Winter Sparkle is an alicorn that is doesn't like to be called a princess. But she lives on Mount Everhoof in her mansion she had build herself from the forests that grow around there.
Winter Sparkle reviews the past and what has happened through visions that she gave herself for not helping. She is an alicorn and doesn't like being call princess because she says she doesn't deserve it. She lives on Mount Everhoof in her mansion. After the few visions she explains she travels around and to find anypony she can help with her legendary medical skills. She often prays to Luna and Celestia because she believed she has sinned for not helping during the war. She ends up finding a unicorn sniper Sinon and they join as one to make Equestria great again.
I saw Equestria die before my eyes; the once beautiful landscape of pure life now full of poison, blood, death, and despair. This war just won’t stop. The flat grass plains now full of endless poisoned holes, like a bullet on impact with its target. The angel lit forests now turned into burned, dead bodies just standing there about to topple.
The homes of animals, no the animals themselves, that are dying or changing to some unworldly things of nature. Whether they are prone to be active against you or not, does not matter. I stand on this blissfully shining mountain of snow far north, just past the yak’s home. I have built my home here using the spells I learned and taught myself in Princess Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns.
I even, for a short time, was Princess Celestia’s special student and a friend to her dear sister Princess Luna. That was before I came here a year later after gaining my wings, I did not deserve. I stand here looking at my real home as it slowly kills itself, like a wimp that is scared to fight their bullies, but I don’t believe that this war was needed.
Hearing the voices over and over in my head, as a punishment I gave myself, I listen to the screams of death that grow. The noise of the vile dead, that sounds on the battlefields. I cry every night just breaking down as this war happens. Then as the clock ticked the last minute away, I hear the explosive booms of radioactive bombs finishing off the lands beating heart leaving behind smoke and poison that slowly killed my teacher and my friend. Even my sister died in her own facility in Splendid Valley. The poison does not reach my ice made mansion because of the shield I put and the height of the mountain. Mount Hoof is my home now, the only place of peace left in the land. I am Winter Sparkle and this is my story for facing the world my generation created…
Midnight Watch
…The very lonely night was a quiet and dark night like it has always been for centuries. I have decided to sit on the roof of my home and looked down at Equestria’s soulless landscapes. I see all the ponies walking with care and others with carelessness. Some raider’s here and there, stopping some caravans or a group of ponies, and attack. Their craziness overwhelming to their mind and reaped of their sanity as they, not all but most, brutally kill others who are not them. They eat them or hang their heads or insides up as prizes. The slavers are different, but still brutally awful, take who they want and do what they want. They rape or brutally beat there slaves or starve them. This is the world I live in, or somewhat, because there is worse out there that I have yet to see.
Tonight is the night I walked the road I have helped create; as I walk to my bedroom and looked at the back wall where a case, a very special case that holds a sword. I am not one to fight but if truly needed I will use it. I took the case off the wall and placed it onto my bed and opened it. The sword inside the case was made of pure gold, melted and refined several times, at the hilt of the sword was a circle. Inside that circle was another circle but within that one was a golden shine. Like a power source as bright as the sun. The sword can also glow brightly when walking into a dark place, like a flash light.
Sol blade is the last remnant of the war centuries past. It was made for my teacher but she gave up the throne before they gave it to her. They also figured that she didn’t want to use weapons herself because she isn’t the type to use such things. I was able to take it off there hooves and hung it on my wall. As I placed the sword in its sheathe and placed it around my neck and on my side, I called a bird in by its name, The most magnificent bird in Equestria, and Celestia’s pet, Philomena as she flew into my room and landed on my bed looking at me with curious eyes.
“Philomena, I’m heading on a long road and won’t be home for a long time. It is time for me to face something that I should have helped stop. Would you follow me?” I asked her with hopeful eyes, as she seemed to be thinking it over and for a short moment remembering what the past looked like. Everyone in a while she would look outside with me and see the world. She was so sad to see it this way for the first time that I think it killed me a bit more every time I look at her and it’s not her fault.
She hooted as if saying, “I’ll come with you” and flew onto my back. I smiled at her and nuzzled her making her squawk as I silently laughed. Before I left, I went and packed my saddle bags with the important things, such as water and food and grabbed my nurse outfit I took from a hospital. It was a dream that I would become a nurse just like Fluttershy, but to me, I didn’t think it would happen. Once I was done I walked out my sacred home and took one last look at it then looked at the dying world and whispered, “Here I go,” before flying down towards the first place that came to mind…Ponyville.
