> Thirty Seconds
>  by Kiper
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> Chapter 1
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There was a time before friendship. When the races of what would become Equestria fought hoof, wing, and horn for every scrap of land. It was during this time that Princess Platinum created the UniCorps. An army of the most powerful spell casters available to her. Under her hoof, the Pegasi and Earth Ponies were subjugated and made to serve at the whim of whatever magic user had need of them.

The residents of Harmony had borne the scorn and disdain of the Unicorns for too long. Fleeing the frozen wastelands where the armies and leaders bickered like foals, they had founded a new town. A town where Earth Ponies and Pegasi could live together without needing to constantly bow to the "superior" race. Magic was useful, but unnecessary. All anypony needed was to put their hooves to work and the land would willingly provide.

But that could not be. The Unicorns could not allow such a town to flourish. It was a growing thorn in their otherwise iron grip. One that must be removed quickly and as prominently as possible. Nopony else must ever consider rising against their capricious masters. Harmony must fall.





Hard Rain watched as the squad of Unicorns approached the walls with purpose. There would be no talking. A veteran of Hurricane's army, he had seen the look of finality in their eyes too many times before. The dark, grey Pegasus took the quicker way off the ramparts, jumping into a bale of hay, while silently cursing the loss of his left wing. An injury that had gotten him discharged from the army and sent him to this town with his wife. Trotting quickly to his cottage he watched as the Earth Ponies abandoned their fields and homes and ran for the far gates. The Pegasi took to the air and flew as fast as their wings could carry them. Hard just shook his head. The five pony squad at the North Gate would be just one of at least four around the outside of town. It was already far too late for any of the residents.

"Daddy?" 

The small voice broke his ruminations and his heart as he looked to it's owner. His beautiful Dusty Rose. The last gift Golden Harvest had given him before passing on during the birth. The small, dark pink Earth Pony walked quickly to his side as he bent down to nuzzle her. 

"Where's everyone going daddy?" The filly looked around as all of the neighbors began to flee the courtyard. "What's going on?"

"Nothing to worry about, Dusty" he lied. A distant cry that ended too quickly almost catching his fib. "They are just excited and everyone is getting ready to play Hide and Seek in the town center."

The filly nodded in understanding. "Ooh. Is this the game where we hide from the Uni, um, Unihorns?" she asked sweetly.

The word distracted Hard Rain from his survey of the nearby area. He was surprised to hear that she knew of them. "Where did you hear about that, Dusty?"

"In school, daddy. Ms. Clover was telling us about other ponies in class, and that if the Unihorns ever came to Harmony that we'd all have to hide and hope they can't find us. It sounded like a lot of fun! Can we hide together?" The filly asked, almost bouncing on her hooves in excitement.

Oh, Makers. She didn't know. His beautiful flower didn't know. If it was the last thing he did in this world. It would be to preserve that shred of innocence. "Of course we can. I wouldn't have it any other way." He smiled at his daughter while fighting back tears. "Where do you think? Behind the shed? I don't think anyone will look for us there."

The filly happily pulled the older stallion around the side of the cottage. An sturdy iron shed awaited them tucked out of way. Ducking under the sloping roof would provide cover from any aerial spectators. "Okay, daddy. Do you know how to play Hide and Seek?"

"It's been awhile. Why don't you remind me." The stallion looked around, noting the silence that had fallen over the town. It seemed as if the villagers had finally learned the truth. "This seems like a good place to hide."

"Okay, daddy. First you find a place to hide." She pushed a tool box out of the way and tucked herself into a corner of the shed. "Then, once the seekers give the signal," 

As if on cue, a hum in the still air was the first indication of danger before incredibly bright balls of light shot into the sky all around the town. Oh Faust, there had to be at least ten teams out there. The balls pierced the base of the clouds and briefly disappeared, but they would return.

Dusty Rose watched the lights shoot into the cloud cover. "Pretty. Now. You have to count for thirty seconds. If you make it to thirty without anyone tagging you, then you win." The filly proceeded to cover her eyes, before staring at the stallion sternly. "You need to close your eyes daddy. No peeking till I get to the end."

"Of course, dear." Hard Rain closed his eyes briefly before peeking to see if his daughter had done the same. Seeing the filly with her forelegs over her head, he instead looked overhead at clouds. The grey clouds were becoming brighter, as though the sun was trying to shine through. It wouldn't be long now. 

"Okay, daddy. 1. 2. 3. 4..." 

As the first ball of light came back into view, Hard Rain turned from the sky, and sadly laid his head upon his daughters; having done what he could to make the last moments count, "Golden, my love. We'll see you soon." Covering Dusty with his one wing, "I love you little flower."

And as the lights grew brighter, the last thing he heard was a giggled "I love you to-"