A world torn apart by the disruption of harmony and magic...and all signs point to Celestia.
Equestria torn apart by war. Nopony knows how magic was taken, but everypony knows one thing: It's all Celestia's fault. One might even say she's mad.
7 different factions duking it out over the fate of Equestria. Follow the fate of many ponies as they experience the traumatic war, and how they might change the course of history itself.
Dear Princess Celestia, My daily news of the war. * The Allies: They are down three platoons out of the seven they started with. Sending backup. * The Maniacs: Their leader has mysteriously disappeared, the remaining troops have gone AWOL. It's expected to not see them anymore. * The Risers: No casualties as far as the reports say, but it seems that they are more vicious in hoof-to-hoof combat. Everypony is warned to stay away. * The Travellers: We still have no idea who these ponies are and what capabilities they have. * Them: REDACTED * Tears: The small band of misfits have gained enough attention to be on this list. Apparently they've reached out to every group and made deals with them. No other information was gained.
An update on the personal vendetta that REDACTED has taken upon himself. * Half of his group disappeared in the Dream Isles two days ago while his other half are presumed dead in the Kingly Mountain Range. * As for REDACTED himself, he is nowhere to be found. * His quarry is also nowhere to be found.
And finally, the Corrupted Violinist is still at large.
Pony Perspective: Wavy Blue(Original Character-Me) Faction: Risers Year 2 WT
"Sometimes I wonder why I was called Wavy Blue...I mean, I have never seen anything blue in my life except flowers. My coat is not even blue!" I glanced down at my green coat, shaking my smooth purple mane around. My flank bore a snapped white carrot.
"Yeah, I can understand that," a pure white mare whispered into my ear. Her mane was really strange and often got glances from other ponies who passed by. It was also purple but it was clear and sparkled. Sometimes I got transfixed by those mesmerizing patterns in her mane.
"PIEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" My ears perked upwards at the sound of my aunt. She always makes the greatest pies. I got up and rushed over. I vaguely heard the mare chasing behind me. We stumbled into the doorway and collapsed on the floor giggling. "What are you, foals? Come on in, the pie is getting cold!"
The mare and I sat down at the table, licking our muzzles in anticipation of the pie. My aunt trotted over, the steaming pie floating in her purple telekinetic grasp. A purple hoof laid down plates for the three of us before placing the pie down. I whooped when I saw that it was apple pie, my favorite. Both of us waited impatiently as my aunt made a dramatic show of cutting the pie and placing it on the plates with as much flourish as she could manage. And she can do tons of flourish. Once the pie was on the plate, we both grabbed the pie and shovelled it down and humbly asked for more when it was done.
"My my, 5 minutes? Eh, still haven't beaten my record," my aunt gave us more pie and sat down to eat hers. As usual, she complained on how bland it was and every time, I didn't understand what she was talking about. It was delicious!
Barely half an hour in and the pie was already gone. We all sighed contentedly and rested in our chairs for the next 30 minutes, "do you want go outside again?" I turned to the mare and nodded.
We yelled our byes to my aunt and charged outside. We tussled in the soft grass like the foals we weren't. We played many games like hide and seek, tag, and I spy. The sun was dipping below the horizon when we finally stopped. We collapsed on a grassy hill with a lonesome tree. We cuddled together and watched the sunset making beautiful colors.
Then the sun exploded and the mare screamed as she turned to ashes in my hooves.
***
I woke up in a cold sweat. This was the fourth time this week I had that dream. That unnamed white mare. My aunt. Apple pie. It always ends with explosions.
Pony Perspective: Fluttershy(Canon Character) Faction: Maniacs Year 4 WT
"COMMANDER! YOU ARE NEEDED AT THE FRONT LINES!" I yelled at the ponies below me. Pathetic creatures, some of them not even worthy of the title of pony, "AND MAKE IT SNAPPY!"
A red pony scrambled out of a tent, saluted, and weaved through ponies trying to get to 1st battalion. I sighed, rubbed my head. How did it go all so wrong? I glanced at a mantle resting on my wall, It contained a picture of the previous general. A pink pony in a green military vest and long flat pink hair. Her blue eyes were cold and calculating. The label underneath said 'Pinkamena Diane Pie.'