Ponyville
Ruins, collapsed shells of buildings from centuries ago, now a ghost town of what was once was. Moss had grown, not just on the dark stained dirt, but everywhere that there was a dark crevice. The old light posts that used to stand proud now have fallen or hanging twisted by a thread. The wan glow of the morning light could not hide the lifeless dead scape of the town. Papers on the ground are blown by the morning breeze, like flying mini carpets, and crushed or sunken bones that held the souls and life of happy ponies sticking out the ground as if being reanimated to grab you and pull you under. Everything was dead except one lone alicorn and phoenix that stand in the center where the old celebrative building once stood and held within; a wedding and parties, as well as holidays.
Winter looked around with dread and sadness as she took the first steps around the town she once knew; peering into even the darkest parts that the sunlight could not reach. Her horn glowing brightly as it lights her way, and the majestic phoenix sitting upon her back also watching with distant eyes. They could hear the whistle from the breeze as it hits off old instruments and objects that lay scattered ‘bout the town. As she walks closer to the home of her sister, she could see the tree, once flush green and brown, now leafless and a dead dried corpse. Bullet holes cover small increments of the walls and dried blood from hoof prints that were of years ago. The sight had brought the faint drops of tears in Winters’ eyes, but she stood there calmly and ever so exquisite that it seemed nothing could break her spirit.
As she ventured inside the library, to the once great sister she had, she found books that had been burned and destroyed lay about in hills around the room, and a door, to a side room on the left, barely on its hinges. Looking towards the stairs, this lone alicorn and phoenix went to up the flight and into the room Twilight once slept in night after night. The bed in such disarray that it looked as if muck had simply been painted on it and the springs, like knives, stuck out all over, could have simply called it a porcupine. The small nightstand was covered in grey ash of what had been in and on top of it. Spike the dragons’ little bed was flattened and boiled over. There was also a slight aroma of lavender left that it must have come from the walls. Winter stood tall looking around this room, as if searching for something that used to be there; Philomena just looked in awe at the sight of disrepair. Winter seemed to remember vaguely one night that she saw her sister...
It was the night of her very first sleep over, with Rarity and Applejack. Like always, Twilight had a book for everything especially sleep overs. Winter had watched from her home seeing how happy Twilight was; Twilight's lavender coat and purple mane, with a small pink streak in it. Her cutie mark of five stars surrounding one bigger star. Applejack with her orange coat and blond mane, she always wore her cowgirl hat. There are apples that lay upon her flank as her cutie mark. Last but not least was the elegant generosity; Rarity with her white coat and purple mane. Diamonds would be her mark, yet not just one but three diamonds. Winter watched as their sleep over continued, as their night grew worse. Applejack fighting with Rarity grew worse, and the rain that started hours ago become heavy. Winter watched that tree fall and break through the window of Twilight's bedroom. Remembering the past happy memories seemed to dwindle away from Winter as she saw a hallucination of all three lying dead.
Twilight's body seemed to move slightly as her head moved to look at Winter. In a very unhappy voice she said, "You should have helped us."
"We could have won with your help." said Applejack.
"But you stayed safe in your home!" said Rarity.
"You don't deserve to live! You’re no Princess! You are not my sister! You are NOTHING!" said Twilight.
Winter teared up as she tried to say something but was stopped by all three of them saying nothing again. Twilight's elder sister looked down as tears fell heavy. Philomena flew and landed beside her looking very concerned and worried. When Winter looked up again the three friends were gone. Just the princess and the phoenix in the room; this strong willed princess break down crying with her head in her hooves, ears drooped as well as her wings. In such an emotion wreck she soon pasted out into the dream land which awaited her nightmares she had created for herself.
It had been what seemed like hours before Winter had awoken from her nightmare slumber looking as though she lost all sense of her strong will. Fortunately she wasn't in that disarray as she brushed her mane and tail while wiping the dried river of tears from hours before. She looked back at where the three friends were one last time before exiting her sisters home and to the gloomy outside rain that started no longer than an hour ago. As she looked around, she can remember what it was like before the war.
