> Metro - Lavender Exile
>  by Wreck
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> P - 1 - Broken Heart
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Canterlot many arrived for the wedding, others came to celebrate, rest just didn't care.

But six ponies got invited and took special roles to make sure the wedding goes as smoothly as possible.

Princess Cadence was going to marry Shining Armour and happily live after. . .

. . .

Or so Twilight thought before coming to Canterlot.

Cadence changed into something Twilight couldn't even comprehend how this happened. Her old friend from foal hood was gone, replaced by a pony that was selfish, ignorant, rude, and much more.

"Because you're evil!" Twilight shouted at crying Cadence. Cadence ran through the door, behind her Twilight teleported.

"Evil! And if I don't stop you, you're gonna ruin my brother's life!" Twilight shouted again. When she turned to the group of ponies left in the room she felt a sense of satisfaction.

But it was a short moment, that was interrupted by her BBBFF.

"You want to know why my eyes went all **? Nuh! Because ever since I started having to perform my protection spell, I've been getting terrible migraines. Cadence hasn't been casting spells on me. She's been using her magic to heal me!" Shining said with anger. Twilight's started looking down.

"And she decided to replace her bridesmaids because she found out the only reason they wanted to be in the wedding was so that they could meet Canterlot royalty! And if she hasn't been on her best behavior with your friends, it's because with me being so busy, she's had to make all the decisions about the wedding!" Shining explained.

"I was just trying to–"Twilight tried to explain but was again interrupted by BBBFF who didn't seem to care at this point.

"She's been completely stressed out because it's really important to her that our big day be perfect! Something that obviously wasn't important to you! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and comfort my bride. And you can forget about being my best mare. In fact, if I were you, I wouldn't show up to the wedding at all." Shining left broken Twilight in the room. Her heart and mind are currently broken from what her brother has said.


In fact, if I were you, I wouldn't show up to the wedding at all.

if I were you, I wouldn't show up to the wedding at all.

up to the wedding at all.

at all.

at all. at all. at all.



Then one voice that she didn't know said in her mind.



You shouldn't be our friend at all.

You shouldn't be my sister at all.

You shouldn't be my student at all.


Twilight's mind broke even more after her friend's just passed her and her mentor didn't even look at her.

All of them said something but it never reached the Lavander unicorns ears.

Her emotions now overwhelming her own mind she could hear and understand one command.


Run.

Run as far away as possible.

Leave them.

Start anew somewhere else.

Somewhere where nothing could know me.


Then the decision was made. She used her magic to teleport to the entrance of the castle, Twilight couldn't teleport anywhere else since the shield blocked any attempts to teleport inside / outside.

She approached a pair of guards that stood in attention.

"I'm leaving." Twilight stated. The guards nodded and didn't want to argue with Celestia's student. The shield made a small opening and Twilight passed through it.

After few minutes she found herself at the train station, pondering on her next destination. She knew that the cities and towns she visited were completely out of option. She needed somewhere where she could find new life. Somewhere far away. The train station was updated every year with train arrivals/departures, they currently read that soon a train going towards the "City of Stalliongrad" was arriving.

She tried to remember any specifics about the general area but she couldn't remember. . . Maybe she never did read about Stalliongrad.

Regardless the train was going to arrive in the next 10 minutes and departure 5 minutes after arrival.





Twilight now entered the train, but something was different. Equestrian trains felt very comforting and had this look like it was made in a bakery. But this train?

This train was made of metal, It had small rooms with chairs and small tables with at least one window. Twilight didn't argue the chairs were actually more comfortable and she was alone in the room.






-Some Time Later-


She was currently alone in the small room and looked like a small Lavander ball of fur, from which quiet noise of sobbing could be heard.

Then Twilight felt a wired sensation.

Ever since what Shining told her she felt a stream of shudders that continued up until this new sensation. Like some kind of . . . cold yet also heat, both balanced and relaxing in a way.

Twilight raised her head slightly and looked at the origin of sensation. She saw a colt couple of years younger than her, currently hugging her hoof.

The colt was a gray Pegasus with dark blue mane and deep blue eye color. He currently looked concerned about the unknown Lavander pony next to him.

"Are you alright?" The colt asked. Twilight looked at him and smiled, she got rid of tears and looked at the colt.

"I'm not as fine as I would like to be. . . But thanks ... Uh what's your name?" Twilight asked. The colt looked only more concerned.

"Oh, my name is Star Fang. What's your name?" Star responded. Twilight smiled at him feeling a bit better.

"My name is Twilight Sparkle. Are you here alone?" Twilight Introduced herself and asked.

"No. Mama is outside with the ticket pony." Star explained.

"So where are you going Star?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, back home to Stalliongrad. But what made you so sad Sparky?" Star asked. Twilight looked at the colt with confusion.

"Sparky?" Twilight asked. Then through the doors, a mare entered. She was a white unicorn that reminded Twilight of her mentor.

"Mama!" Star jumped off the chair and hugged his mother.

"Mama, I made a new friend! Her name is Sparky." Star jumped around his mother. She slightly laughed and then hugged him.

"I'm glad you made a new friend, but please be careful next time okay?" She asked, Star nodded and jumped back on the chair.

"What's your destination Sparky?" Star asked. Twilight slightly zoned out as she didn't plan this far into the future.

"I suppose also Stalliongrad. I don't really know but I guess I need to start somewhere." Twilight answered. Star only smiled back and started flying the room.

"Star please, no flying in train." Mother asked, Star complied and landed on a chair.

"I'm sorry about my little Star but he is quite looking forward to having any friends. My name is Violet Aurora." Aurora introduced herself.

"My name is Twilight Sparkle." Twilight responded.

"Young one may I ask why are you in such a sad state?" Aurora asked. Twilight looked down and explained to them the story of the wedding.

About how her brother didn't tell her about the wedding, about how her old caretaker changed, about how her closest friends, mentor, brother just ignored her warning.

"Those jerks can't call themselves your friends if they threw you away after this long for someone they barely know." Star stomped on the chair. Twilight genuinely appreciated his opinion. Though she wondered about his use of "someone" instead of "somepony".

"I must agree with my son. The trust have they earned to this day, they just burned it without hesitation. They cannot truly be called friends." Aurora stated.

"Yes, I know. That's why I decided to leave this life behind and start a new life somewhere else. And it looks like it's going to be Stalliongrad. . . But I don't know anything about it except its existence." Twilight explained, with her head again looking down. Then she felt this weird balance of cold and heat again. She looked and saw Star curled up into a small ball quietly snoring next to her.

"Both of you had a long day, and it seems Star already began his rest. You should too. It's going to take more than 3 days to arrive in Stalliongrad." Aurora said with a caring voice. Same voice Celestia had... But Aurora's voice didn't have the whole "wise" feeling. It was just the voice of someone with genuine care for her. Someone like her own mother.

Twilight smiled and went to sleep.
> P - 2 - New Element
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


-Next Day-

-Canterlot - Day of the Wedding-



"Anypony has seen Twilight?" Applejack asked the group of now bridsmares. 

"Nah, she probably just sits somewhere and is watching us with some magic spell." Dash stated.

"But without Twilight, I feel wired." Pinkie stated. The group looked at her and saw Pinkie in a completely new state of emotion.

Worry

She was worrying about Twilight. Not only her but Celestia also looked like she was worried about her student.

'I feel like. . . We might have been too direct with Twilight. Her brother's words were like knives that stabbed her. And we didn't even help her with the wounds, we just left her.' Celestia thought. But then the doors opened and showed Cadence. 

Now both Cadence and Shining stood on the stage and looked. . . Wait what?

Cadence had a wicked smile, and shining had this weird () look.

What came next was unexpected.


*Crash*


The doors slammed open and in their view appeared. . .

"STOP!" The second Cadence screamed. She was covered in bruises and other small wounds. The crowd gasped and looked at Cadence, then back at the second Cadence.

"What is this? Cadence?" Celestia was confused.

"This is my special day! She is an imposter! A Changeling!" Cadence explained. The crowd now looked at Cadence next to Shining as if waiting for the reaction. There was none for a moment.

Then she laughed, in a very changed voice. What came next was a green fire enveloping her and covering her entirely. From the fire emerged a dark figure with green hair, insect-like wings, and horn, with holes stretching from her legs to her horn.

"*Evil Laugh* You are right. This facade has gone long enough! You and your little unicorn were right. But you chose to ignore her over someone you barely know. *giggle* It's almost like a theatre play. *Evil Laugh again*" The changeling laughed in a feminine voice. The crowd started to panic, while the group of six ponies and one dragon looked at each other.

"Where is my Student!" Celestia asked while using a small portion of Royal Canterlot Voice. The changeling just waved her hoof.

"That little annoying unicorn? She got off easy. She was heartbroken after your display, as I managed to get a small glimpse of her emotions. She was in such a state I could understand what came to her mind without the need for any spells. *pause* Leave them. And now *laugh* she is Faust knows where." The changeling explained. Celestia felt as if an iron spear has pierced her heart and filled it with concern. Five friends of Twilight now felt depressed as they left her in such a state. Twilight's number one assistant couldn't understand. Cadence was confused by this.

"What do you mean Leave this life. Twilight couldn't *sniff* leave us." Spike asked while starting to shake.

"What? Oh, that. No, she is not broken enough to just throw her life away. That I can assure you little drake. Regardless now that she is out of my plans and you *Points at Cadence* revealed my true identity, I see no other way but to start the invasion." The changeling explained. This slightly made the group behind her feel a little bit less worried about Twilight. But then the noise of sound banging is heard outside, as the group glanced outside they saw an army of changelings, few had armor while most of them were without any equipment. On the shield, visible cracks could be seen.

"I won't let you hurt my little ponies!" Celestia stated as she flew towards the changeling who clearly was in command. As she flew she didn't see a green beam shoot out of changeling before it hit her. She was thrown off her balance and she somewhat landed.

"*Evil laugh* Well it seems the power of love from this one to Cadence is real enough to overpower Celestia herself. *giggle* Now if you excuse me I have an army to command." Then the changeling vanished in a green flash of a teleportation spell.

"Princess! / Auntie!" Six ponies shouted as they ran to Celestia.

"Without Twilight all we can do is try to save as many ponies as we can. Please go and help them." Celestia stated. The group clearly hesitated.

"Ah. . . Princess I don't want to break it to ya, but how? Unless we get the same power boost like that changeling then what can we do?" Applejack explained. All of them slightly looked down. All expect Cadence.

"You're right! The only way to defeat the changeling is with love!" Cadence slightly jumped. The group tilted their heads at her. She sprinted towards Shining who currently was unconscious.

"Shining! Shining wake up! Please!" Cadence shook the Stallion.

"Buh-Wuh-Duh. . .Wha-What-WHAT! I'm awake!" Shining stated as Cadence stopped shaking him.

"Oh-uh. . . Um Cadence? What's going on?" Shining asked. Cadence sighed.

"Changelings attacked! They weakened you and now they are breaking through the shield. You have to help me!" Cadence stated. Shining quickly read what she said. Then he tried to charge a spell but . . .

"I can't. I don't have enough ener- *muffled surprise*" He was cut off by his fiance that kissed him.

"But you have if we do this together." She explained. They stood next to each other. Horn to Horn, charging a spell together.

Then a bright flash came and a gigantic shockwave could be felt, while ponies only felt a shockwave, changeling felt a wall that lunched then out of the city of Canterlot.

After a moment the room was stormed by the lunar guards and Princess Luna herself.

"Sister, are you alright?" She asked as the lying Celestia.

"Yes, what of Canterlot and its population?" Celestia asked.

"Few were foalnapped, rest is either hidden or in hospital by now. Whatever thou did, it saved our Capitol." Luna stated. Celestia sighed with heavy relief and worry. What came next was a long explanation of what happened and how this situation could be averted in the future. Only five ponies stayed out of the conversation until Shining approached them.

"Umm. Sorry, you are Twilights friends, right? I read some letters from her about you. Do you know where she is?" Shining asked the group. They all looked down. Only Spike took a breath.

"Twilight . . . Twilight. . . BWAAAAAA" Spike started crying. Others slightly sobbed next to him.

"Twilight *Sniff* left us *Sniff* apparently for good." Dash tried not to cry as much. Shining was shocked and confused.

"Girls, you have to be honest with me here. What. Happened." Shining asked firmly.

A long explanation began.






Meanwhile on the Train "Canterlot-Stalliongrad"


Twilight was having a light sleep, after telling what happened at Canterlot she felt much lighter. She felt as if somepony shared her weight of sadness, and also cared for her side of the story. Aurora has a very caring voice, she had this odd feeling like Celestia when Twilight was a foal. Star Fang only 8 years younger than Twilight, and was almost identical to her brother when she was a foal, just instead of a unicorn, he was a pegasus. But also she could see a certain trio of fillies and their antics.

After a long sleep, she felt some kind of shaking. Twilight yawned and opened her eyes, in the room Aurora currently was looking out the window and Star was next to her. Both of them watch something, Twilight only came closer to the window to see some sort of bubble that expanded from somewhere far away behind the train.

As the sphere suddenly shook the train, a high pitched noise could be heard only to be recognized as breaks that were stopping the train.

"What was that?" Aurora asked with slight worry.

"I don't know. But it was something powerful." Twilight stated with her thought's running wild. The train stopped at the moment, many of the crew rushed towards the front. Then some kind of device boomed with sound and a voice followed.

"Ah- Testing. One Two Three. Ah, It works. Greetings tovarish, I'm sorry for the sudden stop but our engine seems to have taken some damage from that weird sphere that passed us a few moments ago. Don't worry our repair crew already identified the damage and is currently working on fixing the engine. We should be back on track in few hours. Thank you for your attention." The voice said through the device. Twilight pondered at just what was that.

"Umm Aurora? Don't mind me asking but... How did this stallion talk to the entire train? I haven't seen anything like this. Well heard *nervous laughter*." Twilight asked. Aurora looked confused but then she shook her head.

"Oh, that? The stallion talked through a device called speaker. Small heads up, if you plan to live in Stalliongrad, get used to seeing things that never existed in Equestria." Aurora stated. Twilight started pondering at just how much Stalliongrad is Different from any other city in Equestria.

"Could you describe Stalliongrad for me?" Twilight asked. Aurora looked at her and was about to start explaining.

"Stalingrad is a good home. It's not as colorful as Canterlot but it has its own marvels. The soldiers usually are helpful, other beings are also very helpful. Though we do have some rules and few unfair moments, in the end, we all live happy lives with our family and friends." Star explained. Aurora smiled at him and continued.

"My little Star is right about most of the things. Stalliongrad is a good home, not perfect, but not bad. Everyone, there is regarded as equal, no matter the race or your job. The military most of the time is quite gentle if you don't break few rules and at the end, when you see your Canterlot as Capitol of Equestria. We see Stalliongrad as the capital of. . . well ironically the nation of Stalliongrad." Aurora finished. Twilight was in slight confusion.

"Well, I'm pretty certain it's going to be some time before we arrive there. Could you at least explain the basic things I should know about uh. . . City-state of Stalliongrad I guess? *Nervous Laughter*" Twilight asked.

"What? Oh right! The name confused you. Stalliongrad is a capital of an entire nation. Only awkward thing is that the name of the nation is the same as Stalliongrad." Aurora explained.

"Don't worry we are still about two and half days from Stalliongrad so we should have plenty of time to explain the basics. We should start with the biggest difference between Equestria and Stalliongrad." Aurora stated.

"What is the biggest difference?" Twilight asked.

"Compared to Equestria, Stalliongrad is advanced in technology. Many inventors came from Stalliongrad, few shared their inventions with Equestria, like your trains. Or well . . . your early attempts at creating trains. If Equestria seems one age before The Gryphon Colonies, Then Stalliongrad looks like it came from space itself." Aurora explained. Twilight was even more curious. What inventions could be in such a country, to what rules such creations could lead.

