body began to change, morphing into formless shadow, and then he was pulled down into a ravine. He gave the princesses a spiteful roar, and then the ravine closed.

“But not until he was able to put a curse upon the empire,” Celestia said, her voice filled with sadness. “A curse that caused it to vanish into thin air.”

The image changed again, showing a frozen wasteland where the city once was. And then, the image disappeared, the crystal dimming.

“After Nightmare Moon vanished the night she returned,” The Princess continued, “The Crystal Empire reappeared. I sent my niece, Princess Cadance, to try and reclaim the throne. I haven’t heard from her since. Then, the Empire attacked, with Sombra in control. I wanted Cadance to rule the Crystal Empire so she could lift the spirits of the Crystal Ponies.”

Twilight’s ears perked at the name of her old foalsitter. She knew she was an alicorn, but she had no idea that she was the princess of the Crystal Empire.

Celestia lifted the crystal from the floor. “With her pure heart, she would be able to lift the spirits of the Crystal Ponies.” She said.

Her horn began to glow once more, and she fired another beam of light into the crystal, causing it to create an aurora of colors. “When the Empire is full of hope and love,” She said. “These things are reflected across Equestria.”

The six ponies stared at the aurora with awe, amazed by the display of colors. Celestia closed her eyes, an expression that was a cross between anger, fear, and sadness forming on her face.

“But if hatred and fear take hold…” She said. She opened her eyes, revealing them to have turned into the same sickly green as Sombra’s, a purple haze surrounding them. Her horn was engulfed in a black and green aura, and she shot another beam of magic at the crystal.

This time, the crystal changed from pink to black, and casted a shadow towards the six young ponies. Three black, jagged crystals sprang out of the shadow, close to the ponies, who stepped back in shock.

Then, Celestia’s eyes glowed white, as she unleashed an array of light which shattered the crystals.

After what felt like an eternity of silence, Applejack spoke.

“Is that what’s been happin’ out there,” She asked, her voice shaky. “Is that why all of those crystals have been poppin’ up? Sombra’s rule over the Empire is causing all of this?”

“Yes,” Answered the Princess, feeling weary from her usage of dark magic. “If he is not defeated, all of Equestria will be changed, turned into a reflection of his hate.”

“That is why we gathered you,” Spoke Stratos. “As she explained to you earlier, her majesty believes that you just might be the key to ending this war.”

Twilight’s ears drooped. She was excited when Celestia had summoned her. But now she had been told that she and five ponies she just met were needed to defeat Sombra.

“But how?” The unicorn finally found her voice. “How can we defeat him? What can six ponies do that an entire army couldn’t?”

Celestia stepped down and approached them.

“Tell me, Twilight,” She said. “Are you familiar with the Elements of Harmony?”

Twilight’s ears perked up at what she said. Elements of Harmony. That name sounded familiar. She remembered hearing about them in the Tale of the Two Sisters.

“I’ve heard about them,” She answered. “But other than their role in the banishment of Nightmare Moon, I’m not sure what they are exactly.”

“Then allow me to explain.” Celestia closed her eyes, and her horn glowed once more. She used her magic to summon an image of six gems.

“The Elements of Harmony are artifacts of great power,” She began to explain. “Power great enough to defeat any evil. Long before you were born, my sister and I used them to protect Equestria from any threat, from Discord to Tirek. The six Elements are Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty. and Magic. After Luna’s banishment, I hid them away in our old castle, located in the Everfree Forest.”

Rarity’s eyes widened and her face grew pale. The Everfree Forest? She thought.

Applejack gulped as she remembered all of the stories Granny Smith used to tell her about the Everfree Forest. It was a place of untold danger, where nopony had dared to venture into. And those that did… never returned. She hoped that she would never go there, not after all the things she heard about it.

Rainbow Dash heard of the Everfree Forest, herself. She only knew a few things about it, but one thing she knew was that there was something strange about it. Something… unnatural.

After being silent for a few seconds, Rarity spoke.

“So, you want us to go into the Everfree Forest and find these Elements of Harmony, come out alive, and use them against Sombra?” She asked.

Celestia nodded. Rarity’s response was to let out a frightened whimper. The Everfree Forest was the last place she wanted to go. She could already imagine what would happen to her there. Starvation, eaten by a monster, her coat covered with dirt and grime…

“How can you be sure that we can find the Elements?” Asked Twilight. “What if we fail?”

“You won’t,” Said Celestia, “I know you have your doubts, young Twilight. It’s hard for me to explain, but I believe that you six ponies were destined to find them, to turn the tide of this war. I won’t lie. This mission will be perilous, and I’m sure that some of you are afraid, and I will not blame you. But, I know that if the six of you work together, you will succeed. A week from now, you will go through a special training program, not only to test your physical and mental strengths, but also your ability to work as a team. I cannot leave anything to chance. Once you have completed your training, you will be taken to Ponyville. There, you will make your base of operations. Then, you will begin your mission.”

Her expression softened as she gazed upon them.

“I understand that you may have your doubts, but you must understand that if you fail, King Sombra will destroy everything we know and love. Know that many of you have loved ones, ponies who will be depending on you, and Sombra will not hesitate to take them away from you.”

With that, the ponies exchanged glances with each other. Celestia was right. Many of their families had suffered ever since the war began. They had been given an important task, a mission to end the war once and for all. Their families would be counting on them. They couldn’t let them down.

Applejack was the first to speak.

“Ever since the war started,” She said, determination in her voice, “Many of mah relatives have been at the front takin’ the fight to Sombra. Ah won’t stand by an’ let 'em risk their lives for nothin’. Ah won’t let anythin’ happen to mah family.”

“I don’t know,” Muttered Fluttershy. “It sounds awfully dangerous. But, if it means my family will be safe, I’ll do it.”

Pinkamena stood straight, her eyes burning with determination.

“My family’s already had a hard life,” She said. “And I’m not gonna stand here and let Sombra make things worse.”

“Fighting’s not really my thing, I’m more of a seamstress,” Said Rarity casually, before she gritted her teeth, furrowing her eyebrows, “BUT I’LL RIP SOMBRA TO PIECES IF HE TOUCHES ONE HAIR ON SWEETIE BELLE’S HEAD!”

Rainbow Dash furrowed her eyebrows, standing tall as determination welled up inside her.

“I’ve lost too many friends to Sombra,” She said. “Thunder Flash, Stormflight, Whirlwind, Summer Breeze, Spitfire… They laid down their lives for Equestria. I won’t let their sacrifice be in vain. And I won’t let my squadron down. I’ll fight Sombra with my last breath!”

Celestia then faced Twilight, who wore a look of uncertainty. Celestia felt nothing but sympathy for her. She knew how much she wanted to be in her school, and she knew that she had much potential.