I saluted the picture in respect of the former general. When Pinkamena died five months ago to a group of Risers, she said that I would be the next general. I remember that day clearly. I slew five whole Riser squads that day by myself and it took seven ponies to hold me down in order to calm me down. I have kept the Maniacs going since Pinkamena's death and I intend to keep it that way.
"General!" A cry came outside my tent. I grunted in annoyance and poked my head out. The pony out in front gulped as I glared at him. A skinny stallion, a messenger by the look of things. His rust colored coat was slick with sweat and half of his brown mane was shredded.
"Spit it out, runner. I don't have all day," I made my annoyance plain as day. If it was day that is. There hasn't been a day since Celestia's rise to power.
"General!" The idiot saluted again, "the Travelers somehow got behind the Blue Trench and are attacking our partiers!"
"WHERE ARE THE GYPSIES!? I tasked them with tracking the Travelers!" I thundered at the red pony, showing no remorse. The runner quivered in fear, I think I even smelt urine. He gulped and dashed off. In a matter of seconds, there was nothing but kicked up dust.
I shook my head in frustration and looked back up to Pinkamena. Not for the first time and definitely not going to be the last time, I wondered what she would've done in my place. She probably would've ripped the runner to shreds then yelled for more explosives to send over to no-pony land. I try to live up to her standards, I really do. It's just so bucking hard to live up to somepony as high status as Pinkamena. If only she didn't die of the flu.
Pony Perspective: Octavia Melody(Canon Character) Factions: Freelancer Year 3 WT
They call me the Corrupted Violinist. They say I slaughtered millions on the day of reckoning. THEY SAY I STARTED THE WAR!
What they don't know may hurt them. What they don't know is that I'm just a pony. What they don't know is what I believe in...who I believe in.
I was at the safe house in Shoerun Drive, waiting for the informant. I had my contrabass beside me, ready at a moment's notice. I don't know how ponies get it so wrong, it doesn't even look like a violin! My bow rested lightly beside the instrument. It was strung with blue hair from a pony I loved. A pony who gave me hope. A pony...who is gone. I sighed and kept my eyes forwards.
I was crouching beside the door, prepared to spring at whoever comes in. They surprised me once before, never again. I held my breath as I hear clopping going down the street. It sounds hurried, but the pony walked by without a glance at where I was hiding. I only breathed again when I heard no more steps.
Scenes flashed through my head. It was just like last ti... SHUT UP! It won't happen again! I waged internal war with my subconscious. After many losses and as much wins, I perked my ears at the hoofsteps coming closer. I tensed and waited for the door to open.
It didn't.
"Ah, miss Melody, I see you have...urk!" I slammed my bow against the pony's throat. "A-apol-apologies. Forgive m-my intrusion! I...urk...w-was sent by b-boss to deliver y-you a message! N-now can you p-please refrain from k-killing me?" The pony rubbed a covered hoof over their similarly covered throat where my bow was previously at. The pony gently placed a pice of yellowed paper before rushing off all the while saying excuses for why they must be off.
I hoofed the paper to the light and read the contents: Violinist, I am intrigued to meet you. Please meet at the southern side of Hoofton. The code word is: Wub.
I tilted my head at the choice of code word. Could it be? No. It's purely coincidental. I shrugged the contrabass onto my back and kept the bow in my maw. I triple checked to see if there was anypony around the safe house. Clear.
I trotted as casually as possible, my grey coat slightly slick with nervous sweat. My black mane swished in the cold breeze. I arrived at the specified location and set up my contrabass. I started to play to pass the time. Few ponies came out and watched me play, I was saddened to see the war take so many ponies joy. I played with newer vigor and never faltered. My bow danced on the strings, I poured my heart, my hopes, my dreams, but most importantly, my sorrow.
Pony Perspective: Ash Tree(Original Character-Me) Faction: Allies Year 9 WT
"How long has this war been going on for?" I asked my best friend. He's been with me since the beginning. The small blue pegasus following me, a really big purple unicorn.