Twilight asked Aurora and Star for the rest of the day.






-Meanwhile at SB-6 Section 5 -


"Careful, careful, careful. This is a delicate SCM. One scratch and it could become unstable." One Mage Stallion stated. The group of researchers was transporting half pony-sized crystal that has runes all over it.

The facility was one of few "almost" self-sustaining bunkers under Stalliongrad. Currently, facility SB-6 worked on Project "Nail", you could see a whole bunch of minds working along the halls of the bunker.

Unicorns testing spells that nullified or disrupted magic.

Griffons creating new runes.

Changelings that had test samples and many more.

The Dimond dogs carrying special Crystals used to hold spells.

Buffalo observed a few of the tests.

What came next was a loud rumble and shaking, many of the working beings in the bunker stopped. 

Suddenly the shaking became so powerful, the group of diamond dogs that transported the crystal lost their balance. The crystal started falling to the ground. And then the world slowed down for beings close to the crystal. It slowly dropped from the cart, and as it touched the ground a crack spread through the crystal until the point of shattering.

Then a blinding flash.

Next what came was chaos, groups of beings running to understand what happened, alarms ringing, scanners warning of an unknown element in the air. Then in intercom one voice boomed across the bunker.

The Director spoke.

"This is Director. Section 5 is currently put under quarantine protocol Zaroz - 3. No personnel is allowed to leave or enter the section without permission. Failure to follow protocol will be met with extreme precaution. This is Director." As the intercom clicked the gigantic doors that accessed section 5 closed behind magnetic locks. Guards have set up positions with few HMG positions.

Behind the doors, many fell on the ground from the new element in the air, an element that played with genes of any being, an element that could pass through skin, an element that created new monsters, an element that broke all rules of magic.


.

.

.

Radiation.

> P - 3 - The Border
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


-One day Later-


"So Stalliongrad allows this many races to live in its territory?" Twilight asked. The time with the pair of ponies was becoming quite comforting. Twilight was still amazed by the inventions that Stalliongrad apparently had for many years, for example:

"Cars" - metal chariots that had an engine in place of carriers, but they use fuel so they need to be refueled from time to time;

"Planes" - metal / wooden vehicles that allowed for any non-flying species to fly at high speed. Two main types are supposed to be "Jet" and "Propeller" Planes.

"Machinery" - metal machines that apparently could help anypony in their work. For example, those "assembly lines" made this "Production on Mass" possible. 

"Hand Gloves" - This got Twilight's attention. Aurora explained that "Hand Gloves" work the same way as griffon claws, but much more co-ordinated. It helped many in Stalliongrad with their daily work, Military has its own version for Soldiers since they use a completely different set of weapons than Equestria. The civilian population has normalized versions that are mass-produced. Apparently, in Stalliongrad few started considering having those gloves as parts of them and started using them like it's natural. The Hand Gloves allow for species such as Ponies, Changelings, Buffalo to operate and work in delicate fields of work, It also allows for said species to walk on their hind legs and use their front legs as sort of arms. (like griffons and dragons have) 

"Ah yes, this topic is well known. Since the creation of Stalliongrad, its main purpose was to unify anyone that wished to work for the good of all. Quote "One for all, All for One" is quite appropriate. Well, the multi-species nation could be a problem if there weren't any laws regarding everybody. Oh that brings another thing, Twilight dear you should get used to saying every-body instead of every-pony, etc." Aurora responded. Twilight started thinking about this.

A nation where everypo- everybody could be regarded as equal race, a nation where advancements made everyone equal at their lifestyles, a nation that she never heard of. . . Why?

"I still don't know about one thing. How come Stalliongrad could be such a great nation while also no one wrote about it back home. It's just-" Twilight started but she got stopped as Aurora raised her hoof.

"It seems we are in a bit of a history lesson. Well, it all started around 800 years ago, but no one really knows. But back then just after the last of the lunar rebels were defeated, many saw how Celestia banished her Sister and any other radical that supported her to the moon. It made several beings think 'If we tried to show our independent thinking, would we be banished like Princess Luna?'. back then everyone still remembered that Luna was the second ruler of Equestria. She wasn't Equal Ruler as Celestia told once. Now think that that made few think 'What if we didn't have an immortal ruler, and had someone normal as a leader, someone who knew how we feel, how our hardship leads to many things.' 

So then it happened that many of those ponies gathered in the city of Stalliongrad, but back then it was known as Princessyn. Most notable Pony from the Revolutionary Movement was Steel Stallion. But even before him, such Beings existed that questioned the rule of immortal rulers. Such was Caramel Marks, who created the theory for a new kind of worker's state where everybody would be given equal opportunities, and everybody would receive everything according to their needs. Princessyn back then was a region that was very badly treated by the Royalty. 

Continued famine, Epidemics, harsh treatment if "peasants" didn't work, and so on. Civil unrest grew, leading some ponies to question the basis of the Immortal Monarchy system. After years of preparation and making contacts with other groups that had identical ideas and grouping them all in Princessyn. Then one night around 731 years ago the spark of revolution slowly became visible. The royals in Canterlot became very aware and ordered a crackdown on revolutionaries and other protestors. The crackdown only leads to bigger unrest. At some point, the population broke and was enraged at Royalty and their actions. So they took action and rose up against the oppressor. 

That moment when the last of royal guard was defeated in the area was known as December Revolution month of bloody fighting and proclaiming their independence as a state. Back then Revolutionary Movement already had a few of the advancements that were expanded to this day. Crossbows against spears, the first Hand-Gloves that allowed Ponies, Changeling, and few Buffalo to fight the same way as Griffons. The Equestrian Guard moved in full strength to crush the uprising, and a brutal grinding week of combat ensued. 

Princess Celestia, appalled by the violence and spiraling disaster, withdrew all Equestrian forces and fired the Captain of the Guard, effectively conceding to the revolutionaries. Shortly afterward Steel Stallion died of illness and the capital of the region - Princessyn, was renamed to Stalliongrad in his honor. 

With Steel Stallion dead, the revolution elected ponies to a Supreme Council - a committee of representatives of the workers. Two ponies and their ideas came to dominate the Council - Altidiya Revoltsova and Vasiliy Pentsushenko.

They have created a constitution that was followed for so many years that even today many of their rules have been kept. To this day the nation not only survived but also has beaten most of the nations on Equus in many areas. 

Thus this made many of the local powers angry and looked at Stalliongrad as a sort of rival. Equestria still censors the existence of Stalliongrad to point of telling ponies that Stalliongrad is part of Equestria, which did result in few border skirmishes for many years." Aurora explained.

Twilight felt as if she was back in school, she felt nice from that. Maybe new life in Stalliongrad isn't going to be that bad. True there are rules that she was going to follow but it wouldn't be that much of a problem.






-Meanwhile In Ponyville-


In the Sugarcube Corner, 3 Ponies sat in a small group. An Orange mare approached them.

"Found anything?" Applejack asked. The trio at the table shook their heads.

"No dear. Spike told me that the library was the same as they left. It's completely unlike Twilight. She would make so much preparation just to read a book. But this..." Rarity responded.

"Mhm." Dash agreed. 

Ever since the wedding day they have searched for Twilight but nothing could be found, Spike and 3 friends went back to Ponyville to see if she was there, rest stayed back in Canterlot. It's been at least 2 days since they have last seen Twilight when she tried to warn them about the imposter that was Cadence.

The doors got opened by a familiar alicorn sister, behind her two friends of the group.

"Princess Luna!" The trio moved towards the Princess.

"We bring news from Canterlot! Our sister has found two guards that reported that she left the City back then and went to the train station. After our sister visited the said station we finally have a lead!" Luna was obviously happy to help. After she listened to their side of the story she wasn't very happy with the five-element bearers. But as she reminded that "not everypony is perfect" and after that conversation, she was fast on finding clues on Twilight.

"So? Do we know where Twilight went?" Dash asked. Luna had a smug grin.

"Yes! From our visit to the train station, it appears she has taken a ride two days ago to-" 





"-Stalliongrad. Miss Twilight took the first train on the departures and it's the Canterlot - Stalliongrad Train." The royal guard officer finished his report.

Celestia frowned. It's the first time in the last 400 years since she heard that name. 

"*sigh* Is their diplomat or representative available?" Celestia asked. The guard officer tilted his head.

"Uhh no? What does Princess mean diplomat? Aren't they part of Equestria? Just sent a letter to local royal guard garrison to stop your student when she arrives." The Guard officer suggested.

'Oh right. The royal houses started censoring anything about Stalliongrad from the beginning of its existence. And after an -amount- of skirmishes on the border they stopped sending any diplomats saying "If you want to talk to us, then start by acknowledging our existence. Until then we won't exist for you." *Groan* Why something always comes back to bite me back in the flank when I expect it the least.' Celestia thought.

"Captain, there are things left forgotten in history. Stalliongrad was *clears throat* thrown into the forgotten mess that Royal Houses have created." Celestia stated.

"Princess, please. If you could you would have them disbanded in a whim of a hoof." The officer stated.

"If only I could Captain Spear. But as we all know. . . This got out of hoof ever since the second generation of royal houses was born. Send a message to the nearest guard company. Tell them to contact the nearest Stalliongradian border post." Celestia sighed.

This week isn't the greatest in her long life.






-Sometime later in train-


Twilight yawned. Somepony was nudging her. She opened her eyes and saw Star nudging her while Aurora was in deep thought.

"What's going on Star?" Twilight asked.

"Well after you told mama that you are moving to Stalliongrad and you left behind your previous life you probably don't have any idea what to do once you get there." Star explained. Aurora noticed that Twilight was now awake.

"Ah, darling you are awake. I have been thinking for the last few hours. Since you will need time to get used to laws and also be able to find a home and work quite early I might have a suggestion. You see my little Star is still young and requires a caretaker. I will need to go back to work soon and having someone I could trust would be great." Aurora stated. Twilight was searching for words for her response. Being a caretaker of a child, somepony she once had ... Cadence.

"But what about living space? And-" Twilight started rambling with nervousness. 

"Twilight dear, I will take care of most starting problems. And I already can see that you would make an excellent caretaker for Star. As you have already shown you not only showed him kindness but also I can see the look on your face when you are near him. You look at him like an older sister could for her little brother. That already tells me that you care about him. And caretaking won't be much of a trouble, Star is quite intelligent for his age. He could also introduce you to few things on how Stalliongrad works." Aurora explained as she gazed at Star who currently was in the corridor of the train watching the passing forest. Twilight was astonished by how much Aurora knew. Twilight felt the same warmth that kept her going in her studies back when she was a filly in Canterlot.

"Thank you. I don't know much about caretaking but... I'm going to try." Twilight decided. Aurora smiled and looked at her.

"There's the courage you needed in the last two days. We should be soon stopping at the border station." Aurora stated. Twilight tilted her head.

"Why?" Twilight asked. Why would we stop at a border station?

"Oh right. You never went anywhere beyond Equestria right?" Aurora asked. Twilight shook her head.

"Well ... Dragon lands count as beyond Equestria right?" Twilight asked.

"Technically Dragon lands are in Union with Equestria, which means they are in the same nation. Let me explain, when traveling between nations there are guard stations that check your identity, to make sure you aren't illegally traveling. Like spies, thieves, bandits, etc." Aurora answered. Twilight slightly cringed.

"Uh. Am I gonna be in trouble?" Twilight asked.

"You bought the ticket? *Nod* You still have the ticket? *Nod* Then you have nothing to worry about. Well, there will be a small stop since you will need a small explanation about a passport that you clearly don't have." Aurora stated. Twilight slightly relaxed but then she looked again confused.

"What's a passport?" Twilight asked.

"*sigh* This is gonna take a while to explain." Aurora sighed.


-Later-


"-wich allows for easy identification of where you were and where are you heading while also keeping the officers from asking about your life for Faust's sake. I was caught once without a passport and tell you what, it took six hours before they confirmed my identity." Aurora stopped her long explanation.

"Right. So by all that I should keep my passport close to me all the time right?" Twilight asked.

"All the time when you are traveling or going on official things like applying for a job, asking the bank for an account, and more." Aurora corrected. The trains started slowing down.

"Ah, we reached the border station. Star come we need to register Twilight." Aurora stated. 

Star yawned since he slept through most of the ride. As they exited the train Twilight noticed that the guards as Aurora once explained had those hand gloves for everyday use in the military. But between explanation and seeing the actual thing, it was a completely different experience. Hearing about it was amazing, seeing it for the first time was astonishing. Seeing how a pony could stand on hind legs while having some sort of ranged weapon in his front legs. It reminded Twilight how Griffons have crossbow companies, but Stalliongrad apparently has much more advanced types of weapons. At least that's what Aurora explained before. The next thing that took Twilight's mind was how casually a unicorn, a  changeling, and a griffon talked to each other while having some sort of drink. In Equestria seeing this sort of meeting is only between some kind of royal and diplomat etc... but here it looks like its normal small talk between each of them. If Equestria is supposed to be the center of harmony where everything works in harmony... Then why are ponies so much against living with ... Well, any other being. Twilights memories came back regarding few moments :

Appelosa and the Buffalo Pony conflict.

Ponyville treating Zecora and Gilda as some kind of barbarian and witch.

'Wait Gilda brought that on herself.' Twilight thought. But the point is still there. After seeing those events and comparing them to this one scene in front of her... It was just unbelievable.

As they entered the small line of other beings that were going through the border to Stalliongrad one of the officers, an earth pony with blue fur, silver mane/tail, looked at Aurora and walked towards the trio while waving one of his le... Hand Gloves.

"Aurora! It's good to see you again. How's Been? I wondered how long it would take for you to come back, especially now." Stallion greeted with a very weird accent.

"Hey, Sky Diver. Cousin Been is fine. How are things here?" Aurora responded. Sky only sighted and looked slightly exhausted.

"To be honest, ever since this weird earthquake, the entire nation is in a small panic. Command made border patrols more vary of any Equestrian guards, the Council is trying to calm the situation while also trying to continue their new problem about the Former Crystal Empire territory, and now add the .. sorry can't tell it out in the open." Sky explained.

"Uncle Skies!" Star half-shouted and hugged the stallion.

"Fangy come here! *Garbs him* How is my little Fangy doing?" Sky asked.

"Cousin Been was just awesome! He showed his new hydro-on-something. But it was fun! The sea looked so vast!" Star answered, to that Sky only chuckled.

"Glad to hear it Fangy. Now I see you have an additional pony in your company. Who shall start the Introduction? Me or you?" Sky asked Twilight. Aurora looked at Twilight.

"I think I'll start. My name is Twilight Sp- *clears throat* just Twilight. I'm from Equestria, but I'm moving to Stalliongrad, and Aurora already gave me a proposition where I can work. So I can both work and get accustomed to ... Well, everything." Twilight answered. Sky rubbed his chin.

"My name is Sky Diver. Don't bother asking why I have a name that fits more to a Pegasus than an earth pony. My parents are very into flying planes, so they thought that I could go on the family's track in working in aviation. Well, turns out I couldn't be a pilot, but it just so happened that the military was searching for volunteers for their Third airborne battalion. So here I am an airborne soldier put on ground border station. Twilight you are in big luck. Aurora here rarely gives a job to anyone, especially anyone from outside of borders. But since you are here and Aurora doesn't object, then I must welcome you to the Gazers family." Sky tapped Twilight's shoulder.

"What do you mean by Welcome to the Gazers family?" Twilight was confused.

"Oh, mama did you tell her about the tradition?" Star looked at Aurora. Aurora was in deep thought, then she face-hoofed.

"*sigh* I forgot about that." Aurora muttered under her hoof. Twilight was more confused.

"It's an old tradition in Stalliongrad. When someone leaves their country leaving behind everything to come and join our nation if you are proposed a job that allows you to live in the same house as the employer and when the job is very important like a guardian, caretaker, or even shopkeeper. And if you accept it works as an adoption document, but more bonding and less paperwork." Sky answered. Twilight looked at the trio ponies with an open jaw.