For a moment, she imagined Sunset in her place. Like her former student, this little pony possessed the strongest magic she ever sensed. She just needed somepony to stir her in the right direction. She just hoped she wouldn’t wind up like Sunset.

She walked closer to Twilight, looking down upon her.

“I understand you failed your entrance exam some years back,” She said. “This is a chance, Twilight Sparkle, to prove yourself to Equestria. But this is also a chance to protect the ones close to you. Do you accept?”

A tense silence hung over the throne room. Twilight hesitated. Thoughts rushed through her mind. Rainbow Dash glanced in her direction, a concerned look on her face. She may have just met her, but her gut told her that Twilight had the means to actually pull this mission off. When Twilight gave her answer, a small smile crossed her face.

“Equestria is my home,” She said, a new fire blazing in her eyes. “And I won’t let Sombra take it away. If it means protecting my family, I’ll take on this mission. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect Equestria.”

Celestia smiled. She had hoped she would say that.

“Thank you, Twilight,” She said. “The six of you are sure to bring hope to Equestria.”

Twilight noticed Rainbow Dash smiling at her. The Wonderbolt nodded, agreeing with Twilight’s decision. Twilight smiled back.

“You should go get some rest,” Said the princess. “Tomorrow, your training will begin.”

The six ponies nodded. Twilight then noticed the same stallion from before. Flash Sentry, she believed his name was. Her cheeks turned bright red when she saw him. Rarity noticed this and smirked slyly.

“Why, Twilight,” She said playfully. “Do you have a crush on one of Commander Stratos’s troops?”

“No!” Twilight quickly denied, trying to hide her blush.

The heroes were too preoccupied with the meeting, that they didn’t notice two unicorns hiding behind the throne vanishing in a flash of light, nor the two window cleaners outside hurriedly ascending to the next floor.

********************************

Suri and Svengallop removed their disguises, putting on their regular clothes. The two then faced each other, exchanging smug expressions.

"Elements of Harmony? This is sure to get us into King Sombra's good books." Said Svengallop, rubbing his hooves together.

Suri grinned deviously as she tossed away the apron to her disguise and tied her scarf back on. This was indeed a good day for her. She (and, technically, Svengallop) had just gathered information that could help Sombra win the war. Not to mention they discovered that Celestia had already gathered a team to find these so-called Elements of Harmony. Although, it struck her odd that the Princess would gather four civilians and two soldiers for such a task, instead of an entire squad of warriors.

Regardless, it was best that they returned to the Crystal Empire and report their findings to Sombra.

Suri pulled out her teleportation crystal. She closed her eyes and concentrated, and in a flash of light, she and Svengallop vanished.

Chapter 5: The King of Shadows

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CHAPTER 5: THE KING OF SHADOWS

The Crystal Empire. This mysterious city rested in the frozen north of Equestria, protected from the weather by powerful magic. Nopony knew of its history. Even Princess Celestia’s own knowledge of the Empire was limited.

It was home to a race of ponies who were just as mysterious: the crystal ponies. It was said that the crystal ponies possessed coats that shined bright like the crystals that were used to build their city.

But now, the crystal ponies were nothing more than slaves, as they had been a thousand years ago. Only this time, they were forced to fight.

Hundreds of thousands of crystal ponies had been forced to wear enchanted armor that controlled their minds, turning them into obedient Crystal Warriors, unquestionably following the orders of their king.

The same king who had ruled the empire a thousand years ago, and now ruled much of Equestria from the city.

He was the Shadow King, the Lord of Despair, the Regent of the Darkness, the Master of Fear, the King of the Monsters.

He was Sombra.

**************************

The dark unicorn looked down from his tower upon the rallying fields, observing the latest ‘recruits’ for his ever-growing army. He watched as countless crystal ponies, as well as Equestrian ponies from the conquered regions of Vanhoover, Mustangia, Coltsberg, and Stableloft were rounded up, Crystal Warriors and Storm Riders pulling carts carrying mind-control helms and armor to the fields, and placing them on the prisoners.

The process was quick for most victims. Once the helmets were placed, the victims were put under his mind control spell in a matter of seconds. However, for others, like those from the parts of Equestria he already ruled, it was slow, as they struggled to resist the control, but eventually they would succumb. He watched as a pony from Mustangia tried to desperately pull off his helmet, only to slowly remove his hooves from it, standing still like a statue.

The evil king smirked. He enjoyed watching his prisoners futilely struggle to resist his spell. It made conscripting them more entertaining.

Yes, he thought, struggle all you want. You can’t hope to resist my power.

He heard a pair of wings flap behind him, as well as hooves landing on the crystal floor. He turned to face one of his commanders.

He was a tall pegasus stallion. He had a black coat, a red and gray mane and tail, and blood red eyes. He wore the black and gray combat armor of the Crystal Empire’s Storm Rider Corps, a silver helmet with a bladed crest resting upon his head. His cutie mark was a red thunderbolt.

“General Black Wind,” Said Sombra, smirking. “How pleasant of you to join me.”

The pegasus, Black Wind, bowed before the king.

“I live to serve you, King Sombra,” He said, his voice dark and menacing. “As do all the Pegasi of Hyperborea.”

“Yes. I know.” Said the evil unicorn. “What do you have to report?”

“Our finest warriors have arrived,” reported Black Wind, “And are ready for further training. Soon, the Storm Riders will be stronger than before. And next time, they shall bring you victory.”

“I should hope so,” Sombra replied. “After my duel with Princess Celestia, it will take me a while to recover the power I’ve lost. Make no mistake, Black Wind. I may have been weakened at the Borealis Fields, but I am still the most powerful in the Empire.”

“And that, my king,” Said Black Wind, “Is why the Storm Riders serve the Empire. Only the strongest and most cunning have the right to rule.”

Sombra grinned, pride emanating from him. The strongest and most cunning. He liked the sound of that. After all, it was his cunning that denied the Royal Sisters a decisive victory a thousand years ago, as he cursed the Crystal Empire to disappear. He would not give his enemies the luxury of boasting. The empire belonged to him. Its citizens belonged to him. Its power belonged to him.

And soon, Equestria would belong to him.

“Rise, Black Wind,” He commanded. “General Wind Rider and the others are waiting for us, and I expect our ‘guest’ to be brought there, as well.”

“The Commander of the Wonderbolts?” Asked Black Wind.

“Yes,” Answered Sombra. “She is one of Celestia’s closest allies, and will most likely know every plan the Princess has come up with to stop me from achieving my plans. I intend to find out what she knows.”

“Commander Spitfire is notoriously stubborn,” Black Wind commented. “She’ll never tell us Celestia’s secrets.”

“Even if she doesn’t,” Replied the king, “I may still find use for her. She is one of Equestria’s finest military commanders, and I would hate to have such a keen mind go to waste.”