"Dunno. Want some?" He offered me some 'ciggies' as he calls them. I declined. He just shrugged his still skinny shoulders and lit one for himself.
"PRIVATES! WE'RE ATTACKING THE RISERS IN A FEW. GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES!" The general shouted at his 'ruffians.' He only ever calls us by our real ranks when it is a serious manner, so we all started shuffling around grabbing our various weapons. I personally preferred duel wielding machetes and my friend uses a modified revolver. When the general saw us, he flipped out because of our none standard weapons. Most ponies in the Allied army use simple weapons like SITP's and assault rifles. After the initials shock, he patted us on the back saying great choices. Not gonna lie, his bulky minotaur form really scared me.
We all stood at the edge of Freedom Trench. Our weapons either floating, gripped in mouths, or wrapped in wings. I spotted many ponies I've known in the many years I've served. Every time we did something, I unconsciously wonder how many of us will survive and how many of us won't...
"CHARGE!" The general shouted and charged carrying a huge mace. The ponies yelled their war cries and charged. Melee fighters are always the faster ones, but there few of us. 50 or so ponies ran at full tilt beside the minotaur, weapons pointed straight forwards. The Risers hastily gathered their supplies and started firing at us.
I saw a green mare fall in front of me, a hole in her head. I saluted internally before jumping over her body and slam into a Riser. I slashed at his throat before facing another Riser. They are famed for their melee skills and they showed it. A blood splattered mare grabbed my back hoof and lifted me up. I stared in shock at the world turning upside down before getting slammed onto the ground.
"Buck, how are you still conscious?" I answered but stabbing her through the side. I barely got up before I got flung again.
I crashed into a broken minigun. The broken pieces jabbed into my side, cutting my fur slightly. I grunted and ripped away some of my purple fur. I stared down at the pony who flung me. A burly brown stallion with murder in his red eyes. He had no weapon but I didn't doubt he could do damage with those hooves. I shifted my weight and gazed at my surroundings. Minigun beside me, a pegasi body between us, and a small cramped ditch to fight in. I charged.
The stallion grinned and raised a hoof. I ducked under his blow with speed I didn't know I possessed and bucked him hard. He flew backwards but popped back up almost immediately. He grunted and snorted, hoofed the ground and charged. This time he hit me, and did he hit me hard.
His first attack was a quick snap to my machetes. The both fell out of my telekinetic grip, one even shattered at the impact. Then he kicked my left back leg, crippling it. Before I could even cry out, another hoof slammed onto my head. I winced as I bit my tongue. He wasn't done, he turned tail and bucked so hard I heard a crack from my ribcage. My vision was filled with yellow spots and I could taste bile in my throat.
Then I heard a yell and then a crack of a pistol. I painfully turned my head and dimly saw my friend flying towards me with his revolver in his mouth. He did a flip in the air, dodging a spray of bullets before shooting in the direction of the bullets. He landed beside me and started unrolling bandages.
Then my friend gasped in pain. There was a red spot that was slowly spreading. He grunted in pain and shot behind him without even looking. I grinned, he was always a good shot. He cursed and started wrapping the bandage around my leg. Then a shot rang out. This came as a surprise because battles like this are usually loud and loud it was. I looked for the pony who fired that deafening shot, then I heard a gurgle next to me.
I looked back and saw a blue stallion...covered in blood. His left wing was shredded and the left side of his body was a bloody mess, "NO! Speak to me! YOU WILL SEE YOUR SISTER AGAIN! You can't go...you just can't...please..."
"I lost cough m-my sister hack a long time gurgle ago...will you tell them..." My friend fell silent, his last words barely a whisper. I slowly put my hoof over his eyes and closed them. I grabbed his trusted revolver and grabbed my broken machete as the other one was too far away.
Pony Perspective: Sunset Shimmer(Canon Character - EqG) Faction: Tears Year 5 WT
"How are our standing with the Travelers?" I sat at the headmare desk at a long forgotten school. School of Gifted Unicorns, I believe. The school I once went to. The school where it all fell apart.