"D-D-Does t-that mea-" Twilight started but got stopped my Star who landed on her back.

"Big Sister Sparky!" Star hugged Twilight. Twilight was... Not sure about it... She felt her heart stop and her mind just crashed. Her jaw almost hit the floor.

"I uh... I.. I just... Wha?" Twilight began to stutter.

"Twilight dear, don't worry about passport, Sky here already made one after I told him your side of the story." Aurora stated. Sky started walking to another room.

"Aurora come. I need to finalize few details for Twilights passport." Sky stated. Aurora started walking towards him but then stopped.

"You two wait here. Don't cause trouble. And Twilight, sorry for not telling you. *Nervous smile*" Aurora stated. Twilight stood there with her mouth gaping while Star smiled on her back. Aurora and Sky went inside a smaller room.
> P - 4 - Family
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aurora closed the door and looked at sky with a more serious face.

"News from the SSD?" Aurora asked.

"Most news are non-important. But there is one that is quite tall. Remember the project 'Nail'? Because of the earthquake in one of the sections of SB - 6 was an explosion. Probably one of the spell prototype matrix dropped on the ground. The entire section is under quarantine protocol Zaroz - 3. That's all I heard from the director of SSD." Sky answered. Aurora frowned.

"Idiots. Any chance of foreign interference?" Aurora asked.

"None so far. All personnel that were in that section have died to something. We still don't know what, and the SSD is currently more cramped with theories than actual scientists can give us. At this point, I don't know if this project will continue." Sky stated.

"Maybe it's for the better. Any weapon of that kind, even only for defensive moves would be so powerful, that any normal being could question our ethics." Aurora stated.

"Good things won't happen without bad things. - Shades of The Real World. You should read it." Sky quoted from a book.

"Anything else?" Aurora asked.

"You are quite early to trust Twilight. Though I can see it myself from the look in her eyes. The look of someone who lost trust in anyone. What's your reason?" Sky asked.

"She told me her story. Her closest friends just threw her away. She was Celestia's student and was also thrown like some used up rag. I want to show her that with the correct time and correct beings you can do more than be a mere slave to their so-called destiny like most Equestrians believe." Aurora stated firmly. Then through another door, an ensign came in.

"Oh sorry for the interruption. Major Sky, orders from SSD. *Hands over a small page* Here. " Ensign saluted and left the room.

"Suppose they already know." Aurora said.

"Yup. I'm supposed to escort you back to Stalliongrad. Right let me get a passport for Twilight and we can get on the train." Sky said as he shuffled through the desk.

"Which train are we taking?" Aurora asked.

"The one that goes through Universitet Station." Sky responded.

"Metro? Why?" Aurora asked.

"It's the closest path to SB - 6 from this part of the border." Sky answered.






-Outside-


"And then he said -Yes! The old claim was true, but this is a new, better truth!-" Star was telling Twilight story of their visit to cousin Been in Southern Equestria.

"He sounds very devoted to his work." Twilight stated.

"He is. Big Sister?" Star started.

"What does your cutie mark present?" Star asked. Twilight looked at the cutie mark that reminded her of the exam where she hatched Spike. She kinda felt the same way about Star. About little brother, that needed her guidance or help, but still being able to do things himself.

"It represents one of the basic elements of this world. Magic, though I never got to actually know what kind of magic. All I know that it is some kind of magic. Could be all or could be just one type of magic." Twilight explained. Yes, Celestia did tell her that she is talented in magic. But what type of magic? She never answered.

"Hey! Little Stars!" Aurora shouted at them from the other side of the main hall. Twilight stood up while Star started flying towards Aurora.

"Are we finally going home?" Star asked.

"Yes, my little Star. We are just waiting for someone who will accompany us." Aurora stated.

"I think, that's my cue." Sky revealed himself from behind corner with some saddlebags.

"Sky? Aren't you supposed to guard the border?" Twilight asked.

"Hey! Don't deny me my chance a short trip back home. And someone has to keep an eye on you three. Also, Twilight, *grabs a small book and saddlebag* here take those. It's not much but it will help you settle in. Inside you will find civilian hand gloves, a notebook with pen, passport, law book, a watch, and another book that introduces any newcomers to Stalliongrad. Just ignore the patriotic lines and other few other things. Producers tend to over glorify some aspects they felt proud of." Sky stated as Twilight levitated the saddlebag on her bag while also put the book inside.

"Thanks, Sky. I don't know how will I ever repay you all." Twilight stated. Sky only lifers his hand/hoof. 

"You don't owe me anything. We are now a family and family helps each other. Come on everyone. We have a train to catch." Sky stated as he started moving towards the edge of the train station. Soon he was followed by the rest of the group.

"Also Twilight you should get used to seeing larger families in Stalliongrad. In Equestria families can be small, here you could have family in half of the city. If you want more details on the law and any other details regarding... Well the law, then ask right away. Uncle Sky will answer most of your questions." Sky stated as he saluted. That brought a small giggle from the group.

"Alright, Sky." Twilight stated. Aurora could only smile at how Twilight was fast at recovering from the wedding that happened a few days ago.

"Hey, Aurora? How am I -" Twilight started but stopped after she saw Aurora shook her head.

"Twilight dear, I know this is a bit ... Fast since we met three days ago, but I can tell that you have much more potential. That's why I decided to help you. Twilight you should know that everything takes time. And I won't have a problem if you don't want to see me as family." Aurora stated. Twilight felt as if she needed to respond but she didn't know-how. She knew she doesn't own them anything, yet there she feels as if she has fallen into a hole in the life dept.

"But I just... Don't know how I can repay you all. It's just the feeling that you gave me another chance of life. And-" Twilight almost started rambling if not for Aurora's hoof which *bopped* Twilight's nose.

"Twilight. I know how you feel. The only way to repay is to live. To try out the chance you have been given. It's not always the destination that matters, it's the journey that makes us what we really Are. Remember this and you will make the best out of the worst moments." Aurora said. 

Twilight hugged Aurora while not sure how to respond. She just felt the same way when she was with Celestia or her Mother. But now she was sure that this new family, may not be related by blood, but is related by something else...


Related by Spark of Hope.


"Thanks... Aurora..." Twilight said quietly to Aurora's ear while she hugged her. Aurora hugged back as they went towards the train.






-Few hours later- 

-SB - 6 meeting room-



"So... What has been killing them in section 5... Any ideas?" Director spoke in a less than a happy tone. The few scientists currently looked at each other.

"We may have some idea but... It's not much." Changeling started.

"From our initial test, we already established that it's very toxic. More than we originally predicted." Griffon continued.

"How deadly is the element?" Director asked.

"Extreme levels... It killed half the staff that was inside of section 5 in less than 13 minutes since the initial event. The rest depended on how far or how did they manage with blockading off the safe areas. From our initial calculations... If we were to continue project 'Nail' as it is, then we would need to find a countermeasure against this element, or find a way the remove it from the spell." Changeling stated.

"Anything else we know?" Director asked.

"Yes... Though we still aren't sure about a few of the reports. How this element appears to be transporting itself is beyond our comprehension. If the report is right then we could speculate that the element is able to pierce certain materials. We divided them into three subtypes.

Alpha - which takes that largest space out of the three but is the least lethal since it appears not to pierce anything as strong as paper.

Beta - which could be found much deeper in the section about two or three rooms from the event location. It's much more lethal since it's able to pierce fur and skin. But it appears to have a hard time getting through few materials.

The last one is Gamma - it could only be found within the very close area of the event location. To be honest we don't know what it can't pierce. Well minus a gigantic concrete wall or the ground behind it.

But unfortunately, all of them appear to spread through the air and make the air unbreathable since it goes straight to your lungs and from there to the rest of your body." Earth pony explained while waving around a piece of paper.

"What do you suggest we are going to use against this element." Director asked.

"Well we already made few calls, currently in Stalliongradian University best of the best already are making some sort of filter that will enable separating breathing air from the element. Steel Palace already started making few prototypes of said filters with appropriate masks and better instructions. Though it will take some time before we are able to distribute it all over the country. But in the area of Stalliongrad and few nearby towns, we could have enough stockpile by the next 18 hours. There are three other places that also started their work on said filters but we still don't know on their progress." One buffalo answered.

"Director if I may?" One unicorn asked.

"What is it?" Director demanded.

"Section 5 is currently under quarantine protocol Zaroz - 3. Of course, I know that means no in or out until the source of quarantine is contained or neutralized. But we still don't know if we can remove the problem. What I propose might not be the best idea but it's one option. We send in a team that will investigate the effects of the element in section 5. While also search for any survivor's." The unicorn stated. The group on the left side of the room started telling on how irrational this idea is. Director raised his claw, the room fell in silence.

"No matter what the suggestion is. We have to do something. And besides, we need to test those filters in some way. This would also increase our knowledge of this new element... This won't stand. We need to name this new element in some way." Director stated. The group of scientists left silence reign in the room.

"It seems we are in a stalemate. Fine. We will send a team to test out those filters and see any other properties that this new element has. Objections or questions?" Director asked the group. No one said anything.

"Then let's get started." Director stated as he left the room.

"Jeez. Talk about always in the mood." One of the scientists stated.

"Don't be surprised. He's one of few dragons that were trusted with a position like his. I would also be annoyed if something like this happened. Heck, I'm frustrated by just this stupid explosion." Other Scientist answered.

"Don't call something that is unknown as stupid. It's a fast road to hit the end of your career." Said another one of the scientists.
> P - 5 - Old Friends
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


-Canterlot Castle-


Inside one of the offices, Celestia was sitting behind a desk. The desk was full of reports ranging from City damage, missing ponies, complaints from royal houses, and the cost of rebuilding the destroyed infrastructure. In front of the desk were 6 mares, a young drake, and a captain: 

Princess Luna, who currently is slightly frustrated after hearing Celestia's explanation for Stalliongrads history.

Applejack, who was just trying to understand why the royal houses were allowed for such a crackdown on protestors which turned into a civil war.

Rainbow Dash, who was calling Stalliongrad different things ranging from "Traitors" to "Cool Traitors"

Pinkie Pie, who wasn't paying attention.

Rarity, who was interested in what could their fashion look like.

Fluttershy, who was between hiding from hearing about the "bloody battles" to being literally enraged by the Royal Houses.

Spike, who didn't really care for the story. He wanted Twilight to come back home.

Shining Armour, who was mouth gaping as he heard about the first nation that ever won against Equestria was a bunch of revolutionaries.

"Sister. Thou cannot comprehend just what that event could have done to this entire Nation!" Luna half-shouted at Celestia.

"Luna, please. That was 731 years ago. Since then no one remembered that Stalliongrad succeeded in this conflict. And since then the relationship with them was... cold at best and non-existent since ... hundreds of years ago." Celestia defended herself.

"Princess here is honest. Though Ah myself have an itch to buck certain royal in his stomach." Applejack stated as she obviously meant she wanted to give Certain Blueblood a good kick.

"Yeah, those no-good royal houses are the reason behind all of the bad things that happened to Equestria! I say we kick them out of the royal houses!" Dash stated as she flapped her wings mid-air.

"Even if I wanted to do it I can't. Without them, Equestria would just shatter into dozens of nations like Stalliongrad." Celestia responded with a sigh.

"Hiding behind a wall and shooting arrows at good guards. *growl* What good those ponies have if they don't fight with warriors honor. Even Griffons have that." Shining Armor stated.

"Captain you must know that they left the way of knights and mages in favor of their own methods, which I myself am interested in." Luna stated. The doors were opened by a mare that had a maiden outfit, and a light white fur color tone. She went on the side towards Celestia. 

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything, your Majesty." The mare asked.

"Don't worry Epona. You aren't interrupting since it does concern... you know who. How's Solaris?" Celestia asked.

"Oh, the young one is fine. He sent me a letter that his stay in Stalliongrad is so far was without any problems." Epona responded.

"Epona... *sigh* You always come with the right news." Celestia was slightly relieved.

"Your Majesty...... What did you do?" Epona asked.


-One Explanation Later-


"Alright. I'll send a letter to Solaris so he can ease up on her emotions. But I can't promise that Twilight will be back." Epona sighed.

"Thank you. What would I do without you." Celestia stated. Epona left the room while leaving behind a group of ponies and a dragon, who were standing there shocked.

"Sister. Thou has more than one thing to explain." Luna stated.


-Stalliongrad-


The day was the same as every other day in Stalliongrad. Each street was filled with life, an overcrowded cafe, beings going to work, police being on patrol duty. In one particular cafe there was a yellow pegasus sitting and drinking some tea.

"Morning Merlin." The Cafe owner stated as he walked towards the Pegasus. Pegasus slightly startled almost spilled his tea.

"Khan *sigh* You know not to call me like that in this form." Merlin stated. Khan is an earth pony, with brown fur, silver eyes, and grey mane\tail [and beard].

"HA! You know well that anyone here can tell the difference between a changeling in disguise and an actual pony." Khan stated. Merlin shook his head in his friend's antics.

"What gave me away this time?" Merlin asked. Khan chuckled before getting a cup from a drawer.

"I'll tell you only one thing. Your fur looks and feels like it was made out of silk. Actual fur isn't like that." Khan explained. Merlin sighed and changed his form. Now next to the table sat a changeling with black and yellow colors.

"I guess I still have much to learn." Merlin stated.

"That you do. Anyway, how's Lock?" Khan asked.

"Last time he sent me a letter was from Skyfall docks. Now I can only guess where he is." Merlin stated as he took another sip of his tea.

"I do hope he still returns most of the stolen things." Khan stated as he poured a drink into his cup.

"Some of them. He still needs to upkeep his reputation, you know how it is." Merlin stated. Khan slightly chuckled as he sat next to Merlin.

"Well, I hope that the Thief of Pirates is still in one piece." Khan said. Merlin shook his head.

"If he isn't then mom will be angry." Merlin stated while Khan slightly shuddered at his memory.

"I remember. Your mother has a very short temper when it comes to him, especially his hobby." Khan stated as he drank half of his drink.

"Yeah." Merlin said as he took another sip of his tea. For a short moment they sat in silence.

"Soo... What are you doing today? Another Tour? Exploring the Steel Tower? Or maybe buying something for parents? Or maybe searching for someone special MHHH?" Khan slightly teased.

"Khan, please. I'm still young and I'm not searching for my second half... yet." Merlin responded while khan started laughing.

"Kid you should know that if you don't search for it then you will find it. That's how the world made your parents meet." Khan stated.

"You and your lessons. Anyway, I'm going to check out this Culture Park see some things, and maybe get something for mom." Merlin stated.

"I recommend you check out the Caramels Museum there. It's the most truthful museum in Stalliongrad. I also advise you use the metro. The museum should be next to the station's exit if I remember correctly." Khan stated.

"Thanks, Khan. Do you need something when I'm out?" Merlin asked. Khan grabs his chin.

"Well, there is one a thing you could get for me from there. I remember their district has one of the best coffee beans in Stalliongrad. Last I heard they got those from New Mareland." Khan said as he drank the entire cup. 

"The equestrian colony? I thought they could barely export anything, with the conflict between them and griffon groups." Merlin stated as he took the last sip from his tea.

"That was 7 months ago. Ever since Kingfisher took the presidential seat he has managed to not only stabilize the situation but also made reforms that may look like few of our own." Khan stated as he held a newspaper.

"Right. I'll be going." Merlin stated as he took his saddlebag.

"Good. Now get going, kid." Khan responded as Merlin left the cafe. Khan walked towards his office and noticed a small smoke coming through the window. Before he could think from the smoke a scroll materialized. Khan looked at the scroll before placing it on the "very important items" shelf.



From - Epona
To - Solaris



"As soon as he comes back I'll give it to him." Khan said to himself as he left the room.
> P - 6 - "If it's Hostile, you Kill it."
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


-Section 5 Entrance-


"Weapons?" Captain asked. The group of 5 SCF (Special Contamination Force) Soldier's now prepared for their mission. In distance could be heard the noise of engineers trying to make a makeshift airlock that would allow them to return once their mission is over.