The two evil ponies walked down the hall leaving the balcony, two Crystal Warriors accompanying them.

On their way, Sombra recalled the fight at Borealis Fields, where he had led his personal army, General Wind Rider leading the new Storm Riders by his side, toward the city of Canterlot itself. The Borealis Fields were weakly defended, and thus made a perfect path to Equestria’s capital.

At least, they were, until Princess Celestia, commanding twenty squads of the Canterlot Royal Guard, two E.U.P. Royal Army regular regiments, one Rock Trooper regiment, seven Stalwart Horseshoe battalions, and dozens of Air Cavalry Squadrons, including the elite Wonderbolt Squadrons, set up base on Foal Mountain, launching an offensive that nearly took the King’s Army by surprise. Regardless, the Crystal Warriors managed to fight back, especially when the Imperial Storm Riders took flight, fighting their very first battle.

However, despite capturing Commander Spitfire, and killing many enemy troops, the Imperial forces were pushed back into home territory, giving up much ground.

Sombra himself had been gravely injured by Princess Celestia in personal combat, and was brought back to the Crystal Empire, where he needed to restore his energy.

Of course, he still needed commanders to lead his armies in the field while he replenished his power. That was why he gathered his commanders.

Soon, they arrived at the massive doors to the throne room, the Crystal Warriors guarding it standing to attention as they approached. Sombra’s eyes began to glow green and red, a purple haze flowing from them, as he concentrated his magic into his horn. A violet and green aura accompanied by black bolts of dark magic surrounded his horn, and fired a beam of dark magic at the crystal above the doors. The doors swung open, and King Sombra and Black Wind entered, their escorts close behind.

The throne room was enormous, built from black crystal, enormous windows on the left and right walls showing the city below, a red carpet leading to a black and purple throne made of crystal, a Crystal Pegasus Guard in black armor standing on each side. Hanging from the ceiling were jet black tapestries displaying King Sombra’s sigil, a green and red eye wreathed in violet flame.

Waiting for them was General Wind Rider, along with five other pegasi, clad in armor similar to Black Wind’s. The six commanders bowed as Sombra entered, the brainwashed Crystal Pegasus Guards standing to attention as he passed by. Once he reached the throne, he took his seat, observing his loyal commanders. He noticed that his prisoner, Commander Spitfire wasn’t there. He turned to the guard on his right.

“Send word to the dungeon,” He ordered, “Tell them to bring Commander Spitfire here for interrogation.”

The guard bowed silently and left the throne room, the doors closing behind him. Sombra turned his attention back to the Storm Rider commanders gathered before him.

“Greeting, gentlecolts,” He spoke, “I have summoned you here today for an important announcement.”

“We are yours to command,” One of the Storm Riders said, pounding his hoof against his chest. Sombra smirked. It was nice to have at least some enthusiasm among his commanders.

“As you know,” the king began, “Our recent defeat at the Borealis Fields has forced us back into the Empire, allowing the enemy to reclaim several regions, such as Tall Tale, Hoofington, Gallopstead, Percheronia, and Pinova Gulch. In addition, many of our Crystal Warriors were killed or captured during the battle. However, despite the ground we lost, it is a minor setback. We still control much of Equestria, with more than enough prisoners to replenish our forces, and our resources are vast. However, I have lost much of my power after my duel with Celestia, and I will be out of the fight for a week or two until I can gather my strength. Thus, I will need you to take command of my forces in my absence.”

The Storm Riders saluted. Sombra faced Wind Rider, who stood to attention.

“Wind Rider,” He commanded. “You will be in charge of my personal army alongside Black Wind. Your first task is to gather more ponies to become Crystal Warriors. The villages to the southeast should be more than enough.”

The renegade Wonderbolt saluted, a smirk on his face. He was pleased to hear that he was chosen to be a commander of the King’s Army. Granted, he would have preferred to be sent to Eastern Equestria to launch an invasion on Manehattan rather than gather recruits from the slaves, but he dared not speak against his king.

After Sombra assigned his commanding officers to their respective duties, the doors opened, and the Crystal Guard from before arrived.

“Your Highness,” He said, bowing, “We have released Commander Spitfire, as you commanded.”

Sombra grinned. “Excellent,” He chuckled. “Bring her in.”

The guard nodded and looked behind him.

“Bring forth the prisoner!” He ordered.

Soon, two Crystal Warriors entered the throne room, pulling Spitfire inside. The Wonderbolt was led inside with ropes lassoed around her waist and neck, as she struggled to free herself from her captors.

“Let me go!” She shouted. “You’ll be sorry!”

The warriors brought her before the throne, and forced her onto her knees. Spitfire looked up to see King Sombra himself, as he stood up from his throne, an evil smirk on his face. Spitfire stood in shock at the sight of the unicorn.

His coat was dark gray in color, and his mane was as black as his heart. His horn was red, sharp, and curved, not like an ordinary unicorn’s horn. He stared down at Spitfire with blood red eyes. His body was clad in gray armor, a red cape flowed behind him. On his head rested a gray and black spiked crown with a red crest.

Spitfire felt her stomach churn at the sight of him, although she did her best to put on a brave face. She didn’t want to give the monster the satisfaction of seeing her afraid.

However, Sombra could tell she was afraid. He could smell it. She reeked of fear.

He gave a low, quiet chuckle. It was a sound that would make anypony’s blood run cold.

“Welcome to the Crystal Empire, commander,” He said. “I trust you’re enjoying the accommodations.”

Spitfire glared.

“Cut the jokes, Sombra,” She snarled. “What do you want from me?”

Black Wind spread his wings, baring his teeth in anger.

“Insolent mare,” He growled, “How dare you speak to the king in such a manner?!”

“Enough,” Commanded Sombra. “Stand down, Black Wind.”

Black Wind calmed himself and stood to attention. However, he still gave Spitfire an angry glare. The Wonderbolt, however, was undeterred. Sombra may have unnerved her, but this pegasus was nothing more than a pompous windbag. A Breezie’s scarier than you, Storm Rider, she thought.

“To answer your question, my dear,” Sombra continued, “The answer is simple: Information. You are one of Princess Celestia’s trusted commanders, correct?”

“Yeah,” Answered Spitfire, “What’s that to you?”

“Like I said,” Said the unicorn, “I require information on everything Princess Celestia is planning. I believe she entrusted you with such vital information.”

At that, the fear in Spitfire vanished, replaced with defiance.

“Forget it, Sombra,” She snarled. “I won’t tell you anything! I’ll die before I betray Equestria!”

“Typical Spitfire,” Smirked Wind Rider, “Stubborn to the end. Just like you were at the academy.”

Spitfire’s eyes widened when she heard Wind Rider’s voice. She then bared her teeth, and lunged at him, only to be held back by the Crystal Warriors restraining her.