The filly's and colts playing with each other or doing what would be there life; as cutie marks usually determine that. There was yet three filly's who couldn't understand that finding their marks isn't a walk in the park but yet a complex test. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were always together when they had the chance. Winter turned towards sweet apple acres. The home of the once great team of fillies who helped others gain their mark as it has given them their mark. Philomena flew towards the desolate remains while the Alicorn slowly followed.
No more than fifteen minutes later that these two figures reach their destination. What they saw was what they had expected. The great red barn that had stood proud and strong was as fragile as bread. But it seemed to hold for the power of earth pony magic is remarkable. The paint had long ago chipped away showing the dwellings of invaders in which had also helped in its weakness. Near by the home of the apple family, what's left of it, as it had collapsed many years ago. Litter seemed to cover the dead ground in spots. And the acres of apple tree's stand long dead showing no remaining life, like the body frozen still as the soul burned away. Philomena looked at them as all she saw was still life.
Winter looked over at the nearby apple cellar; she knew what was down there but she did not dare tamper with the future. She would simply change the comings of a new. She did not want that. She thought to herself that everyone deserves the great future and that she is not deserving of this. No, she deserved to live alone on her mountain which she wished to go back. Staring for the longest time she looked at Philomena then the acres of dead bodies and walked among them. Every now and then dropping a tear after tear as she touched the bark of the still bodies. She remembered the bats that had attacked the trees and how Fluttershy became Flutterbat by mistake. All of these memories she got from the years on her mountain home.
The world around her faded and the past rushed in to life playing back parts of this memory: "W-we could um make a sanctuary for them...it can help-" suggested a shy yellow Pegasus
"No. I want them out. Their harmin' the harvest. They need ta go." demanded an orange earth pony with a cowgirl hat.
"I agree with Applejack. Just think of the cider!" bellowed a blue Pegasus pony worrying more about the cider than the trees in general.
"B-b-b-but..." fluttershy trying to argue in defence
Applejack looked at Fluttershy frowning, "No buts Fluttershy. They need ta go."
Just as fast as the past came in, the past memory left; leaving the same two figures alone. Winter seemed to play this scene many times in her head even after she understands the why of that situation. She didn't dwell any longer as she drifted away from the trees back towards ponyville.
Darkness dwells where light shines;
Even though darkness is stronger where no light shines,
It still grasps everything, slowly beating everything with weak attacks.
Once back in ponyville she walked towards Sugar Cube Corner, home to the once great party pony herself; Pinkie Pie.
Like before it didn't take her long to get to the destination, but once there the sight of what was left of the bakery would make a builder cringe. There was only one part of the wall that was the strongest on the first floor while the other side of the bakery leaned on top of the stove. The stove its self was in rough shape as it was the weakest of the two points holding up the floor above. The weight itself would be that of possibly a quarter dozen elephants. The paint had long been faded ffrom every spot you can see. Really the sight of the building itself wasn't much to look at. This pony just stood there staring at it recalling some memories of what it was before this, just like she did the other few times.
Winter only looked away as her head began to hurt, like a nail hammered into wood. She simply staggered back only to regain composure and looked towards a radio that was on another pony's house window. Using her magic, a blueish white light appeared on the radio lifting it and floated towards her and turned it on in the process. All the stations were only fuzzed except one. As she listened to it she heard the name that she could never forget as this pony was someone she went to see often though dub wasn't her style, she seemed to enjoy seeing the music pony happy. DJ Pon3 or her real name, vinyl scratch.
Not wasting anytime, Winter whistled to Phelomena calling her over as they both flew towards TenPony Tower...
The darkest is around you, engulfing you, eating you
You can't escape it, because it will be ending you.
If not you then somepony close, that's is right darkness is forever around you....Winter!
About 4 hours later Winter had landed near the Tower while Phelomena perched herself back on Winters' back. The tower was about 500 meters to 800 meters tall surrounded by a 10 or so foot wall heavily guarded as anyplace would be for a safe haven. Despite it being one of the oldest buildings in equestria from before the wasteland it was still in the greatest of conditions that winter has seen. Knowing that the guards would be asking for weapons she used and invisible spell on it and had Phelomena carry it for the moment.