"Loaded, cleaned, and ready." Notified griffon Corporal. The group had 2 Earth ponies, a griffon, a changeling, and a unicorn.

"Kits?" Captain asked the griffon corporal.

"Well we have two medic kits, one engineer, one SAK (Spell Amplifier Kit), and one that scientist wanted us to take the samples with it." Corporal responded to changeling Captain.

"Let me guess. I'm taking the lab-instruments?" Captain sighed.

"Sorry cap. But we already took our kits. Not my fault you were stuck on the other side of Stalliongrad." Unicorn Sergeant shouted as he walked towards the pair.

"Hey, Sarge! Have you seen them new whatever-they-call-it mask?" Private earth pony asked.

"Yeah, I saw those alright." Sergeant responded.

"Apparently there already was a call to start producing them on mass. Any guess why?" Senior Private earth pony asked.

"Whatever spooked those geeks it's big. Right, come we still have time befor-" Captain was cut off by a loud shout from one of the engineers.

"OI! YE SCF COME HERE. WE'RE ABOUT TO FINISH YER AIRLOCK." Griffonia engineer shouted at the SCF troopers.

"No rest for the wicked ones, eh." Sergeant asked.

"Business as usual." Captain responded. As they entered the airlock which was made to make sure none of the dangerous elements exited the area. A voice boomed on their short-range radios.

"Alright SCF 34th "Rock" squad. You already know your objective so let me remind you. You are to examine the place of the initial event that caused the explosion and gather any readings you can get your gloves on. The secondary is finding survivors and trying to get them to safety. Remember, you are allowed to engage any beings that are aggressive. That includes any personnel that was there." One of the controllers of the bunker was in charge of this op.

"If you need to contact me, callsign caretaker. The gates have a smaller door that you will use to enter. We can't get anything from the other side so expect no energy on the other side. Report anything strange or suspicious. Understood?" The "Caretaker" asked.

"R-1 Copy."
"R-2 Copy."
"R-3 Copy."
"R-4 Roger."
"R-5 Copy."

The group responded on the radio.

"God darn it private. It's 'Copy' not some 'Roger'." Sarge commented on Private's antics.

"Sarge ignore it. Full situational awareness once we get inside." Captain stated.

"Understood Sir!" Team half-shouted as the lock opened on Sections 5 airlock.

As soon as the airlock opened the entire room they stood in was filled with the smell. One of the worst smells they had to deal with ever in their jobs. As they entered the main entrance they saw that the gate was half-blocked by a pile of bodies that looked as if they were there for months. Yet they knew that those bodies couldn't be any here any longer than half of the day.

"Right let's start moving towards the nearest generator center, make sure your flashlight is ready." Captain stated. The group went deeper. At a certain point, the corridor appeared to have missing lights. When the group turned on their flashlights they noticed the lights were not destroyed. This meant that if there isn't any power this early in their mission is going to be problematic. 

"Any guess why there isn't any power?" Sergeant asked.

"Probably safety protocol forced the reactor to shut down. *points at door* There. Auxiliary power center should have a generator and enough power to keep the lights on for few hours at best." Corporal responded.

"And at worst?" Private asked.

"Few minutes." Corporal answered as he pried open the doors with a crowbar/hammer tool.

Inside they found few generators that were in good condition. There weren't any problems as they turned on the generators and made sure that most of the lights are turned on. 

"Well, at least it still works. Private Corporal check the cameras and search for something of interest. Sarge, Senior, you are with me we're going towards the event location." Captain stated. The group split and went their ways. Corporal and Private were inside the room booting up the camera systems.

"Cap, the cameras should be in a moment... There. I can see you. Over." Corporal said on the radio.

"-Copy. Look out for survivors and anything else. Over.-" Captain stated on the radio.

"Uhh... Corporal come here... Quickly. You need to see this." Private shouted as Corporal neared his computer. On the screen, there could be seen a shadow of... something. As soon as the lights flickered the shadow moved out of the way.

"Cap, we aren't alone in this sector. Something just went shadow status on us. Over." Corporal stated on radio.

"-Copy. Safety off guns, but fingers off triggers. Understood? Over.-" Captain said on the radio.

"Copy. Safety off, fingers off triggers. Over." Corporal confirmed.

"-Caretaker, This is Rock. SITREP, first rooms from the entrance are clear but a lot of KIA were found. Power was cold early in the mission but we found Auxiliary. We split half went to the event site, rest watches over us on cameras. Cams found unknown that went shadow status. Advise over.-" Captain said on the radio. 

"-Rock this is Caretaker. From what you said the probability of survivors is very low. Unknow is currently marked as unfriendly but not hostile until the unknown takes a hostile action. Be aware that the closer to the event site the higher the probability of your masks failing as they are prototypes. Extreme caution is advised. Confirm? Over.-" Caretaker responded on radio.

"-Confirmed. Rock 1-1 will be the team near the event site, Rock 1-2 is the team on the cams. Over.-" Captain stated.

"Confirmed Rock 1-2. Over." Corporal stated as he kept switching the cameras in search of the unknown.

Empty Corridor.

Empty Corridor.

Empty Lab.

Empty Room.

Empty-

'No wait a second' Corporal thought as he noticed a shadow being cast by... nothing? The shadow was very visible but the point where its shadow and body connect ... there is nothing as if...

"Cap we found the unknown. It's in room 32 in section e. Unknown is anomalous and is invisible. Can be spotted by the shadow it is casting." Corporal stated on radio. Next to him private looked at the shadow. It looked like some kind of pony but... it had too long legs and neck as if... as if an alicorn stood there.

"This thing is creepy." Private stated.

"Yeah. No kidding. This thing is anomalous... *shudder* last anomalous object I faced was actually some kind of cultist. I don't want a repeat of that mission." Corporal responded. They noticed onscreen that captain and the rest of Rock 1-1 entered the room.

"Cap, do you see it?" Corporal asked.

"-Yup I see its shadow. Light from the flashlight is distorted probably by his body. Does anyone else see the shape of the shadow?-" Captain stated. Then the shadow started moving.

"-It's moving! Stay where you are! Fingers off triggers!-" Captain stated as they stood in formation. Next thing happened so suddenly that they barely could understand what happened. The trio of squad members that stood now flew towards the wall as if a magical shock wave pushed them. For a moment the shadow stopped and then left the room.

"Crap! Cap, You alright? Respond Over!" Corporal shouted on the radio.

"-Stop shouting. I'm fine... I think. *groan* Senior check on Sarge.-" Captain said on the radio. On cameras, he grabbed his gun and stood while slightly shaking. Senior was lying next to Sarge with a chair on top of him. Senior threw off the chair and checked on Sarge.

"-*grunt* Crap... Sarge is gone. The back of his skull was pierced by... something.-" Senior said on the radio with obvious sign of being hurt.

"-Make your prayers. But fast, we don't know where is that thing. Rock 1-2 you there?-" Captain asked on the radio.

"Yeah, we're here. Shadow went deeper into the facility. I don't see it anywhere close to you or us. Orders?" Corporal responded.

"-Crap. Caretaker this is Rock. Situation escalated. Unknown is anomalous and hostile. Its property is invisibility, but its shadow is visible. Light gets distorted when passing through its body. Respond, Over.-" Captain reported on radio.

"-Thi... Caretaker we read... ock. You are... et t... sample from the event... ostile and... en you are allowed to fire... urvivors aren't a prior... er.-" Caretaker spoke on the radio but he was garbled through some kind of interference which is concerning.

"Crap... Cap?" Corporal asked.

"-Yeah I heard. Meet up with us in the corridor. Report anything that's out of place. Over.-" Captain stated as the radio clicked.

"Copy that. We're on the way." Corporal stated. Private nodded and both of them left the room. . .

We want to leave.

"What?" Corporal said to no one in particular.

"Corporal?" Private asked.

"Nothing. Let's get moving. I don't want to meet the shadow." Corporal stated.

"Oh... So now we call it the shadow?" Private asked.

"It's better than still calling it an unknown when we know what it is... sort of," Corporal answered.


-16 minutes later-


Corporal and Private were nearing the point where they were supposed to meet. As soon as they reached the point they looked in both directions of the corridor.

Nothing out of ordinary.

"Cap?" Corporal half shouted as he prepared his weapon, Private followed and both of them slowly walked through the corridor. A low growl could be heard from nearby doors that were blocked. Then they heard footsteps... or something similar.

Bang Bang Bang Bang... Bang Bang

Gunshots echoed through the facility before getting interrupted by some kind of roar. Corporal and Private turned and saw those ... things. They were something different than what they found before. Those weren't the shadow. Those... things were pony-sized carnivores, with a little amount of fur on most of their body. Their eyes were similar round and were glowing with orange color. Their razor-sharp teeth stood out of their mouth. Claws on their front and back legs were smaller yet also looked dangerous. Both groups stood without any motion awaiting each other's reaction. 

Then one of the creatures leaped towards the Private but before he could react a sound BANG could be heard and the creature landed on the floor. The rest of the creatures hissed in anger and prepared to pounce on the two soldiers.

"Sir-" Before Private could continue he saw corporal take aim and for a moment he looked at the private who had no idea what to do.

"Aim, Fire, Breathe." Corporal said quickly as a trio of creatures leaped towards them. Before they could land on the ground a salvo of shots went through them. While two of them were lying dead on the floor the third one stepped back before trying to attack again. Before Corporal could shoot a loud incomprehensible noise interrupted him, and the creature.

He looked behind himself and saw this... weird light sphere... that was slowly approaching them. At this point, he didn't know what to do. He saw Private panicking and trying to open the nearest door. But when he saw the electric line before he blacked out.



-Some Time Later-



Corporal groaned as he regained consciousness. Before Corporal could understand what happened all of the light in the corridor went out. As he turned on the flashlight he saw the horrible scene in front of him.

The creatures lied everywhere and looked as if they were fired on with gasoline. On his side, noticed a black smoldering body... that was Private... he was dead... Corporal almost threw up but as he reminded himself that he had a mask on his face.

ZAPZAPZAP

The weird light sphere was far away that its noise couldn't be heard anymore.

"Anyone. This is Corporal Miller from Rock 1-2... does anyone hear me?" Miller asked on the radio only to be responded with static noise on the radio before hearing garbled transmission.

"-To any units in... SB-6- we are... attack... no don't let them get to the control... THEY WILL FREE US! By the Faust STOP HI-" Somone could be heard in the interference while in the background could be heard a number of gunshots and a lot of shouting at the end from multiple characters.

"By the Idol... What went wrong?" Miller thought to himself as he walked towards the nearest way out of the bunker.
> P - 7 - Day of the Last Spell
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


-Moments before the events at SB-6 -

-Train Currently En-route to Universitet Station-


Twilight was sitting on one of the chairs. This train was different, Aurora explained that this one is made to travel in special underground tunnels that were placed under the City of Stalliongrad. The train was now much more cramped, there were no walls other than the ones separating outside/inside. There were many beings both sitting and standing, few were grabbing to the poles that helped while standing when the train turned or changed speed.

In the distance, she could see the destination she was going to for the last four days. 


City of Stalliongrad



Four days of deciding truly leaving her so-called friends.

About leaving her mentor. 

About leaving her old family.



But now. Now she made her decision.


She was going to start her life anew in Stalliongrad. She was going to have a new family which seems to be closer related to her than the old one. She was going to take care of her Little Brother.

'*chuckle* I always wondered how Shining felt when he took care of me.' Twilight thought. To her right was Sky currently sitting on top of the luggage, in front Aurora was reading a newspaper, and Star was next to Twilight looking out the window. Twilight could notice several small houses and farming grounds in the distance.

"Twilight?" Sky called. Twilight turned towards him and nodded.

"I was wondering since Aurora only told me a few things about you... What was your previous home like? Do you have any friends or family that you left?" Sky asked. Twilight didn't know that Sky already knew her story but he wanted to hear and see her reaction to it. Twilight slightly gulped and looked at him.

"Well... I used to live in Canterlot with my family and my mentor before I moved to Ponyville where I found my... friends." Twilight started. The way she called her friends was... very distant. She didn't seem to hate them but she also had nothing good to say about them as well.

"I earned my cutie mark during a magic test exam. where I had to use magic to hatch a dragon egg... which I did. From the egg came a very close assistant of mine Spike." Twilight continued. Sky noticed that this Spike was the last being she is still trusting... and even having a good opinion on him. Maybe he could pull some strings in SSD to get him to Stalliongrad.

"After getting my cutie mark and Spike being new my closest assistant... somepony became my mentor. if you don't mind I want to keep my mentor's name... private." Twilight stated. Sky could see that now she was reluctant towards Celestia. She still respected her, but now she will make a second thought if anything is related to her.

"I don't mind. Did your mentor lead you towards Ponyville for some reason or something else?" Sky asked. He knew that Twilight is the element of magic but he wanted to know if she would openly say it, or only hint at it if not outright lying.

"Well... my Mentor assigned me to inspect Ponyville for the upcoming Summer Sun Celebration. That leads me to my... friends. They were unique but... I think I'd rather skip any details regarding them. During the start of the Celebration Nightmare Moon appeared, and has set the moon in the sky instead of the sun. Eternal Night she said. And I... sort of knew she was coming since it was written in one of the books I read about any prophecies. Quote - 

Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal! 

After a bit of digging, I found that Princess Celestia used Elements of Harmony to banish her to the moon. I checked the library where I moved for any books that had any information on them. Thanks to one of them I was able to find information on the whereabouts of the elements." Twilight continued. Sky could relate, through his service several times he was in a position where he was required to fight for Stalliongrad... both officially and unofficially, against threats small and large. But he never was alone... he always had his friends and other units in the military backing him up. 

Trying to take on a threat like Nightmare Moon this early was a... complicated idea. On one side she just arrived and didn't have any support from... anyone. On the other side, Twilight and her friends went to fight Nightmare Moon alone, even if they knew she was coming... as if certain Alicorn Princess planned this many years before her arrival... or at least in the recent years since she took in Twilight as her student. As Sky pulled himself out of thought he noticed that most of the story went by to the point of arriving at the Previous Capitol of Equestria. 

"-We entered a large throne room... or maybe that was a hallway... never looked into the architecture of such castles. 

I should make a 'to do list'. 

*Clears throat* As we searched the room we found a sculpture of some kind... or maybe it was a statue? *Shooks her head* 

Not the time Twilight.

On the Stone Structure, we found five stone orbs, each of them had a symbol which I presume were our cutie marks if I remember correctly." Twilight stated as she put her hoof on her chin.

"Wait, those orbs had YOUR cutie mark and your friends CMs?" Sky asked. He found it very suspicious that a presumabley thousand years old stone orbs had their cutie marks... that's about 13 or 15 generations if he is correct.

"Well... we didn't notice the marks as they were covered in mush and were deformed after years of sitting idly in an old castle surrounded by the most chaotic forest in existence. And to be clear the five orbs had only my friends cutie marks." Twilight answered. Sky was in deep thought. 

It's hard to imagine someone not only knew who the next element bearers were but also placed those stones conveniently inside of an old castle. Sure it was in the middle of Everfree forest but that won't stop certain stubborn explorers. *Cough* Certain Daring Doo for example.

"Ok... So what happened next?" Sky asked.

"Well in the book it said that:

when the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed.

I only guessed what that meant." Twilight stated with slight nervousness.

"You mean... you made up a random spell that made a spark or an electric shock?" Sky asked. Twilight averted her eyes. Sky could think of two things. One- That was reckless. Two- that was dangerous.

"Maybe...  Look I didn't have any other ideas so I brought the most simplistic thing I could think of. Anyway...

As soon as I tried to cause a spark Nightmare Moon teleported me into the throne room." Twilight continued. Sky could imagine how it looked from Twilight's description of the events. Sky only thought that Nightmare Moon wasn't prepared for such an event, but even if she tried to avert and make the best of it, she failed. 