“YOU BACKSTABBING SON OF A WINDIGO!” She shrieked. “WAIT TILL I GET FREE! I SWEAR WHEN I DO, I’LL RIP YOU TO PIECES!”

Wind Rider simply smirked. Granted he was a little shocked by the commander’s sudden reaction, but knowing that Spitfire was restrained by her ropes was enough to assure him that she wouldn’t be able to do any harm. Even if she tried, Sombra would discipline her.

“What’s the matter, Spitfire?” He asked. “Aren’t you happy to see me?”

“I’m as happy to see you as I am to have the feather flu, traitor,” She snarled, anger burning in her eyes. “Why did you do it, Wind Rider? You’re supposed to be one of the greatest Wonderbolts in Equestria.”

“What can I say? I hate losing,” He answered casually, completely unfazed by Spitfire’s glare, “It’s better to fight on the winning team than on the losing one.”

“So you joined Sombra because you thought he’d win?!” She shouted.

“That’s what I said,” Wind Rider stated bluntly.

“Enough,” Stated Sombra, “This is neither the time nor the place for petty arguments. Commander Spitfire is here to give us information on Princess Celestia’s strategies, not discuss loyalty with you. Is that understood, general?”

Wind Rider was silent, but bowed. “Yes, my king,” He said reluctantly.

You disgust me, thought Spitfire, snarling.

She felt her head turn to face Sombra. She could see his horn glowing red. He used his magic to force her to look him in the eye.

“Now then,” Said the king, “Let’s begin. What is Celestia planning? An assault to liberate Vanhoover? An alliance with any realms that aren’t under my rule? Or a spell that she thinks will free my warriors from bondage?

Spitfire glared, anger burning in her orange eyes.

“Well? Tell us,” Said Sombra. “Don’t leave us in the dark.”

In response, the Wonderbolt spat in the evil king’s eye. Sombra barely even flinched. The gathered Storm Riders (minus Black Wind, who looked like he would explode in anger at any moment, and Wind Rider, who simply rolled his eyes), cringed with fright, worried how their sovereign would respond. There were many things one didn’t do when in the presence of the King. Spitting in his eye was just one of them. Spitfire smirked, proud of her display of defiance.

“There’s your information.” She quipped.

The evil king, however, chuckled, amused by the commander’s refusal to cooperate. His horn began to glow a crimson red.

“Your will is strong, commander,” He commented. Suddenly, Spitfire was enveloped in a red aura, and was lifted into the air. A gasp of surprise escaped her lips, and she struggled to escape Sombra’s grip. Sombra’s smirk transformed into a wicked smile, displaying his teeth. His eyes then began to glow green and red, purple mist emanating from them.

“I will enjoy breaking you.” He growled, his voice deepening as dark magic flowed through his being. The red aura surrounding his horn transformed into purple and green, black sparks of dark magic shooting out of it. The aura engulfing Spitfire turned into the same color. The Wonderbolt then felt a sharp pain in her skull. She clutched her head, writhing in agony, pained groans emanating from her lips. Her eyes changed to the same color as Sombra’s. She felt like her head was being ripped open. It didn’t take her long to realize that the evil king was attempting to read her thoughts.

No, she mentally cried, I won’t tell you anything!

Sombra grunted. He could already feel Spitfire resisting his control. He knew that she was strong, but he never thought that her loyalty to her homeland would be so great. He supposed it couldn’t be helped. Cloudsdale Pegasi were as inflexibly loyal to Celestia as they were hot-blooded. But this mare was especially stubborn.

He sighed, eventually letting Spitfire down, his eyes returning to their original color. Spitfire landed on her knees, panting heavily as the pain in her head subsided, and her eyes turning back to orange.

“It seems I’ve underestimated you, commander,” He said. “I was told you were stubborn. I never imagined that you would be strong enough to resist my interrogation spell.”

Spitfire looked at him with tired eyes, managing a slight chuckle and confident smirk.

“What can I say?” She said. “I never was one to take orders from trash like you.”

Sombra smirked, amused by her defiance.

“We shall see, commander,” He said, his tone sinister, “I may not be able to extract information from you, but that does not mean I don’t have any other uses for you.”

Spitfire frowned, furrowing her eyebrows.

“What are you gonna do? Turn me into one of your slaves?” She growled.

Sombra chuckled evilly. It was so amusing how his prisoners continued to try and be brave in his presence. He leaned closer to the Wonderbolt, an evil glint in his eyes as they stared into her own.

“Oh, you’ll find out,” He said. “Rest assured, your abilities will be put to good use. After all, there’s no greater honor than serving the Crystal Empire.”

An enraged snarl escaped Spitfire’s lips as she gritted her teeth.

“You think, that just because you have me, you’ll win this war?!” She growled. “Equestria will keep fighting, with or without me, until we’ve sent you back to Tartarus where you belong!”

Sombra was unfazed by Spitfire’s declaration. He then turned his attention to the Crystal Warriors restraining her. “Take her to the dungeon,” He commanded. “We’ll find a use for her soon enough.”

The Warriors silently obliged as they dragged Spitfire to the opened doors. The Wonderbolt kicked and screamed as she was dragged along the floor, struggling in her ropes. She casted a rage-filled glare at Sombra, who wore a look of indifference as he watched his warriors drag her out.

“You can’t win!” She screamed. “You think you have the upper hoof, but we won’t go down so easily! Equestria will never surrender! NEVER!!!”

The doors closed, silencing Spitfire’s screams of defiance.

“Such heroic nonsense.” Sombra muttered, staring at the doors. He then turned his attention back to his commanders.

“I trust you already know your assignments?” He asked. The Storm Riders nodded. Sombra smirked in response.

“Good,” He said. “Now go. Lead my armies to victory, and continue the battle, until all of Equestria is under my rule.”

“Yes, your majesty.” The Storm Riders said in unison, slamming their hooves against their chests. The gathered commanders spread their wings and took flight, exiting the throne room through the massive windows. With that, Sombra was alone in the throne room, left to his own thoughts.

Until he heard the sound of somepony teleporting, accompanied by the voice of one of his spies.

“King Sombra,” said a soft, feminine voice, “We’ve just returned from Equestria with vital information.”

Sombra turned around to see his spies bowing before him.

“Excellent,” Said Sombra. “What do you have to report?”

Moonsong was the first to speak.

“During our mission,” She began, “Our attention was drawn to three ponies that were met by guards sent by Princess Celestia. According to these guards, Celestia sent them to find these ponies and bring them to Canterlot. We followed them, Canterlot, and infiltrated their castle, where three more ponies were gathered.”

“Go on,” Said Sombra, gaining interest.

“Apparently,” Moonsong continued, “Celestia had gathered these six ponies for a special mission.”

“And what might that be?”