Once inside the tower, she looked around at all the ponies enjoying there day; walking about without a care. Safe from the reality but locked in a prison of perpetual day's that come and go always the same thing with some changes here and the, the point is everyone within this pillar of hope was living a life that was before the bombs had fallen. She just marveled at everyone and then looked down with a small smile only thinking to herself that - life doesn't have to be bad just because a person, place or thing becomes something that is dark, live through it by creating something new out of it. Change it to fit how you wish to feel. Perpetual happy days is better than a dark abyss of terror and calamity. Life is an endless labyrinth of unknown, but you can make it a great known. -
Winter walked around the ground floor asking ponies where to find a place to sleep and it was minutes later when she was finally able to get a room in the suites for a few nights. Getting off the elevator she noticed the red carpeting on the floor which was only a little dusty and the walls painted with fresh paint though dried days ago. Not wasting time in need of a refreshing shower she got to her suite room. Once she opened it, Phelomena flew inside and landed on a nearby window sill looking out that very window. Winter smiles as she closed the door and headed for the bathroom. A small walk through memory lane was something she needed to forget just for a time being. She had a mission.
The bathroom door opened letting a light cloud of steam as Winter stepped out brushing her mane and tail. With her mane and tail lightly wet and being brushed, it flowed like thin soft silk. She seemed refreashed which is a good thing for her. Less stress and relaxed muscles. Philomena flew over and landed on Winter's back and squacked as if complimenting her, which had made Winter smiled happily and said "Thank you" as she nuzzled Philomena. Once Winter finished brushing, she headed to the kitchen to get something to eat even if it's an apple.
In a world now plagued with chaos, that even Discord would seem upset about, there is real evil. Evil that can't be stopped so easily, especially by the 'lord' now weakened, thrives. It's strength grows every minute and it is something this alicorn pony must face herself. Knowing it could possibly be her death, she only wants to keep everyone she can safe. To have her sins forgiven, though some secrets are kept from her that she was never expecting.
Upon opening the fridge she looked inside and took a few things from inside as she seated herself at the table. Eating till she wasn't hungry and alittle more knowing she won't be eating for awhile. She drifted off into a daydream for a short time unfortunately wasn't long enough to know the details beside a few voices. She finished eating as fast as she started and went to the window Phelomena sat at and looked outside, far beyond what anyone can see. Guess you can call her an overseer, or oracle among other names. All Winter could see was a dark aura eminating far away. Few days trip on hoof, an instant by horn but she chosed to walk as helping more is what she cared more about. The journey to the end is her last thing on the list.
The future is a unpredictable thing, ever changing do to choices you make or events that happen. No one is truly safe from disaster and death. The past yet opposite, unchangable. Time might look slow but in reality it is fast. Unmatched by any speed imaginable. No one understands time or the future, they are interlocked with one another as the past itself is a chronicle of history left in the dust.
After leaving the halls of her thoughts, Winter left her room and walked throughout the tower and going into the resticted zones seeing the secrets that are kept and places that need repairs or anything that peeks her interest. She was looking for the door her sister left behind; but more ponies can hide secrets behind one door. Student like teacher that saying goes and at times pleads true.
No many know that Celestia had her secrets just as Goldenblood. Goldenblood just didn't understand just how dangerous tia was to him; but Tia was to niave and didn't want to say or do anything. Everyone has their reasons behind it. It was time somepony found out the what and the why.
Winter walked deeper into the resicted area until she reached the magic door only alicorns may open. The room changes depending on who opens this door do to there magic embeded in the door. Winter knew spells to mess with ones self including matching her magic aura to Tia's aura. Its' a dark spell that is harmful to ones body. Winter, despite knowing such thing, used such spell.
Upon accessing the door, what was inside was nothing but a very empty room besides a chair and a note or letter. Not taking a hesitant moment, Winter walked inside as the door closed by itself locking as well. The chair looked dusty and brittle but the letter on it only had dust. There was a few words written on the front that once she looked at it, she was shocked.
'Winter, you have a clouded mind. I'm sorry. - Celestia'
She was lost in wonder and sadness of which was over taking her as she opened the letter to read the embodiment encased within.
'Dear Student and Friend Winter; I have done many good this and many bad things. One of which I can't forgive myself for. I can not say this to you face to face for I fear this war will end me and my beloved sister, but please understand and bare with me....'