'Oh, how the 'mighty and great' leaders fell.' Sky thought to himself as he reminded himself of a certain leader that used some kind of storm magic and oppressed the population of hippogriffs. 
With little help from nameless vigilante group, he was overthrown and the pacifistic movement took power in an instant. Since then they never bothered anyone.

As Twilight finished the story with Celestia appearing as if right on cue, totally unharmed, and with the sun rising in the last possible moment. Don't get him wrong he was glad Luna was back, when it came to the reputation in Stalliongrad, Luna was the one who had more support from the population. But the entire thing just  stinks of a plot made by Celestia. *Sigh* Seems like he was going to write a long report to SSD.

Outside the outskirts of Stalliongrad could be seen, the farmlands started slowly being replaced by smaller towns and industrial districts ranging from reactors to factories. It was summer as of now so it was decent weather with sun and a couple of clouds in the air. Twilight looked at the now-changing surroundings.

The industrial districts changed into a very advanced city, each street filled with those cars she heard from Aurora,
many beings who walked on the streets. Every corner of her vision shown what she would truly call a harmonious lifestyle.

"Enjoying the view?" Aurora asked. Twilight nodded as she kept looking at the streets filled with life before she noticed that the ground started shifting and now the ground was above them... or they were underground.

"The train should make a short stop in Prospekt Station." Sky notified the group. Twilight watched as their train passed through another station which name could be hardly pronounced by her.

"Where exactly do you live Aurora?" Twilight asked as she noticed a map of the metro inside the train. It looks like some sort of spider web made out of connections and dots.

"Oh we live in Mira's District. It's renowned for its tea makers in the entire city." Aurora answered. The city kept extending beyond the horizon as if it was eternal and infinite.

"That's true! Their tea can even tame a dangerous dragon! Each part of the city is known for one thing or another." Sky added as he looked into his saddlebag.

"Even so we couldn't have ever had this kind of nation without help from friends." Sky said as he found some kind of old photo. On it, there was a group of beings with two distinct uniform types and two different flags. One she recognized as the flag of Stalliongrad with red background and massive golden-like olive branches connected to a scroll with marks of races such as pony, griffon, buffalo, dragon, etc. Twilight didn't recognize the second flag... it had a half-black, half-red star on the inverted background but on its red background were three distinct claw-like marks.

"Where are they from?" Twilight asked as Sky turned the picture back to himself.

"On the left is me and my comrades. On the right, we have one of the best groups we ever worked with. They called themselves 'Three Liberators' in the name of their leaders. They were part of the Griffon Liberation Army, now known as the Republic of Prywhen. Among them is my best friend, Miller Rocky who was a great leader... I can only hope to someday reach his experience." Sky explained as he pointed at one of the griffons. The griffon reminded slightly of her old mentor's chef in Canterlot. Always seemed grumpy but kind at heart.

The train emerged from the underground find itself driving towards a bridge above most of the buildings. Twilight took in the surroundings of the city. She recognized shops, markets, parks, smaller libraries, and post offices. There were also buildings she didn't recognize, but one extremely tall building caught her attention. It was much taller than anything she saw in her life and it looked almost two times taller than Canterlot Castle she once lived in. She could feel magic emanating from it, much more than the city parts she has seen so far.

"That tower... What is it?" Twilight asked. Aurora looked at the tower and had a mix of sadness and pride on her face. Sky while mostly seemed to keep his face straight except for a tiny smirk trying to hide from eyes. Star looked curious.

"Well... remember the story I told you Twilight? About times of Princessyn?" Aurora asked.

"You mean those times where December Revolution took place?" Twilight asked not being sure about the correct date.

"Very much so, back then Princessyn was the heart of Equestrian industry... or well its first implementation. Back then nobody knew of the risks such industries brought with them and because of that nobody cared when the weather system failed and the region became colder, or when famine hit the region because the industry was the only source of jobs while all of the lands usable for farms were claimed by the crown." Aurora began still looking in the direction of the tower.

"After the successful revolution, those problems didn't vanish. But what did vanish were those ignorant royals who didn't bat an eye to our conditions. And with new leadership ever so slowly we rebuild and tried to adapt. Thanks to the industry we had we were a major trade faction since Equestria lost its main production capabilities, and anything like clocks or simple machines that today are as easy to make as apples in Equestria. Thanks to that we didn't starve for a long time until we had our lands for agriculture, and even then we still had food shortages. What was known as Bepa or Faith became the Steel Tower. A tower that became the beating heart of our industry. By itself, it can run almost the entire economy of our nation... almost. Stalingrad relies on trade and its nearby lands for food while they rely on us for the production of everyday tools. It also signs the end of our struggle and the beginning of what is an almost golden age comparable to times when Equestria united." Aurora finished the story. 

Twilight looked at the tower which was by now visible in its complete glory. made out of metal with silver and white color from the wide and blocky foundations to round top with a statue of a pony on its hind legs with what looked like a torch between its hooves. 

"Who is that? The statue I mean." Twilight asked. 

"That Twilight is the statue of Steel Stallion. His actual name was Stalnoy Zerehets but in his time's local names were all but only whispered because of the royalty. Forced to speak Unites Equstraian, to this day the original language of our region is used only by few families." Aurora stated.

Twilight thought over it and found it sad that the original language has been almost erased all those years ago... and at the same time she was glad because she wouldn't have this conversation with them. A blessed curse she would call it.

She noticed some of the buildings had pillars of smoke trailing from what looked like chimneys. But then she saw... almost like a miniature sun rose from the ground. She counted at least 26 of them... all of them rising around the city. When Twilight was about to ask her... new family, she saw the shock on the faces of Sky and Aurora while Star looked afraid of those "Mini-Suns".

Out of those 20 went beyond the horizon while the remaining six started dropping. Others that were driving in the train seemed shocked and afraid. The next few moments were soundless.

"GET DOWN!" Someone yelled and everyone took cover behind what they could. Before Twilight could react Aurora pulled her and Star into a protective shield with Sky next to her. A large flash made large yellow light through the windows.

A large explosion then reached their ears and left them deaf. Silence rang across the train as everyone held their close relatives.

Then darkness completely engulfed the train. 


.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.


Thinking they were safe few looked around checking if that was the end.

Suddenly a massive force made the train shook and everyone now barely could stand. Unconsiousness engulfed Twilight as she tried to create a shield spell around them.






- Certain garden filled with Statues -



Though around the world shock waves could be felt coming from a direction... those weren't the only waves.

In the magical aura surrounding almost all life, massive earth-shattering cracks are created by massive loss of life. 

Those cracks created something even chaos magic could not survive. 

The void has returned... and with it corruption resurfaced.

And with those cracks appearing all over the magical aura only one being could restore the natural state of magic.


"Yaaawn. Has something happened?" The draconequus asked no one in particular.

"Wait... I'm out?" He asked again taking in the surrounding. The shattered stone under him and similar statues all around him with cracks appearing around them.

"Oh, dear... While I would like to have most of you free to cause chaos... I will need all of you to sleep again." He said as he snapped his fingers and other figures stopped breaking... for now.

"Now... oh..." The draconequus felt the trembling foundations of magic all around the world.

"I suppose first comes cleaning the house before having fun." He sighed before snapping and vanishing in bright light.






- Border between Equestria and Stalliongrad -


Corporal Info was currently moving with his hunters towards the City of Stalliongrad after receiving new orders from their objective... 

"Hey, Info! What is that?" One of the hunters asked while pointing at something in distance. Out there a bright light was approaching at speeds exceeding anything recorded. Then it hit the ground. It was too far from them to be aimed at them, so Info thought it was some test from Stalliongradaian... whatever they are testing.

"All right we'll go around the place where that thing landed. It's probably filled with militar-" Before Info could finish a massive light almost blinded him from the direction of that place where it landed.

Before he regained his bearings a massive shockwave went through the air making trees around them snap like sticks and fly into the air. Followed shortly afterward a massive ear-shattering explosion was heard.

Many of the hunters were suddenly kissing the ground and praying for this nightmare to end...


.

.

Seconds passed.

.

.

Minutes passed.

.

.

Few hours passed.

.


The shock seemed to wear off as Info shakily stood up on his four legs. He looked around and saw his comrades still hugging the earth while others sat there without even realizing what happened. The next big shock came from the state of the forest... it was devastated. No tree was spared and all of them snapped in half with other halves scattered around the entire region. The grass was completely flat as if it was glued to the ground.

Info slowly tried to check on every one of his hunters. None of them was fine.

"What now..." Breathed out one of the hunters as he slowly stood up.

"I... we should return..." Info stated. It wasn't an order but a statement and all of them knew it was the correct choice. None of them could continue after such an event, and even less could forget this day.






- Train? -


Twilight groaned in pain while hearing an annoying sound in her ears. After moments she felt nudging and a familiar voice. Slowly she opened her eyes and saw a blurred blue figure with a smaller grey much closer to Twilights face.

"Twi*&%th c&^ hea4 m3?" The blue one asked? Twilight wasn't sure but nodded very slowly. With every moment her vision returned and the noise in her ear grew more distant.

"Spar&#? Bi@ $is Sparky?" Familliar young voice came.

"Star?" Twilight asked. She could now make out the features of both ponies in front of her.

"What... Where?" Twilight asked. She could her voice was strained.

"Easy there Twilight. Train stopped... Well crashed because of a cave in of the tunnel behind it. We need to get somewhere safe." Sky said as Twilight slowly lifted herself.

"Everyone we managed to open one of the doors. It's two wagons ahead of here. If some can't stand on their own help them." An authoritative voice called out.

"Are you all alright?" Twilight asked. Sky looked like he was used to being in pain. Star was scared with Aurora trying to comfort him.

"Yes, we are dear. Come, we need to find a safe place to regain our strength." Aurora said softly.

Twilight struggled to stand up with help of Sky. Soon they left the train with others that we're on board.

"Is this everyone? We don't know how long this tunnel will hold. The nearest station is around half an hour's walk." The same authoritative voice called out in front of the group.

After gathering up what was left and checking if that was everyone that could be found was off the train they slowly made their way towards the tunnel passing occasional red lights.

"What's going to happen?" Star asked.

"Don't worry dear we'll-" Aurora was cut off by a noise just behind them. The cave started cracking and the feeling slowly dropped bits of rocks on top of them.

Panic started immediately and before anyone knew the tunnel was slowly crashing down.

In a matter of seconds, Twilight created a shield to hold the tunnel feeling before crushing poor beings beneath it.

"Quickly... Don't... Know how long..." Twilight said to the shocked group in front of her and without questioning, they quickly ran while thanking her at the same time.

Something snapped in Twilights head and she yelled in pain. The spell dropped and the ceiling slowly came towards her.

She saw a white aura of magic enveloping the ceiling and before she knew she was showed away by a familiar white unicorn.

"MOM/AURORA!" Star and Sky yelled at the same time.

"Keep Star safe, my dear little daughter." Twilight heard Aurora say as her spell broke.

"AURORA!" Twilight screamed after her... 


*CRASH*


"..." Twilight held her hoof up in the air towards where Aurora was... 

Aurora was...

Tears streamed down...

"NO! AURORA!" Twilight yelled as she mustered enough strength for basic telekinesis but... Nothing happened.

"What..." She asked herself. Her magic... It... She couldn't feel any of it.

"TWILIGHT!" Sky yelled as he grabbed her and started running with both her and Star on his back.

The cave crashed down even more until it stopped.


Silence and quiets sobs could be heard until the end of the month in this tunnel.

.

.

.

.

The next day everyone was shocked with much worse news as they reached the station.


"WE ARE SORRY BUT WE CAN'T LET ANYONE LEAVE FOR THE SURFACE. TOXIC AIR IS EVERYWHERE AND HERE IS THE ONLY SAFE PLACE FOR NOW. WE WILL DISTRIBUTE ANY SUPPLIES THAT ARE CURRENTLY NEEDED FOR US TO KEEP US HEALTHY AND WAIT FOR THE CATACLYSM TO END. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION." Loud voice from the police group said. Nobody dared to say anything.

"Big sis?" Twilight heard Star ask.

"What is it?" Twilight asked. Twilight currently looked devastated with visible leftovers of tears that were pouring from her eyes yesterday.

"I tried flying and... And.. And I couldn't." Star said sobbing slowly. Twilight hugged him and tried to comfort him and herself.


In the next few days the entire population of what was left of Stalliongrad understood the terrible situation they now find themselves in.

The surface is hostile.

Magic is gone.

And all they have left...

Is themselves.

That day...

That moment...

Was known as...

The Last Spell.

> P - 8 - A New Life
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


It's been three months since the last spell in Stalliongrad.

Everyone knows this may be the beginning of how their lives might look,
And lives of their children,
and so on.

To survive they need to grasp the knowledge of old.

This is the beginning of their adventure.

Twilights exile in Metro.

Of Lavender Exile






There was a large meeting scheduled today by one of the officers, about something important. 

'Any news they make are supposed to be "important".' Twilight thought to herself. She was currently in her makeshift bunk made out of parts from the train and other useful supplies the police force distributed. It wasn't much but for the past three months, this small room held her and her family safe.

'Family...' Twilight thought. After three months she was still thinking about what transpired those months ago.

Sky was the third most respected pony by the police since he was military before. The people come to ask for advice or help. He helps them and even himself asks for help.

Star was terrified in the first two months after the death of... Aurora. Twilight was also shaken by that since Aurora was first to extend a helpful hoof. And now it was hard to believe she was just gone after that day. In those two months, Twilight finally decided to become what Star could never have... an older sister. Twilight told Star that they would make a special spot for Aurora where she could rest in peace and where they could visit her. After two months they made a grave for her and helped others that came the same day. 

Twilight rubbed her horn. She remembered the pain when she held that ceiling of the tunnel and many times after that when she tried to use her magic. Every time it only brought her pain and the realization that she could no longer truly use magic. Every other being in the station had the same reaction when they tried to use their magic. Only griffons succeded with their runes but those were simple runes like "creating light" but the light that came out of it was so weak it was barely any brighter than a torch. From more useful runes the few griffins knew "pyronics" which allowed for the creation of fire though most could create sparks from which they started a fire, while few could make a tiny flame.

Twilight reached for her saddlebag which was on her bed. She was glad for those Stalliongradian gloves ever since she couldn't use magic. That included her ability to grab items with her hoof. But thanks to those gloves she could stand on her hind legs (even if she had to practice for a couple of weeks) and hold items on her front legs without tipping over when walking.

Star was currently sleeping in his bed that was under her bed. Most beds in the station were placed in "stacks" or "blocks" so the station wouldn't be too much cramped in. Though no one said it, the station was already quite crowded. 

In the entrance to their small bunks was Sky standing there thinking if he should go or not.

"Come on. Maybe something interesting is going to happen today." Twilight poked Sky. Sky smiled as he turned towards Twilight. She has been given the trust to take care of Star and to this day she did great. 

What would he give to just tell Aurora that her son has such a great sister... *sigh*

"And I suppose this isn't going to be like the last fifteen times you said 'something interesting is going to happen ?" Sky asked as he poked Twilight back. Twilight rolled her eyes at that.

"All right Sky. I'll go and see if it's worth attention." Twilight said as she slowly walked towards the doors.

"And if it's not?" Sky asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Then I waste my time and you can add this time to all the previous times you said it would be nothing." Twilight said in the doorway.

"Alright, I suppose I can't stop you from listening to them. After all, they are the ones currently in control." Sky said as he almost spat their name. The police were slowly becoming less and less organized and from what Twilight could notice they weren't able to keep public stability for too long. It was hardly believable that "the government" is out there as the police said. Some of the police officers were truthful, but not in the open.

"I'll see you later then. Keep an eye on BLBF for me will you?" Twilight said using her nickname for Star. BLBF 'Best Little Brother Forever' Sky chuckled as he sat on his bed which was next to Twilights and Stars.