“She said she was forming a special team consisting of these six ponies to be sent to the Everfree Forest and retrieve the Elements of Harmony. Apparently she believes that they will be able to use them to win the war in Equestria’s favor.”

Sombra was silent, his serious expression becoming one of shock. The Elements of Harmony, he thought to himself, They still exist? Why would Celestia hide them in the Everfree Forest?

He then narrowed his eyes.

“Did she explain why they were in the Everfree Forest?” He asked.

“Other than hiding them after she banished Princess Luna, not really,” Said Suri, speaking before Moonsong had the chance to answer. “All we do know is that she’s sending these six ponies over there to find these Elements of Harmony.”

Sombra narrowed his eyes. Strange, how Celestia would send six mere ponies on such a task. Truly, she would retrieve the elements herself if she believed they would help. After all, they served her and her sister well in the past.

But then, he remembered their duel in the Borealis Fields. True, she had injured him greatly, but he noticed that her power was not as strong as he remembered, and the Elements were completely absent.

Finally, realization dawned upon him. The Shadow King chuckled wickedly as it all came together.

“Of course,” He said to himself. “Celestia, you clever girl.”

The four spies looked on in confusion.

“Um, your majesty?” Asked Svengallop.

The gray stallion then turned his attention to them.

“Summon my apprentices and Commander Lightning Dust,” He commanded. “I have a task for them.”

Still confused by their king’s reaction to this revelation, the spies bowed and left the throne room.

Sombra sat back in his throne, a sly grin stretching across his face.

“So, Celestia,” He said to himself. “Your link to the Elements has been shattered, thus, you can no longer use their power yourself. And these six ponies you gathered must be their new bearers. Is that why you sent them to the Everfree forest to retrieve them? Is that why you think they can stop me?”

An amused chuckle escaped his throat, and transformed into a menacing laugh.

“I should have known you would do such a thing,” He said. “Well, if these ponies truly are the key to turning the tide in your favor, then I’ll just have to dispose of them and the Elements. I have waited a thousand years to claim Equestria. I will not let six ponies deny me my destiny.”

Soon, the doors opened again, and three ponies stepped inside. One of them was a pegasus mare, and the other two were unicorns.

The pegasus mare had a light turquoise coat, an amber and gold mane and tail, and brilliant gamboge eyes. Hugging her body was a black flight jumpsuit, accompanied by black and gray body armor, a gray and black helmet tucked under her left wing. There was a scar on her right cheek.

The two unicorns wore dark gray cloaks, but Sombra could still make out the colors of their coats, as well as their eyes under their hoods.

The first had a pale, light gray heliotrope coat, her eyes a moderate blue. The second had a brilliant amber coat, and her eyes were cyan.

The three ponies bowed before the Shadow King.

“Arise, my servants,” He said. The three ponies raised their heads.

“What is your bidding, sire?” Asked the pegasus mare.

“Celestia has made plans to retrieve what she thinks will end this war,” Sombra began. “The Elements of Harmony. Long ago, Celestia and her sister used the Elements to protect Equestria. But it seems that banishing her sister has broken their link. Now, she has gathered six ponies to find and retrieve the Elements. You must stop them at any cost.”

One of the unicorns, the one with the blue eyes, spoke, her voice carrying a smug tone.

“You have nothing to fear, your highness,” She said, “With my magic, Celestia will regret standing up to your rule.”

“Get over yourself, Starlight,” Scoffed the unicorn beside her, unimpressed by her partner’s boasting, “We all know you’re not nearly as good as I am.”

The other unicorn, Starlight, snarled in anger.

“You might be Sombra’s number one apprentice,” She hissed, “But that doesn’t mean you’re better than me.”

Her partner chuckled, amused by her partner’s response. “Isn’t that cute? Little Glimmer thinks she’s the next Star Swirl? Seriously, Starlight. You know that out of Sombra’s students, I am the best.”

Starlight growled as her horn lit up, illuminating her enraged visage.

“You arrogant little,” She growled, “We’ll see how confident you are when I---”

“SILENCE!!!” Sombra boomed, his voice echoing across the room. Immediately, the two unicorns ceased their bickering, facing Sombra. The pegasus mare rolled her eyes.

“Way to get His Majesty peeved, Starlight.” She muttered under her breath.

“This is neither the time nor place for this argument. This mission requires your complete and utter cooperation,” Said Sombra, calming down from his outburst. “I cannot afford any infighting amongst you. Commander Lightning Dust, you and the Night Phantoms must collaborate with my apprentices. My spies tell me that the Everfree Forest is a dangerous place. Many of them died to give me this information. I suggest you be cautious. It would be a waste to lose ponies of your talents.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Said Lightning Dust, saluting. “We won’t fail you.”

“I should hope not,” replied Sombra. “No doubt these ponies have already begun their training.”

“Then let’s destroy them now,” Declared Starlight, “The sooner they’re dealt with, the better!”

“I understand your eagerness,” Said Sombra, “But that would be far too risky. Celestia will be watching over them, and none of you are powerful enough to stand against her.”

He glanced at the amber unicorn, smirking.

“Not yet.” He added.

Beneath her hood, the amber unicorn smirked. Starlight, however, glared at her, envy in her eyes.

“You will be deployed deep within Celestia’s territory,” Sombra continued, “Close enough to the Everfree region. Once there, you will travel into the Everfree Forest and find where the Elements are hidden. If Celestia’s little task force is already there, follow them. They should lead you directly to the Elements. Once they do, well, you know what to do next.”

The three nodded their heads in acknowledgement.

“I’ll go and gather my Night Phantoms at once, my king.” Said Lightning Dust.

“Very well,” Said Sombra. “Dismissed.”

The green pegasus bowed and left the throne room. Sombra turned his attention to his apprentices, an evil grin on his face.

“I expect great things from you,” He said, “Especially you, Sunset Shimmer.”

The amber unicorn grinned at the mention of her name as she removed her hood, revealing her face. She had a red and yellow mane, her cyan eyes burning with pride, flashing green with dark magic for a moment.

“Rest assured, master,” Said Sunset. “I won’t disappoint you.”

Chapter 6: Comfort

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CHAPTER 6: COMFORT

Twilight slept in her bed, wrapped in her blankets. It was only yesterday when she and the others were debriefed by the Princess, and here they were, in a spare bunk room in the guard barracks, resting for the day they would begin their training.

She never would have thought that she would be here, resting in a barracks. The thought of joining the E.U.P. Guard had never crossed her mind before, let alone being sent on a quest by Princess Celestia. She had always hoped she would become one of Equestria’s greatest mages.

Many unicorns that she knew had gone to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, including Moondancer and Sunburst. Many of them were now serving in the Guard, fighting the Crystal Empire in many parts of Equestria. Moondancer herself had left to join the Battle Mage Corps, a unit within the E.U.P. Guard army comprised of the most powerful unicorns in Equestria, while Sunburst joined the Stalwart Horseshoe Volunteer Corps, a unit within the army that was known for special operations and reconnaissance.

She remembered the day they boarded the train for the training facility in Galloping Gulch. She had wished them good luck, although she remembered Sunburst’s look of unease when she told him he would be a great wizard. She wondered why he was so anxious when she said that, but dismissed it as simply nerves. But when she thought back on that day, she felt that there was a different reason for it.

Twilight tossed and turned in bed, as she dreamed. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a very good one.

“No…” She mumbled in her sleep. “Stop… don’t hurt them… please…”

A soft groan came from the bed next to her, a pony-sized lump moving under the covers. A cyan hoof stuck out from under the covers, pulling them down, as Rainbow Dash awoke. She turned to Twilight’s bed, seeing the purple unicorn tossing and turning, mumbling and moaning in her sleep.

Concern crept over her face as she watched her writhe.

“Twilight?” She whispered.

She climbed out of her bed and walked over Twilight. She nudged her gently. After a few nudges, Twilight awoke. She turned to faced Rainbow Dash, concern in her tired, magenta eyes.

“Captain Dash.” Twilight said groggily. “You’re awake. Sorry.”

The Wonderbolt smiled in response.

“It’s alright,” She reassured. “Are you okay? You sounded like you were having a nightmare.”

Twilight looked down, sadness in her eyes.

“I did,” She said. “I was in the middle of Canterlot. There was fire and smoke. Everypony was lying on the ground, lifeless. And then I saw Sombra. He was standing there, with my family trapped by his magic. He was going to… to…” A tear rolled down her face. She couldn’t bear to say it. However, Rainbow Dash had an idea of where she was getting at.

She placed a reassuring hoof on her shoulder.

“Don’t worry, Twilight,” She said, “It was only a nightmare, and it doesn’t have to come true. We won’t let it.”

“But how do we know we won’t fail?” Asked the unicorn.

“We won’t,” Said Rainbow Dash, “Princess Celestia entrusted us with this mission because she knows we’re the ones who’ll find the Elements. We can do this. I’ve lasted this long because I’m determined to beat Sombra, and it’ll take more than the Everfree Forest to keep me from protecting Equestria. I know you’re nervous. I am, too. But once we’re done training, you’ll be ready.”

Rainbow Dash felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her. The way she spoke to Twilight reminded her of how Spitfire motivated her after she lost her wing. Twilight looked up at her, tear stains on her cheeks. She smiled.

“Thanks, Captain.” She said.

“No problem,” Replied the pegasus, “And Twilight? Call me Rainbow Dash. There’s no need to be formal.”

Suddenly, they heard a yawn, and turned to see Applejack waking up. The earth pony stretched and rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

“Oh boy. That sure was a good night’s sleep,” She said. “Ah haven’t slept like that in a long time.”

She then saw Twilight and Rainbow Dash, noticing Twilight’s tear stains.

“Twi? You okay?” She asked.

Twilight rubbed the tear stains from her eyes, looking up at the earth pony.

“I… I’m fine.” She answered. “It was just a dream."

Applejack, however, was unconvinced. She could tell from the unicorn’s body language that she was upset.

Eventually, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkamena woke up as well.

“Ugh, I thought I’d never fall asleep,” they heard Rarity grumble. “Honestly, you would think they would use much more comfortable mattresses.”

“My bed was pretty comfy.” Mumbled Fluttershy.

“Must have just been yours, Rarity.” Chuckled Applejack, a sly grin on her face. Rarity glared daggers at the earth pony, anger burning in her blue eyes. Her blood was boiling as Applejack chuckled.

“That’s enough, you two,” Said Rainbow Dash, sternly. “It’s too early in the morning for this argument. Let’s get ourselves dressed and head for the throne room. Chances are the Princess is already awake and waiting for us.”

“As a matter of fact, Captain Dash,” said a voice. “She is.”

The girls faced the direction of the voice, and saw lieutenant Iron Vigil standing in the doorway.

“Lieutenant Vigil,” Said Twilight, surprised by the guard’s presence. “How long were you there?”

The unicorn stallion smirked. “Long enough to see you already awake,” He answered. “Now, you girls get dressed. I’ll be waiting outside if you need me.”

The girls nodded and Iron Vigil closed the door behind him. Rarity’s horn glowed a blue color, and the closet on the other side of the bunk room, opened, revealing the girls’ clothes and Twilight’s cloak. One by one, Rarity levitated the clothes out of the closet and laid them neatly on her bed.

After a few minutes, the girls were dressed. Rarity then glanced at Rainbow Dash, or rather, her uniform. A prideful grin stretched across her face. Despite its simplicity and its utilitarian design, there was something timeless about it. She never did have time to admire her work at the factory, but now that she saw Rainbow’s uniform, she had to admit it was her finest work. It must have been the color.

Rainbow noticed the unicorn staring at her.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” She asked, quirking an eyebrow.

Rarity snapped out of her state and cleared her throat.

“Um, just admiring your uniform,” She said. “It’s simple, practical, and yet the colors are an excellent blend. I never did have time to admire the Wonderbolt uniforms I’ve designed in my career. They say that only the Wonderbolts can have the best suits, and I must say, I’ve certainly designed the best.”

Rainbow simply stared. Clearly, this pony wanted to converse with her due to being a Wonderbolt. Then again, it couldn’t be helped. The Wonderbolts were believed to be the E.U.P. Guard’s best Air Cavalry squadrons, so it was understandable that ponies would want to talk to them. Of course, many pegasus ponies even wanted to join them. She would know. She dreamed about joining them back when she was a filly. And she did. Just not the way she imagined.

The cyan pegasus could also tell she was holding her uniform in high regard. Seeing that she was a seamstress, Rainbow imagined she never had time to admire her handiwork. But now that she was out of the factory, she had plenty of time to take pride in it.

Rainbow Dash had to admit, the uniform was impressive. Comfortable, too. Much more comfortable than wearing heavy metal armor like the Canterlot Royal Guard.

After a few seconds of silence, she spoke.

“You did well,” She said. “This armor’s saved my life more times than I can count.”

Rarity beamed. She spent hours making uniforms for the Wonderbolts, and to be complimented by one filled her with pride.

Rainbow Dash then walked over to Twilight, who had already placed her saddle bags on her back. The lavender unicorn turned to see the Wonderbolt approaching. Twilight was nervous. She was already trying to figure out what to say to the one-winged warrior.

Rainbow seemed to notice.

“What’s up, Twilight,” She asked, “Cat got your tongue?”

Twilight snapped out of her state.

“Uh sorry,” She said, “I guess I’m still anxious to…”

“Be in the presence of a war hero?” Dash finished.

Twilight nodded slowly, smiling nervously. Rainbow chuckled.