"Sure thing Miss Sparky." Sky said while Twilight rolled her eyes for the nickname her BLBF gave her. She waved and walked where the meetings were usually taking place.

The station was like a maze when she first came. Especially after making all those temporary quarters, storage rooms, hospital, and the kitchen though it looked more like a poor restaurant with an open view of the chef. But now after living here for those months she knows this station almost as good as her old home. The station was called Zapadna before she arrived... now it was just safe harbour.

Everyone calls this station their home. Nobody dares to even think of exiting to the surface. We heard the news about a group of people that tried to check out the surface and... they died almost instantly from what seemed to be... something...

The police called it "toxic air" but doctors weren't believing them. Toxic air can't boil water in mere moments since contact. Of course, they couldn't give any other sufficient proof to give a collected report. 

Twilight shook her head. Maybe today they would announce something less depressing.

She approached the police outpost that was where police held public announcements. Three guards were in front of the crowd with one of them standing on top of a box. He held a sheet of paper and was still reading it looking between confused and terrified about its contents.

"uh... *clears throat* May I have everyone's attention? 

Thank you. We have received a messenger from our sister stations at Prospekt and Universitet. They found a safe entrance to the Library of Revelations. which is connected to Staluongradian Univeristy. Our forces are searching for volunteers that can help in searching through the building. Safety measures are taken and we managed to get some supplies. If the rumors are true the building is supposed to have documentation about some sort of object that's supposed to help us with the 'toxic air' on the surface. For more details, you can volunteer at our outpost and travel towards Universitet station for a complete briefing.

Thank you once again for your attention." The officer thanked and entered the outpost.





"Hmm... It's true that before we came to Stalliongrad they were working on this new thing at the university." Sky said while he cleaned the trusted weapon he brought with him.

"Well then... Why can't I come?" Twilight asked slightly frowning. She came back to relay what the police said and asked if he knew anything.

"Twilight listen and think. When they say they speculate, they mean they are risking anything to get whatever there could be. I know you would love to be there since it's the second biggest library in the city with the newest theories and what-not. What concerns me is that we don't know if it's safe or if you can reach it." Sky answered her. Though he was going there to make a contribution that doesn't mean he wants to leave his only family that is alive. At least to his knowledge...

"But I want to help." Twilight responded. At times she thought she was arguing with Ap... her.

"*sigh*... Twilight..." Sky started as if waiting for her attention.

"What?" Twilight asked. Sky looked at her with a stare only comparable to experienced guards. His usual relaxed face was gone.

"If you want to help... Then you can help and maybe will... But not today." Sky answered and got up. Cursed be all god-like beings he wasn't prepared for any of this.

"But-" Twilight was about to counter but Sky cut her off.

"Twilight I need you to stay here and take care of Star... Please I won't bear another friendly face dying on my watch. And if someone is here to sacrifice then it should be me. Twilight, please stay safe." Sky said and left towards the police station.

Twilight looked down and was in deep thought. Since she left her previous home she kept losing those who she saw as close friends... or family.

She walked over to their only table in the room and watched her items for a moment. The few things Sky gave her three months ago.

'No. I won't let him go. I won't let anyone else down. Shy thought as she grabbed her saddlebag and took her belongings. Star sat there looking at Twilight slightly confused.

"Sis? Where are you going?" Star asked from his bed? Twilight walked towards him and hugged him. When she left the hug she placed one of her hooves on his shoulder.

"Listen, Sky went to help people of three stations including our own. He's going towards an entrance towards a library where he and others might find something that will help everyone... And I want to help him and others... So I'm going with him... But you must stay here okay?" Twilight asked Star. He looked as if he was on verge of tears. 

"But... Okay... But you must promise you and Uncle come back! Please, big sis! Promise!" Star was slightly crying as he grabbed Twilights hoof and not letting go. Twilight smiled and patted his head.

"I will. I promise on my name that I will come back with Sky here. But you have also to stay safe. Okay... BLBF?" Twilight answered and looked at her small brother.

"I promise big sis." Star answered as he hugged Twilight and muzzled under her chin.

"Okay okay... Let's find someone who will check up on you." Twilight stated. Star nodded and tried to wash his tears.

"You ain't gonna go far at all Darlin. I can keep an eye on yer critter." An older female voice said. Twilight looked and saw a familiar face of an elder earth pony. She has a red coat, green eyes slightly curled grey mane, and tail though few of them were standing out showing their age.

"Mrs. Gaba! I thought you were asleep by now." Twilight asked. Mrs. Gaba was an elder pony she and Sky helped... a lot.

"Well, the young are making quite the hustle outside that ain't making me sleep any time a soon Darlin." Gaba said.

"And I thought this might be a small repayment with all the help you and Sky gave me for those months." Gaba continued. Twilight walked over to her, a smile forming on her face.

"Thank you, Mrs. Gaba. I won't forget this anytime soon. BLBF behave when I'm gone. That means no gliding." Twilight said to Star. He only rolled on his bed and tried to hide his displeasure with the "no-gliding" rule. Ever since he couldn't fly he started gliding whenever he had the chance.

"Yes, big sis! Bring back, Uncle Sky!" Star answered loudly.

"Good luck dear." Mrs. Gaba stated as she sat next to Star.





Twilight stood near the station's railway as the first group (including Sky) started rolling on a small manual train cart. As soon as the cart with Sky was gone she went towards the police outpost. There were supposed to be two groups of volunteers brought from all three stations.

She reached the outpost where two officers had a table where they checked for volunteers. In front of them was a small line consisting of few volunteers. While waiting she started listening to what others were talking about.

"-just hope that we can stand when we enter." Griffon spoke.

"Yeah... what do you think we're going to find there?" Unicon responded.

"I don't know... let's just hope that it helps us with the situation." Griffon answered.

"Next!" Officer yelled. Interrupting most of the conversations. Twilight and the rest of the line moved forward.





"All right everyone. Get on the carts and make sure you take as little space as possible! We don't want to keep the other groups waiting for us." Yelled the officer that was assigned to the second group.

Twilight entered the small cart into the left corner. Next to her, a reddish changeling sat and in front was a pegasus with a griffon. The griffon and pegasus seemed to be close friends while the changeling only sat there looking at the station.

Twilight looked at the metro map and looked at the area she was in and where she was going.





'Well, Universitet here I come!' Twilight thought as the carts started rolling, with small headlamps being the only source of light.
> P - 9 - Library of Salvation...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

'The train ride took soo long.' Twilight thought as the trains started slowing down.

On the front, she could notice lights and noise reminded her of the other station Prospekt they visited during their ride. 

In the last few hours, she got to know her company. The Griffon is called Ronal and his pegasus friend is called Mack and both of them owned a food cart and drove around Stalliongrad selling their food. 

The changeling... Well, he hasn't spoken much and he... Or she...

She has no idea who the changeling is, no matter how many times she tried to start a conversation, the changeling would not respond in any way... She decided to call the changeling Red since that's the color besides the black skeleton.

On that note Twilight discovered something, changeling doesn't have skin but something like a skeleton but it's smooth... She couldn't properly explain it other than what some bugs have on them that's as hard as a rock but smoother than skin or fur.

She would note that down when she came back.

"Right, the Universitet station. Back in the day, it was a station where many students came and went since it was the fastest way from their home to the Universitet. Now it's the biggest of the three sister stations that we know survived to this day." Mack stated as he left the cart with his bag. Red silently followed and Ronal grabbed two bags with Twilight jumping onto the station's floor.

"So students came here?" Twilight asked. Ronal started walking behind his friend who followed their group.

"Aye, still are from what we heard. Just before the day happened students were on their way back home and some were lucky to arrive at the last moment." Rolan said while gesturing at nearby rooms which reminded Twilight of the room she had back when she was Cel... Princess Celestia's student.

In those rooms, different beings sat at their tables or walked back and forth while what she could relate to... Muttering and Science.

"All of us are lucky Ron. If not for luck nobody could survive in those tunnels. Sure they prepared for war and those tunnels were supposed to work as shelter from magic- which I doubted at first after knowing that someone could raise the sun and moon -and bombardments in case someone used explosives. But after the day I know that nobody could survive that even if they could move the sun or moon." Mack responded with a depressing tone. Everyone knew that by a string of luck everyone is alive and nobody dared to change it.

"Anyway, Twilight I heard you have family that went on the first group. Do you think we could-" Ronal was about to ask but was cut off by Twilight.

"NO-no! Sorry but no I... Am not supposed to be here helping in the expedition. Uncle said that it's too dangerous." Twilight half-whispered as she looked around.

"Right... So what do we do when your uncle bumps into us?" Mack asked while shrugging.

"If it comes to that then I'll talk to him... Hopefully, he won't be too angry since he would prefer to prioritize the expedition before wanting to yell at me." Twilight answered slightly cringing at small memory back on her home station when she and Sky helped Miss Gaba for... Fifth time probably and a pair of teens crashed into her house creating a big mess. Sky cleaned up and seemed calm at first until he finished and started yelling in a way she reminded about a pony trainer that trained her br... Captain of Royal Guard. 

'They aren't here... And they wouldn't  follow me after what they did.' Twilight closed her eyes and resisted the urge of letting anger get to her. Breathe remember what she...

'No it's her fault. I should find a better way to calm down.' Twilight sighed. Then she felt she walked into someone. Red...

"Sorry..." Twilight didn't know if she would offend Red if she called Red... Well, Red.

Red nodded and continued behind Rolan.

"You alright Twilight?" Mack asked looking at her as she caught up.

"Yes, it just... Bad memories... Before the day." Twilight hinted that it isn't something she want to talk about.

"It's ok. Everyone has a personal bag with dark magic. 

That's what my dad used to say that everyone has magic both good and bad. He would sometimes call things like memories as magic... I'm still not sure why." Mack said looking toward where they have arrived at.

The crowd in front of them stood before a train where police forces were stationed on top of it with someone who... Is that a marshall?

A changeling with a black kevlar chest piece and metallic talons with a silver badge on his shoulder. He wore a brown trench coat.

"Sir the last group has arrived." Earth pony officer said while saluting.

"All right," Marshall muttered as he stood up and walked towards the edge of the train.

"All right listen up... I SAID LISTEN UP!" He yelled at the whispering crowds.

"Thats something. Didn't realize there was a marshall alive." Ronal whispered.

"Yeah. I thought they were stationed on the western side of Stalliongrad." Mack whispered as well. Twilight was a bit too fascinated to answer as this was her first time seeing someone who is a marshall.

A marshall was someone that was a veteran police officer and detective. Most of the police forces are supposed to be led by marshalls. Their attire just screamed about some evil intent but when she looked at the expression of the changeling he was calm and collected and didn't have an inch of evil overlord vibe.

"I'll keep this short." Marshall paused as he looked at the crowd.

"Our excavation team manage to dig up an entrance to the library from which we hope most of you could retrieve its contents. Anything is valuable. From storybooks to science documents... That's what we recommend. And is the first phase.

The second phase is much more dangerous as we don't know if the Universitet is safe from the air outside the building. We managed to gather a small package that was supposed to arrive before this fiasco took place but we're lucky it got here. It's a small collection of gas masks that should allow for short-term breathing outside." Marshall said in all directions making sure everyone heard it. People perked up at the idea of being able to look around the surface.

"Don't let that bring up hopes yet. When I mean short-term I mean half an hour outside. After that, you suffocate." Marshall dropped the enthusiasm of the audience.

"Bigger problem is we don't know how to make more of them. Until now... Or well hopefully now.

From what we could recover in reports the plans for those masks and their filters are in the university. The second phase requires a few volunteers to search the university in hopes we could find the plans. We narrowed the search area to a few design rooms. Map for the university will be given to those who choose to be part of the second phase." Marshall said as he looked around and heard the sound of approval.

"Now... Raise your glove if you want to be part of the second phase..." Marshall started as he looked at the crowd from which 20 gloves/talons were raised. He silently counted.

"Right I see twenty brave beings. I'll need two of you to drop out as we have only eighteen masks." Marshall said. Two gloves dropped.

"Thank you. Now we are going to have four teams per four beings. Those who raised their hands walked towards the armory. It's a room next to the police station." Marshall said as he pointed towards the police station. He waited a few moments before leaving the crowd.





Twilight silently went towards the station looking around for Sky just in case he volunteered to the second phase.

Luckily he wasn't anywhere near the armory at the moment. Now, where did the...

"Told ya she would come." A familiar voice said as she turned towards it. Rolan and Mack were walking toward her with Red in tow.

"What are you three doing here?" Twilight asked. 

"We sort of... also volunteered to join the second thing," Mack said as he scratched the back of his head.

"Why would you though?" Twilight asked tilting her head.

"Well our old lives may be gone but... We can try to recover as much as we could." Ronal said as he smiled slightly looking at Mack and Red.

"That's quite nice though, after all, that happened," Twilight said as she walked with them towards the armory. 

"Right looks like we got four of already teamed up eh? Well, any one of ya got weapons training?" Unicorn officer asked as he looked at them. Red nodded and went forward.

"Right here ya go. Don't use it unless ya have to. Here you go 24 bullets." Unicorn said as he grabbed a locker in which there was a smaller firearm and two pouches with golden metals strapped to them.

Red grabbed the firearm and placed it in her pocket bag and took the pouches with metals.

"Now for all of you. These here are mighty medical injections. Perfect for fast and simple wounds like cuts and headaches while also great painkillers. Just don't think those can revive the dead or they heal everything. For broken bones and other stuff, you have a hospital. You have five of those injections in one lovely orange box. On the surface, there should be also a few of them scattered around in the same boxes. Do try to retrieve some of them as they could save lives." Unicorn said she placed four of those boxes on the table.

"Now for the main and most important object you receive. Those are the gas masks marshall said. Each of them is made for all sizes and shapes so you shouldn't have a problem wearing them. Just be aware that every breath uses filters which we don't have many. Once you're out of them then you die. So remember to keep in check with time. Each filter lasts around 15 standard minutes. Also, make sure you don't break the glass. They didn't make it that its mouth only so please make sure that glass is in one piece." Unicorn stated as he placed four of the masks I'm the table. All of them are black material similar to rubber.

"Right, that's all there's to it. Remember that you should get the masks before you enter the university or if you see as much as a hole in the room from which light comes out... Or you start choking." Unicorn continued to babble before he stopped and bid them good luck.





Twilight was currently walking through a poorly lit tunnel made obviously by diamond dogs. She could notice what looked like what once would be crystal formations but were excavated probably for use for the stations.

Ronal and Red were silent through most of the journey while Mack kept looking towards other groups that were already returning with fortunes of books. Some look like they barely are attached to their covers.

Once they entered the library Twilights eyes shined from the number of books she could find. Ronal thought for a second there were two moons instead of eyes.

"Right our search area should start on the upper floor in the northern segment," Mack said as he held the map given just before they left the armory. 





They reached what looked like small reception where two great doors led towards the university.

"We should close the door behind us so others don't suffocate," Mack suggested.

"Aye." Ronal approved as he went toward the door and placed a small plank to make sure nobody opened it.

"Right... Who had the instruction for the masks?" Ronal asked as he looked at Mack who looked at Red.

Red grabbed a scroll from his bag and opened it for everyone to see.

"Ok, so we get those on our face and then secure it with those behind our head," Twilight said as she studied the small instruction and grabbed her mask. Others copied her and tried to get the masks on them correctly.

After a few tries and wasting two minutes of filters, they managed to securely wear the masks... Even if it was uncomfortable for some.

"My feathers itch..." Ronal complained while scratching the back of his head.

"Hey, not my fault they made them like that... Also, try not to scratch there I don't want you to die in this place." Mack responded. Red nodded in approval.

The longer they walked among those halls the more stressing the silence became. They found a couple of ruined roofs where the extremely clouded sky could be seen. Most of the universities halls looked trashed by what happened that day.