“I’m used to it, by now,” She said. “Although, considering what we’re being trained for, you might wanna keep your nerves in check.”

“Right.” Answered the unicorn.

“Ah hate to interrupt yer conversation, girls,” said a voice. The two ponies turned around to see Applejack, fully clothed. “But we better get goin’. Don’t wanna keep the princess waitin’.”

Twilight and Rainbow nodded as Rarity opened the door. The six ponies exited the room in single file, Iron Vigil standing in wait. The unicorn smiled when he saw them. Rarity couldn’t help but feel weak in the knees seeing such a charming smile. Applejack noticed this and rolled her eyes, annoyed by Rarity’s love struck condition.

Oh brother, she thought, same old Rarity.

“Ready?” Asked Iron Vigil.

The girls nodded, and they followed the guard down the hallway. Soon enough, they arrived at the doors leading to the throne room. Twilight swallowed, already feeling the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She took a deep breath, attempting to calm herself.

The doors opened, and the ponies stepped inside. The Princess was inside, sitting atop her throne, while Shining Armor and Stratos stood at her side. If Twilight felt nervous before, she felt really anxious now.

The six ponies approached, bowing before Celestia in reverence. Celestia stood up, looking down upon them.

“Rise,” She said, her voice gentle but commanding.

The six stood up straight, gazing upon the Princess. Out of the ponies, Rainbow Dash and Pinkamena were the ones who showed no hint of anxiety. In Rainbow Dash’s case, it was because of what happened back at Rainbow Falls, when Celestia saved her from Sombra. Since then, the pegasus felt she was indebted to her.

“I trust you had a good rest?” Asked Celestia.

“Yes, Princess.” Twilight answered.

“Good.” Said Celestia. She cleared her throat.

“As you are probably aware,” She began. “This day is the first day of your training session. However, your training will be much different from that associated with the Guard. You will be taken to the Citadel of Courage. There your natural abilities will be tested, as will your abilities to work as a unit. This mission requires all six of you to work together. Captain Shining Armor, Commander Stratos, and Sergeant Iron Will shall serve as your instructors.”

She turned to Shining Armor and Stratos’s direction.

“I trust you’ll train them well?”

“You can count on us, Princess.” Replied Shining Armor, saluting.

Celestia smiled. Shining Armor’s enthusiasm was something she admired in the young stallion. Twilight smiled as her older brother stood tall with pride.

The princess then returned her attention back to the six mares.

“Shining Armor and Commander Stratos will take you to the Citadel,” She told them. “It’s fifty miles from the city, so you will have to take a train. I have the utmost faith that you will succeed in your training.”

“We’ll try our best, Princess.” Said Rainbow Dash as she saluted.

With that, the six ponies followed Shining Armor and Stratos out of the throne room, the doors closing behind them. Waiting for them at the foyer was Stratos’s squadron. Flash, the blue-maned pegasus stallion, took notice of Twilight, and blushed. Twilight saw him, and her cheeks turned bright red.

Rainbow noticed her lavender companion’s state, and nudged her in the shoulder.

“Twilight? You alright?” She asked.

Twilight snapped out of her state, and turned to face Rainbow. She shook her head with embarrassment.

“I’m fine.” She said.

The pegasus raised a brow, unconvinced. Twilight swallowed nervously, feeling Rainbow’s inquisitive stare.

“Really,” She said. “Because it looks like you were making goo-goo eyes at one of Commander Stratos’s troops.”

Twilight’s cheeks turned beet red at Rainbow’s comment. She tried to speak, but she could only manage to stutter nervously. Rarity tried to suppress a giggle at the spectacle.

Stratos walked next to his young subordinate.

“Lieutenant Flash,” He said. “Concentrate. We must continue.”

“Uh, yes, sir.” Replied Flash, snapping out of his state. He turned away from Twilight, facing directly ahead of the corridor, Starchaser sighing to himself.

Twilight sighed, but then heard Rainbow’s voice again.

“Oh, I see. So you do have a crush on him.”

The lavender unicorn’s eyes widened like pinpricks when she heard what the pegasus said. Already, she could feel her heart racing. However, she took a deep breath and glanced back at her prism-haired companion.

“With all due respect, captain,” She muttered, “Do you mind not sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong?”

“Fine, fine,” Said Dash casually. “Not that it’s any of my business.”

*************************************************************

It took the group several hours before they reached the train station at the Epona District. The station was already packed with ponies arriving in Canterlot and departing for other parts of Equestria. Most of those arriving were refugees from settlements threatened by Sombra, while other ponies departing were new recruits for the Guard, boarding the trains to the training facilities.

Dark gray locomotives embarked and disembarked from the station, passengers climbing aboard and stepping off.

The air was filled with a cacophony of chattering ponies, blowing train horns, and chugging trains. Propaganda and recruitment posters were spread across the walls, some even scattered across the ground. Twilight observed her surroundings, watching ponies pass by, wearing grim expressions.

Then she noticed several ponies staring at her, whispering to each other. When she listened in, her heart sank.

“Is that the Canterlot Outcast?”

“I don’t believe it.”

“What in Equestria is she doing here?”

“Is she joining the fight?”

“She’ll do more harm than good…”

“… Couldn’t even get in Princess Celestia’s School. She’s useless.”

“Celestia help us all if the future of Equestria rests in her hooves.”

She wanted to fade away. She wanted to disappear. She just couldn’t bear hearing their words. Her ears drooped as she raised her hood over her face.

Rainbow Dash noticed her lavender companion’s action. She was about to ask what was wrong, when she noticed several ponies staring at Twilight, whispering things. Bad things. It brought back memories of her foalhood. Memories she’d rather not remember.

“We’re doomed for sure if Twilight Flunkle is supposed to be Equestria’s savior. We might as well surrender to King Sombra now.”

“Maybe we’ll get lucky, and she’ll bore him to death.”

“She’s a disgrace to Canterlot. She’s supposed to be adept at magic, and she couldn’t pass an entrance exam.”

“Hmph. It’s for her own good, anyway. Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns probably has too many rules and not enough nap times for her.”

That did it. Rainbow Dash growled under her breath and spun to face the crowd of ponies.

“Leave her alone!” She shouted. The crowd instantly ceased their murmuring and set their eyes on the pegasus mare. A hush fell over them as their minds processed who was in front of them. It took a while, but just by looking at her blue flight suit and armor, scarred eye, and metal wing, they recognized her as the Hero of Equestria.

“Is that anyway to talk about Equestria’s saviors?!” She called out. “Princess Celestia has given us an assignment to end this war once and for all, and she”- she gestured to Twilight with her hoof- “Is part of that assignment. If she was so useless, do you really think the Princess would have chosen her for this mission?!”

The crowd stood in silence, as Rainbow Dash glared at them, blood boiling in her veins. However, she composed herself, her gaze unwavering.

“If Princess Celestia believes she has what it takes,” She said, “Then so do I.”

There were five seconds of silence, and then the crowd resumed their murmuring. However, this time, there were a few of them whose opinions proved more favorable.

“Do you really think she can do it?”

“The Iron Pony herself thinks so. Maybe this won’t be so bad, after all.”

Rainbow Dash turned her attention to Twilight, whose face was now hidden beneath the hood of her cloak.

“Are you okay?” She asked.

Twilight nodded slowly, indicating that she heard her. However, her eyes were filled with sorrow. Despite Rainbow Dash’s words, the self-doubt in her heart still lingered. She felt a hoof resting on her shoulder, and turned to see Applejack.

“It’s alright, Sugarcube,” She said. “Pay no mind to ‘em. They don’t even know what they’re talkin’ about.”

“No,” Whispered Twilight. “They do know what they’re talking about.”

Applejack’s smile dropped, her reassuring look giving way to one of concern.

“Whaddya mean?” She asked.

The lavender unicorn heaved a sigh and turned to face them.

“Let’s just say I’m not exactly the most popular unicorn in Canterlot,” she said. “The ponies here really value success, and well…”

“Yeah?” Pressed Applejack.

Twilight’s eyes shimmered, and then she looked away, staring at the ground. Applejack’s ears drooped. She didn’t know why the words of those ponies affected Twilight so much, but she couldn’t help but pity her, regardless. Rainbow Dash, however, had an idea why. After all, she had gone through the same thing when she was a filly.

As she pondered, the young ponies arrived at their train. The locomotive was painted gray with army green, and the passenger cars were a dull brown. The initials E.U.P. were emblazoned on the side of the engine, indicating that it belonged to the E.U.P. Guard.

“Here it is,” Said Shining Armor. “The train to the Citadel of Courage. Come on, let’s get on board. We don’t wanna be late for training.”

He noticed Twilight looking down on the ground.

“Twily?” He asked. His little sister looked up at him, her eyes filled with sadness. “You okay?”

“I’ll be fine…” Twilight mumbled in response.

Shining Armor decided not to pry any further. Soon, the doors opened and the ponies stepped inside. Ones the doors closed, the train began to chug its way out of the station, making its way to the Citadel.

Twilight looked outside the window next to her, watching as the train passed by. She wore a sad look on her face, the memory of the crowd’s belittling words still fresh in her mind. She tried to push it to the back of her mind, but it kept coming back. She thought she would have been used to the teasing and name-calling by now, but becoming one of Equestria’s most powerful mages meant everything to her, and failing the entrance exam had broken her. Thus, whenever it was mentioned in her presence, the memories would flood her mind. She sighed.

“Twilight?”

The young unicorn was stirred from her thoughts and turned to the direction of the voice. She saw Captain Dash sitting right next to her. Her lavender eyes widened seeing the war hero next to her.

“You seem a little tense,” The pegasus continued. “You haven’t been talking since we got on board. What’s up?”

Twilight turned away, facing the window once more.

“Nothing.” The answer came in a soft, depressed whisper. Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes. She could tell something was up.

“It’s about those unicorns back at the station, isn’t it?” She asked.

Twilight’s ears perked up. Suddenly, she began to cry softly. Rainbow’s stone-cold expression softened, her heart filled with sympathy. Twilight looked back at her, tears streaming down her face.

“Yes…” Came her answer in a soft, heartbroken whisper.

I knew it, thought the pegasus, her suspicions confirmed, although she wasn’t proud of it. She originally thought Twilight was anxious about joining the war. Turned out it was the crowd’s harmful words. Rainbow Dash scooted closer to the young unicorn.

“Wanna talk about it?” She asked.

Twilight was silent for a moment, and then she sighed as she told Rainbow everything.

“You see,” She began, “When I was a foal, I admired Princess Celestia and many unicorn mages from the past, especially Star Swirl the Bearded. Ever since I saw Princess Celestia raise the sun for the first time, I put everything I had into learning about magic. Out of all the foals in my class, I was the best at casting spells. There wasn’t a spell, enchantment, or charm I didn’t know. Eventually, because of my magical potential, my parents enrolled me into Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. That was the happiest day of my life.”

She closed her eyes and smiled, reminiscing on the day. She then looked back at Rainbow Dash.

“I managed to amaze all of my teachers,” She continued. “Then came the day of the entrance exam. The test they gave me was to hatch a dragon egg with my magic. I tried to use my magic, but, I got so nervous, that I couldn’t cast a spell. I kept trying, but it just wasn’t enough.”

Her ears drooped and she stared at her hooves, as the memory of that day came back. Rainbow Dash wore a sad look on her face. She felt guilty for having to make Twilight remember that day.

“So that’s why those ponies talked about you like that.” She finally said.

“They’ve been doing that for years,” muttered Twilight. “Ever since I failed, most of the ponies in Canterlot have belittled me, called me things like the Canterlot Outcast. Like I said, the unicorns here value success, and to fail at getting into Celestia’s school is one of the worst things that can ever happen.”

Rainbow continued to wear her sad gaze, pity in her eyes. Hearing Twilight’s story reminded her of her own past. In her youth, she had boasted about being the fastest pegasus in Cloudsdale, and admittedly, she always did think of herself that way. But in truth, it was mostly to comfort herself for her own shortcomings. When she looked at Twilight, she saw a bit of herself in her. Her thoughts then dwelled back on the egg in Twilight’s bag.

“That egg in your bag,” She said. “That was the same one from the exam, wasn’t it?”

Twilight slowly nodded, not even looking back. Rainbow rested a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, drawing her out of her sad state.

“Don’t listen to ‘em, Twilight,” She comforted. “They just don’t understand you. Their words can only hurt you if you let them. I know we just met yesterday, but I understand what you’ve been through. Besides, Princess Celestia has faith in you, right? If she thinks you’ll be a great mage, then so do I. Besides, I think it’s pretty great that you want to be the pony who hatches a dragon egg with your magic.”

Twilight felt like a weight was lifted from her shoulders. Once again, the legendary Iron Pony was there to comfort her. It lightened her mood knowing that Rainbow Dash believed in her.

She smiled as she gave her heartfelt reply.

“Thanks, Rainbow.”

The pegasus mare smiled, and then leaned back in her seat, resting. Twilight did the same. Soon, her eyes closed as sleep overtook her, the two ponies sleeping as they made their way to the citadel, where their training would begin.

Shadows of War: The Tale of the Six Heroes

by heavens-champion

Prologue

Chapter 1: The Vision

Chapter 2: Gathering the Heroes: Applejack and Fluttershy

Chapter 3: Gathering the Heroes: Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight Sparkle

Chapter 4: The Meeting

Chapter 5: The King of Shadows

Chapter 6: Comfort