They were a few rooms before reaching their design room before Twilight stopped and tried to understand what she saw. In the wall was a massive hole that appeared the building has collapsed part of itself...

"Gods..." Mack muttered as he saw the same landscape.

Once the proud standing tall building was turned into something that looked decades old as with fires ranging all across the city. There could be seen some weird flying birds in the distance through a lot of them were shortly after falling.

"So that's how outside looks like now... I think I prefer to stay in the metro." Ronal said looking at the destruction.

Red watched the birds in the distance with suspicion.

"I wish I could take a picture so I could look at it later. Right now we need to move we have only twenty minutes of filters left to explore. After that, we are returning with the last filters." Mack said as he checked his watch.





Finally, after a long time, they reached the design room secured with a metal door. Luckily they had the keys from police forces who used a universal key to open most public doors. 

Before all of them entered Red stopped and swiftly turned towards where they came from...

Streeeeep...


Streeeeeep...

Streeep...

Red noticed in the slightly broken wall something moved behind its holes. Red jumped into the room and closed the door with loud *wham* following it.

Everyone looked at her as she slowly opened a small opening in the viewing window to see...

Something beyond their experiences...




> P - 10 -...or Destruction?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everyone held their breath as they saw the... thing.

"What do we do?" Rolan asked quietly in case of that being hostile.

"Search the room the door is secure and if we can find anything then we can call it a success and get back home." Mack suggested to which everyone nodded and divided who would search the parts of the large metallic room.

Red stayed by the only entrance observing the thing for anything interesting or remotely showing hostile nature.

Twilight looked through a small group of blue scrolls and documents stacked into small and organized groups. She thought for a moment of Spike as he was the only one besides librarians that would make sure that library was tidy and organized. She hopes that he's in a much better situation than this and if not... Twilight shook her head.

Except for Manehatan, she couldn't see any of the Equestrian cities surviving what happened in Stalliongrad. If anything she wished that Spike was at least far away from any city when it happened.

"Found something Twilight?" Familiar Gryphon voice whispered to her. She could notice a few folders in his bag with two scrolls.

"Beside the water filter and something called 'synthesizer' I didn't find much besides a few educational notes." Twilight whispered back. 

"I only found uh... One sec... Something about underground farm ideas and some magic contraption." Rolan said as he looked at the documents trying to make some sense of them.

"Lets keep searching. Keep up the good work." Twilight said as she returned to her library section.

"You too." Rolan said as he ventured somewhere else.

Twilight pondered for a moment if she should think of her past. Some of her past she could happily relieve with cuts here and there. Ponies she could talk about without wincing like Princess Luna, Derpy, Zecora, Spike wait he's a dragon... Anyway, and even she could consider what Discord did that one time better than... this.

Twilight shook her head. She has a job here to do and anything can ease up on the life of everyone in the stations. She could remember old life in her bed back home.

"FOUND SOMETHING!" Mack yelled.

"SHHH," Everyone shushed Mack. Even Red hissed similarly.

"Sorry... Anyway come here and help me with it... I have no idea what I'm looking at." Mack said while placing the blue scroll on the table with some documents next to it. Rolan and Mack, we're looking through the blue scroll while I read the documents. Twilight read the document sometimes stopping to read the sentence again. She learned major of written languages of Equestria back when... She lived in Canterlot.

" It's part of the whole mask... It's the filter part Marshall warned us about. How much time do we have till we have to change?" Twilight asked. Red got her hoof up to her where a watch sat with a slight green light. Red placed four fingers out of five on her glove.

"That's four minutes before changing. I say we look a bit more and then change before going back... Hopefully without those... Whatever they are in our way." Mack said as he placed one of his fingers on his watch which resulted in a quiet *beep*.






Later


"Ready?" Mack asked as they clicked their second filters on their masks. Everyone nodded and Rolan stood next to the door peeking through the small eyehole.

"It's empty," Roman said and slowly unlocked the doors. They left the room and as quietly went through three rooms.

Then something stepped above them. It was heavy and slow its footsteps slowly fading.

"Let's go we have a few rooms left before the reception," Mack said. Red nudged him and made some movement with his gloves.

"Horse apples... The reception is one level above us... Where that is walling around." Mack cursed as he suddenly remembered the layout of the floor.

They reached the stairs and listened to if anything was nearby, but only wind whispered among the corridor. They went in pairs upstairs luckily the corridor was empty... They continued.

And continued.

The silence was as terrifying as the noise they could hear occasionally.

"Where are we?" Twilight asked looking around the corridors which looked the same if you didn't count the destroyed walls and few missing floors.

"About... A couple of rooms in the direction we are going to" Mack didn't get to finish his sentence as massive foot smashed into the wooden floor behind them. The word cracked as everyone turned around to see the monster standing on two legs a towering above them like a mountain. Its mouth shows those teeth without any lips to cover them. Massive claws on its arms that could probably cut them in half after one slash. Its head tilted looked at them with yellow eyes.

"All right everyone... Stay calm... And slowly walk ba-" Mack said slowly but was interrupted again. Another one appeared in their direct way.

"Damn it all... Ok, we go sideways to the room. Keep looking at them, run if they start doing something." Mack said and everyone very slowly retreated through the nearest doors and closed them. They could hear fast thumps going through the building indicating one of those things left. 

The other one though...

*CRACK*

A massive roar filled the room as it broke the small door into half and tried to grab Rolan who managed to jump out before it grabbed his leg.

"GO!" Mack yelled and everyone started sprinting through the room while Red unholstered the firearm she had.

*Tra-ta-ta-ta-ta*

They heard a noise far off into the direction they were going. It seemed the monster was also going in the same direction as they.

"Come on we need to- TWILIGHT WATCH O-" Rolan yelled as he grabbed Twilight just in the nick of time as a monster tried to grab her through the large hole in the wall. 

Twilight could hear Rolan scream something and she noticed he pulled out his orange box... Why would he- *qnick-shhw*

Twilight regained her senses and looked around noticing a small red liquid under her and it trailed through her... Fur... Oh.

Twilight looked at two concerning missing patches of fur. She also noticed that half of her hair from the place where two of those cuts were.

"T-thanks." Twilight thanked Rolan as she stood up.

"No problem no let's go!" He yelled as they heard heavy footsteps coming up behind them.





In the last long moment's Twilight though Tartarus came to her wanting an autograph written in her... You know what they use in most rituals that summon demons etc.

'Not the time to joke around Twilight.' She thought to herself as she kept running behind Mack and Red with Rolan behind her. None of them looked healthy anymore as missing fur patches on Twilight and Mack, Rolan's broken wing, and Red's slightly cracked skin, and an empty ammo bag. Half of their initial injectors are used and their filter is at the last five minutes.

They passed the reception and managed to seal the door with some furniture though they doubted wooden furniture can half that long.

The gunshots were now very loud coming right from the entrance to the cave where they came from. 

"Come on your one of the last groups. Have you seen the third recon?" a Familiar male voice asked loudly just barely hearing it in the gunfire.

"There should be one more group coming from the northern area but it was swarming with those things." A female said her voice breaking in panic.

"WE'RE COMING BUT WE HAVE COMPANY!" Mack yelled as we kept running towards the staircase.

Once we reached the cave entrance we saw a massive carnage with some bodies lying around in every spot you looked at... There were only two of those things among those bodies. 

Twilight looked at the entrance only to meet the familiar sharp gaze of a blue pony.

"TWILIGHT?!" Sky yelled as he recognized her. Before she could respond one of those monsters appeared behind their team. Roland and Mack ran down the stairs with Red and Twilight just behind them.

Sky aimed his gun with a few fellow police officers that had weapons trained on the beast but a weird blue sphere appeared and spat electricity everywhere. They were startled by the sphere in the same those things just seemed to fear it.

"Damn... Get over here Twilight. We are getting out of here. Jor gets the charges ready we need to seal this cave before those things get inside." Sky ordered as one of the officers ran towards the tunnel knowing that the short time they have will run out.

"They're set!" Officer yelled in the same moment when Twilight and Red reached the makeshift barricade.

"Run! Okay everyone, we retreat on my signal... GO!" Sky yelled after he made sure Twilight and her team were at a safe distance. His small team of officers sprinted down the tunnel.

"Blow the charges!" Sky yelled as he counted five seconds after passing the bombs they set up as soon as they engaged those things.

As soon as the officer heard the signal he pressed a small device which sent a signal toward the small bombs placed in the cave. As soon as the signal reached the bomb they ignited and exploded.

The explosion expanded until the cave collapsed and buried it with smoke coming in behind them.

As soon as they reached the station's entry point with the cave some sat down wheezing and gasping for air. Sky slowly slid down the wall and while coughing up some of the smoke he looked at Twilight.

"You young lady *cough-cough* have something to explain." Sky said looking at a few wounds on her... Especially one on the left side of her neck.

"Well..." Twilight sheepishly laughed and scratched behind her head. Maybe she could escape his wrath... 

Somehow...

Maybe...

Hopefully...






One Hour Later


Twilight sat upon one of the chairs in the setup food station for the expedition. Many other beings are here as they exchanged what they found with some of the students who came in reminding Twilight of her times when she found something in the books and asked her to explain them.

'Actually, now that I think about it... Princess usually avoided certain topics when I asked about them... A good example was Nightmare Moon.' Twilight thought as she ate her meal.

"ALRIGHT, EVERYONE," Marshall yelled above everyone looking at the expedition.

"I heard what happened in the library and university. I still hardly believe it myself but... The missing beings speak otherwise." Marshall spoke as he looked at a small wall that was hastily made to write down those who haven't returned. There were thirty-seven missing beings.

"I want to thank you all for what you did. Thanks to many of you we recovered a great number of cultural writings and scientific notes that could be destroyed if not for the expedition." Marshall paused as he looked at the crowds. But his gaze stopped at one table at which Twilight sat with Red and Mack. Rolan was somewhere getting his meal.

"I want to especially thank the third team and first team for finding blueprints for the gas masks. 

I give my thanks to: Twilight Gazer, Mack Tornado, Rolan Yora, Tral'v of the third recon for finding the blueprint for the filter in the masks.

I also thank: Tar'fa, Alexei Trick, Hardy, and their fallen comrade Ben Craf. They brought the blueprints for the mask itself.

And I want to thank those who are now among our friends and families who have seen the day fall.

Thank you all for coming to this expedition and for all you did. The people of our stations thank you in all their hearts and minds." Marshall announced as some police officers pulled another board was pinned teams and beings who gathered important documents and books.

"Well... You sure are going to get a lot of fame Twilight." Sky said as he sat down next to them.

"Where were you?" Twilight asked.

"Oh right. I was... Startled by Marshall and an offer he gave me." Sky said waving his hoof in an uninterested way.

"And?" Twilight asked.

"We recovered so many of those books and other things we can't have them lying around and he decided that he is going to make a library as-" Sky was explaining but a Purple face now stared at him with determination.

"WHEN!?" Twilight calmly inquired.

"As soon as diamond dogs finish digging... Around a week of getting the place set up and then sorting through all of those documents..." Sky trailed off as he watched Twilight doze off into some part of her mind. He chuckled silently as he could see all those students just yelling to work at the library... Too bad for them as Twilight was already set in tracks to get it.






Location Outside Stalliongrad


"Tch. Tch. Tch. Should have seen you coming back one day. Luckily you seem as confused as me so you won't be leaving this barrier any time soon." Spirit of disharmony said to himself looking satisfied with most of his work.

"Now... To make sure the royal planets don't break it." He sighed knowing well that this is going to be a terrible talk.


*Snap*







End of Prologue

> TDO - 1 - 3 years later.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


In the following three years, the metro became the last safe home.

The unnatural became normal.

The natural became history to teach children.

And those who survived have divided between objectives, beliefs, and ideals.

Once unthinkable ways of survival now became a necessity.

Resources are scarce and each wasted resource could mean death.

Many changed. Many adapted. Many clung to their beliefs.

Now a new threat comes from the surface.

A threat born of power from the oldest entity in the universe.

The dark ones are coming... 

And they won't stop until we kill them... 

Or they kill us.

This is...

Metro : Lavander Exile
Book I
"The Dark Ones"






Stalliongrad
Surface - 3 km from Universitet Garage
15:21

The roar of an engine filled the street as an armored vehicle drove between cars. A half-track by the look but heavily armored and it has a turret on top of it with one assault carbine. Besides the roar of the engine, some kind of music could be heard. 

"Come on Twilight, they are following the scent." Sky said as he watched a pack of watchers following them.

"I'm going as fast as I can but I can't go the same road all the time or they set an ambush for us," Twilight responded. 

"Less planning, more driving!" Sky shouted as he noticed that not only the pack was catching up but also dragging unwanted attention.

Twilight refrained from talking and drove faster than it was safe in such a dense area. They still had less than three kilometers from the Universitet Garage.

"Come on, come on, come on fly somewhere else." Sky quietly asked as he could notice one demon flying in their direction.

"Demon is following us!" Sky said as he aimed his turret at the winged beast.

"I see it! Come on give me a straight road." Twilight pleaded as she turned around the corner of a building. Luckily as it seemed there was much more space. She drove faster now slightly in the rhythm of the radio.

The half-track is now much faster was driving away just not a moment too soon as one of the watchers jumped just where the back end of the truck was a moment ago. Watchers howling pursued their pray... Unknowingly they were running straight into a trap.

Twilight was sweating in her armor as her eyes were jumping from one corner of the front window to another.

Sky kept aiming at the pack but decided to observe if there was anything else following the scent.

"Filters?" Twilight asked as she turned around another corner. Just a kilometer left. Sky looked at his watch a timer changed from 09:34 to 09:33.

"Less than ten minutes. We better hurry that watcher might leave soon." Sky said as the half-track bumped on another object they didn't bother to identify.

"Showel. Bucket. And you.

I've got shoveeeel' and a bucket. And I'm bringing them home to you." Radio played along with their speed as they accelerated.

"There's the garage!" Twilight yelled as she drove towards it. Sky acknowledged and took out his radio.

"Pray-1 here. We're approaching Garage Point with a pack. Had a demon following before." Sky said to the radio as it cracked to life.

"Garage Point here we see you. You don't seem to have the demon on your back right now. Proceed with the hunt." Radio operator responded as we drove further towards the Garage point with one of the garages in an underground parking opening. They drove in.

"Nice and easy now we've done this dozen times. Sky said as he aimed at the small res cross that was made on the floor.

Through the doors at least 16 of the watchers followed while the rest entire stayed or left knowing it was a trap.

As soon as most of the 16 of the watchers were on the cross the gate closed and trapped the watcher within. From a couple of sides, machine guns opened up on the watchers. Sky also opened fire on those that hid behind the walls.

Two minutes passed and all of the watchers were killed and other hides are taken. The rest was burned to ash. The radio was turned off.

"Good job everyone. We've got a decent catch today. Hunters return home. Guardians return to your positions and restock in the armory. Twilight get the car to Caz we need to check if your driving didn't get any of the wheels damaged." Sky ordered as he jumped out of the vehicle.

"But I only drove over one... Thing." Twilight groaned as she lowered herself behind the wheel.

"No buts Twilight. Ether you check or pray it doesn't kill you next time you use it." Sky said keeping his formal voice. He was in front of the garrison and it's better to keep personal things when in the station.

"Fine." Twilight sighed as she turned the half-track while backing away towards Cazar's spot.





"So... How many this time?" Griffon asked while poking at the wheels checking for damages.

"Only one... On the left side." Twilight answered while knowing how this could end. The Griffon with golden-like feathers stood in front of her with one of her talons poking Twilight.

"Twilight Sparkle Gazer how many times do I have to say? Rubber doesn't grow on trees!... I think..." Cazar muttered the last part realizing that she might have just said a bit of nonsense.

"You know what fine! I'll let you go today since it's Fang's birthday." Caz said while grabbing Twilight into a small hug.

"Come on we must get something for that little flyer." She said to Twilight as they entered deeper into the workshop.





Twilight reached the spot where her BLBF sat or decided to glide down. At this, she could think of the last three years since that month when she left Equestria... And the day when it happened...

The first year was hard but thanks to outside influence we got information that others also survived in many other stations of the metro. 

You could see the break down into different groups in that time like the:

-Griffon Front - Faction that only allows "pure" griffons into their ranks. The smallest of differences can mark you as "mutant" which allows them to "morally dispose of such mutants". Extremely hostile against non-Front factions, unless there is some gain. Avoid if possible.

-Defenders of Metro (The DOM's) - one of the earliest factions and biggest one to this day as it controls the "circle" that separates outer stations of the metro with inner stations. Usually friendly or neutral, hostile only when holding some grudge or if you broke their law. Main trading stations accord the metro area under their control controlling import and export of goods.

- Old Guard - Those are the leftovers of the original government that once worked in Stalliongrad. Unfortunately, their military is in disarray as they need to train professional soldiers like in old times. Friendly in most cases. Trade if possible.

There are also smaller factions like :

- Emerald Union - Where Twilight and her family live now. Three original stations had to work together to survive and be able to connect to the rest of the metro as it took one year to restore Gory station (one of four restored stations across the metro) Emerald union is the main trader of best quality gas masks and gas filters. Home.

- Cultists - Closest neighbors to Emerald Union. Cultists are one of the enigmatic factions that only spare information is spoken in hushed tones but it is said that those are dark magic wielders that learned it from very old books or set of books which allowed them to become a powerhouse in fighting capability. Neutral at most contacts but it's advised to avoid and keep away from their patrols.

- Steel Council - The biggest station in the entire Metro directly connected to the Steel Tower which is very slowly restored which gave it not only major political power but also industrial potential. They created this Draconian Order and send it to all corners of the metro to "keep the peace".

There are many other big and small factions out there but those are the important ones now...

Twilight sighed as she waited. All this time that went in the metro changed... everyone. Even she changed into something her past self wouldn't be able to consider.

The first year was hard but after restoring that station between the Universitet station and the DONs not only did we gain access to valuable supplies like medicine, food, water, materials, weapons, and ammo... Ammunition.

She remembered when she once used bits which were small pieces of metal usually gold since Equestrian territories are so abundant with it that ponies made golden tools before more reliable metals like bronze or iron were even used.

Now resources are so scarce the currency was redrawn and it's not walked by its rarity but by its function and importance to how society could break if all of it was used. 

As such most of the currency, today is measured in military-grade ammunition for weapons as more than half of the metro is armed to the teeth just to survive since monsters started raiding and inhabiting sections of the metro. While using military ammunition is very useful it's not recommended as many stations use them to create much more although worse, normal ammunition uses a combination of station-made gunpowder and military gunpowder.

Things like food, water, medicine also cost but depending on where you buy or sell you can receive a different value of the product.

Filters are very costly all across the metro because most of them come from Emerald Union but DOMs decided to place a tax on anyone buying them on their stations which created quite a large trading argument when any trader taking gas masks or filters is stopped and told that they can only sell them on their station, while any other trader without them can go as far as he survives.

Only two traders managed to reach Universitet station from the other side of the metro to this day.

Twilight though on the second year where first conflicts began between people living in the metro. First bandit groups began forming as criminality was completely shunned here and anyone breaking laws was punished severely... Many stations have exiled such individuals as many still believed there was no requirement for violence between themselves but the beginning of the second year changed everyone. 

The Eight Gangs have led a massive assault at selected locations that led to the death of over two thousand beings and also took control of certain stations out of which to this day three are still under their control. The biggest losses were on the griffon's race which counted at least half of the casualties... This led to the creation of the Griffon Front and slow descent into the "pure" griffon idealism.

Sky decided to train me in that time with anything I need to know to survive and... It was much worse than anything she imagined.

Their training started with basic physical bodybuilding and reaction to situations... Though Sky had to take more time as she had to stop trying to think of the best possible solution. What she needs to do is the simplest and best solution she can reach in the time Sky had given her. But she still preferred to plan and then work against the problem.

Then came the practical training... Twilight would slightly blank out as that part of the training was engraved on her heart.

When she was her student she would take her lesson to heart. But lessons that Sky gave her were almost like taking a knife and writing on a stone rock making it last as long as nothing destroyed the text. She could name a few locations with ruins of very old civilizations that made symbols on rocks for many reasons.

She didn't think she could... Kill any creature... The word still sounded rough for her as she was taught that killing anything so strictly forbidden. But now... After first hunting trips in the ruins, she was used to it though she still didn't like the word. Shooting monsters that are about to kill your close friends or other beings that are surviving is a better choice. It's us versus them...

In the current day, Twilight fought many monsters but... She never fought another being with intent to... Kill. To this day she only had to kill monsters that brought danger.

The third year in the metro was complicated as factions began to create militaries, those who fought monsters, those who dough combatants, and those who fought both.

Metro while being a dark and shallow place, it's very developed and each tunnel has at least five or fewer side tunnels that are service tunnels made for maintenance, connections to buildings that were once used to power the metro and city above, and many more. It's a large network of tunnels that could remind you of spider webs, a center point with roads out of it that are connected by many smaller side roads.

The third-year ended a few months ago and tensions are high especially after a wave of whispers regarding some new monsters that kill the minds of those who see them. The so-called Dark Ones as few beings called them.

Twilight thought of those Dark Ones and she could imagine that requirement for better defense would be nice but she was conflicted as she couldn't fathom what sort of magic... No there was also no magic besides dark magic used in the Metro since that day. Whatever power that would be she couldn't understand, what would be able to affect one's mind so much.

Sound distracted Twilight from her train though as she looked at the destination it came from. Star was slowly moving toward her looking between excited and concerned. He noticed her and smiled as he moved.

"Sis! How was the hunt today?" Star asked while looking at Twilight, examining for any injuries.

"It went great we got 16 watchers today. How was your day BLBF?" Twilight responded. Star slightly deflated but he stood still.

"Well... I had to help with the children that kept asking about what outside looked like once." Star said while slightly scratching his other hoof.

"Let me guess, they asked terrible questions," Twilight stated remembering when she had to deal with the same group two weeks ago.

"Yeah... I mean... What runs in those small heads of theirs? One asked me -Is the sun green?-" Star quotes while slightly imitating a child.

"*giggles* oh believe me they can give you much worse questions than that. I had to explain to them why they have to poo." Twilight said while giggling to herself. Star choked and looked at her as if she used magic.

"How did you manage to tell them that?!" Star asked trying not to laugh.

"I... Don't know if I did tell them or if I put them to sleep while trying to explain how eating works," Twilight said while tilting her head slightly.

"I'm gonna go with went to sleep." Star answered her.

"... Am I really that boring?" Twilight asked.

"Depends on the topic." Star answered shrugging with his wings.

"Come on BLBF, I got dinner already set up." Twilight said as she started walking towards the residential area. Star shortly followed after Twilight.





When they reached the room it was dark enough to only notice large eyes that reflected the light from the corridor.

Star was about to question it when out of nowhere light erupted and the entire room shook with a loud yell.


"HAPPY 15TH BIRTHDAY STAR!

> TDO - 2 - First Quest in Metro
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight was currently trotting between a few beings that she willingly had to take as assistants as she couldn't take care of the library by herself. Compared to the small Golden Oak Library the Library they built in the Universitet Station has twice the number of books and other documents that they recovered through years of raiding the surface.

She didn't complain as she gets to run the library and her assistants follow her orders... most of the time. But sometimes she missed when the library was quiet and nobody usually visited it which allowed her to experiment and take her time studying. But here in a world where those books were once simple knowledge, now every page is worth a lot of lives.

This also meant that she would guard those books with every possibility she had. 

As some books say " Knowledge is power. Guard it well."

Twilight had already studied some of the books in her free time between the hunts and occasional dramas in the station.  Apparently, a diplomat from the DOMs was coming to their border station to negotiate new filter prices. Twilight considered this to be another chance the DOMs are trying to get more bullets by selling those filters for even higher prices... This also leads to beings being desperate for filters and they try to buy the cheaper filters made by the Griffonian Front which leads to them gaining more power.

It's a complicated political game that is going on at the expanse of everyone who's in between them.

"Metro to Twilight. You there?" A blue hoof waved in front of Twilight's eyes. She turned and saw Sky standing there with one of his hooves extended toward her.

"Yes, yes I'm here Sky. You need help?" Twilight asked as she placed back one book she kept in her glove.

"We're going to need you for the negotiations." Sky said as he kept his face neutral. Twilight looked at him as if he used magic.

"Why me? Why does the council need my expertise... again?" She asked as she pouted. She was a simple librarian with a knack for research.

"You know what resources are necessary to make them thus also giving you the knowledge of their rough price and where to find them or where to buy them... And you really need to move a bit more rather than stay for days locked up in this dungeon of curses." Sky said as he looked at the massive bench full of books that went up to the ceiling.

"Uhuh... Isn't that just an excuse to get me into politics again? And curses don't exist everyone knows that." Twilight said as she remembered one talk she had with Sky about current Metro politics. Also, who believed in curses... real curses anyway. 

Metaphorical curses do exist. 

"Shut up brain. Curses do NOT exist." Twilight frowned at herself.

"No, I actually need your help. Everyone that knows crap about those filters and masks is currently busy in the workshops. That leaves you." He said allowing a small smirk to enter his face.

"Alright fine. Not like I had to get some of my old experience rechecked." Twilight said as she went to a small door that lead out of the library.

"Old experience? You mean when you helped Sunbutt with her documents." Sky said as he followed her.

"Can you stop calling Celestia Sunbutt? I get that it's sort of catchy but I'd rather not have a burning alicorn tomorrow in the front gate of this station... much less have her poisoned with air." Twilight said as they passed a few corridors of the station. She could just imagine her former mentor standing at the front gate of the station asking to be let in with her mane on fire. Hearing Sky chuckle she guessed he imagined the same thing.

They finally reached the door of their room. Before she could open the food flung open with familiar pegasus being flung across the corridor with two foals on his back.

"BLBF getting tackled by foals isn't a good idea." Twilight said to Star as he sat next to her with two foals on top of him trying to chew his hair.

"Tell that to th-ouch."Star stood up and slightly cringed at the two foals who hung with his hair still in their little jaws.

"Little help with little problem Sis?" He asked as he lowered enough so the foals wouldn't just pull his hair with their weight.

"One second." Twilight said as she started tickling the foals and soon the foals were laughing and the entire corridor was looking at them.

"Thanks, Big Sis." Star said as he tried to correct some of his hair as it stood out.

"So what are you both up to." Star asked as he saw Sky equipping some of his inventory.

"Well, Sky needs my help with the negotiations with the DOMs regarding new filter prices." Twilight said as she also entered the room and started equipping her equipment.

"So you need help?" Star asked looking at his own humble stack of items.

"Sorry boy. You have to stay here and protect the town." Sky said as he placed his saddlebag on the back end of his outfit.

"When will you take me with you." Star pouted as he looked at Sky.

"When you're ready." Sky responded unfazed.

"Uncle maybe we can take him this once just so he could see how boring those are?" Twilight stated while Star tilted his head. Sky looked at both Twilight and Star waiting for one of them to falter but without success, he sighed.

"You kids are gonna be the end of me." He said as he nodded and pinched his face hoping this won't go into Tartarus.

"Thankyouthankyouthankyou- Thank you, Sir!" Star equipped his makeshift 'armor' and grabbed an old submachine gun that belonged to Twilight and jumped in excitement before saluting Sky. For a moment Sky looked at him before shifting Stars hoove into the correct position and correcting his saddlebag. Star pouted the moment the submachine gun was taken by Sky just so Twilight could get her weapon.

"Awwww... I wanted to shoot at things." Star groaned as he slumped slightly.

"Come along then... Recruit." Sky said as he left through the doors. Star suddenly returned to his former excitement as he practically bounced after Sky and Twilight who went towards the station's tunnel entrance.





Few hours later they were passing another guard checkpoint before the "Reca" Station... Well in reality it was the largest construction attempted since the event. It was the first station to ever be rebuilt due to the necessity of trading with Inner Metro Market.  Though really on everyone's mind was really one thing...

"Please stop asking. We're nearly there. Just another checkpoint and you'll see the station... Or smell it." One of the earth ponies sighed while looking at the energetic pegasus that was bored out of his life.

"I thought you have to fight mutants before reaching the station." Star groaned as he pulled the lever again to give the cart constant power to move.

"Pray that no mutants enter those tunnels or our stations could be doomed." Another passenger (a griffon) said while loading another round onto the rather intimidating four-barreled shotgun.

"Luckily no Demons this far south. I heard stations on the northern side have been under siege by them. Merchants said that victims of Demons are never found again." The last passenger of the cart (a diamond dog) said as he pushed the lever.

"Those are just stories for foals not to venture too far from the Metros. I don't think anything can survive getting shot in the face with more than five weapons." The unicorn blocked off the Dimond dog.

"Still... have you heard of the Dark Ones?" The Dimond Dog kept the conversation going.

"Dark Ones?" Star asked as he never heard of them. He heard Twilight's story about the librarians.

"Oh great. More ghost stories." The griffon groaned as he made himself comfortable.

"The Dark Ones, little pegasus. You've heard of the many mutants walking among the ruins of our city. The descendants of rats, demons from the deepest reaches of Tartarus, the keepers of knowledge. But there are stories told by merchants who travel through the metro. They hear things, see things, and fear those things." Diamond Dog spoke as if from a book, the only sound besides his voice being the nearly maintained carts that squealed from their use.

"Legends of the world above and below are as vast as they are unbelievable. Legends of the Ruined Tunnel where those who died pray on the travelers that dare intrude on their land. Tales of Mother Gaia whose claws are as ground-shaking as they are gentle. Talks of the Sea Lords that are unbeatable as their shells are resistant to any form of weapons." Diamond Dog continued as his voice echoed through the tunnel.

"But some legend reaches all corners of the metro. The Whispers of Dark Ones." Diamond Dog paused as a few rocks fell on his head. He shook his head and ignored the disruption.

"Out there, on the northern side of Stalliongrad lays a city. Not one inhabited by creatures or mutants. But by the Dark Ones, who rarely are seen until it's too late. Their bodies are dark as night yet at the same time invisible to the naked eye." Diamond Dog stopped as he grabbed a small bottle of cinder and drank from it. Other passengers of the cart besides Sky found the walls of the metro a much more interesting thing to focus on. The Dog swiped his arm across his face to clean it up before pulling down the lever to accelerate the cart.

"But some talk in the quiet that they see shadows of the Dark Ones before they open fire at empty air. Those who lived to reach the closest station whispered that they saw shadows of alicorns. Similar to those Rulers of Equestria but at the same time different. Some said they never saw any manes or tails, others saw the shadows wing spread across the entire tunnel." Dimond Dog continued as they passed one last checkpoint with three guards and a number of torches.

"In the end, it's not how they look that brings fright to creatures dwelling in the metro. It's the way their prey is attacked. Anyone attacked by a Dark One never had any bite marks, scars, or even bruises. But what they all have in common is their lost sanity. Some say the Dark Ones steal the remaining magic from our bodies, which leads to our minds rapidly deteriorating into savage animal instincts. Others say that they lose their souls and their bodies are unable to cope with the loss of their individuality." The Dog said as he started looking around.

"Aight story time's over. Three watches before we reach the station. Twi and Zor are first, kid and I are second, Tilo And Feni you two are the last watches. We push, you watch our damn posteriors." Sky shouted as they all prepared. to take watches over their trip.

"Why am I the Kid?" Star pouted as he looked at Sky.

"Cuz you are a Kid." Sky replied without missing a beat.

"Old man." Star muttered.

"Reckless Critter." Sky answered.

"Old Coot." Star responded.

"Shut it." Zor the Dimond Dog said.