"They still haven't shared their secrets, but they still agree to our terms of peace and supplies," I nodded. My Second-in-Command is always so helpful. The yellow stallion also nodded shaking his orange mane around. I have no idea who started the custom, but whenever a meeting is done, you have to bow. The stallion left as I watched his flank. The flank that bore a ray of sunshine.
I shook my head, those days are over and his cutie mark is just a coincidence. I could almost taste those cupcakes that Pin...no. Don't dwell on that. I got up and stretched. I looked outside the office windows at the Canterlot ruins. The bomb that blew it up had the castle and the city in ruins. Barely any buildings were left standing, and the school was one of those.
We set up shop here after the mysterious leader left saying she had to go on her personal quest. She then bestowed leadership to me. I've tried my best in the 4 years I've been leader but it isn't easy. Our little band of Tears, the mysterious mare called us, is small and not many ponies out there believe in our dogma.
"Sunset." I didn't hear anypony come in so I whirled around is surprise...except it was too fast and I ended up on the floor. I picked myself up in embarrassment and looked at the newcomer. The pony was a big figure with a large blue cloak. I immediately recognized her to be the founder. I kneeled but she tsked me and told me to get up.
"Why are you here? I haven't seen you since the coronation," it was so annoying that I couldn't see the mare's face. It might not be a mare for all I know! She could be a unicorn and using a voice alteration spell. I sighed and rubbed my broken horn. I missed magic.
"The Princess is launching an attack on Appaloosa in a year's time. I need you to be there."
"A year? But that's in such a long time! Why are you telling me now? And how do you know?"
"Come on Sunset, you know me better then that," before I could ask her to elaborate she disappeared in a purple flash. Something about that flash seemed familiar...then I heard a little whisper, "and besides, time is relative..."
"Sunset! Where have you been? You disappeared for a year!"
"Twilight...?" A single tear rolled down my cheek.
Draconequus Perspective - Discord(Canon Character) Faction: Discord and Company Year 1 WT
"Ponies say revenge is a double edged blade. Do you think that is true, my old friend?" I peered down at a bunny. At first most ponies laugh at Angel, but after they get pummelled they stay away. There was this mare once who stayed in the hospital for a moon after she insulted Angel's tail. I forced him to apologize to her, he reluctantly went there and offered chocolates as an apology.
The bunny twitched his left ear before rubbing a paw over his muzzle. I nodded, understanding, "I'm so glad you decided to join my quest, I have few friends since the war started."
"OI! DISCORD! WE'R MOVIN!'" a green stallion called from the campsite. His horn was significantly smaller after he accidentally stepped on Angel. I chuckled, ponies from Kerry Bog are always so proud, so he tried to regain face by announcing a challenge to the bunny. Angel accepted of course, and the stallion lost much of his red mane.
I got up from my chair made out of cotton candy clouds and walked down the mountain side towards the others. Back in the old days, I would've snapped my fingers and teleported to where I wanted to go, but with the war and all, magic was somehow diminished greatly. I've only kept my cotton candy clouds and chocolate rain. I sighed, missing all the chaos I brought to Equestria. Of course, I wasn't the only one suffering. Unicorns can only use telekinesis and pegasi can not preform the Sonic Rainbooms(not that there were many who could) anymore.
I grabbed my backpack from off another cloud and let Angel hop onto my back. I walked beside ponies who wanted to go to this place for their own reasons. We relied on each other for protection and caring, but none of us were friends. Such is the reality of this war that Sun Butt brought upon us. I shook my head, how did it become so bad?
"Uh, Discord?" a pink mare waved her hoof to get my attention.
"Yes?"
"Where are the others?" In unison, I turned my head as did the ponies in front of me. Behind of us should've been a dozen other ponies.
"Hello? Anypony there? Is this a prank?" A grey stallion shouted into the fog that was quickly developing. No answer.
"Oh well, guess we just have to continue. The Dream Isles are just after this ridge," a dirty white pony took the lead, some rope slung over his back.
"Have you heard of the curse?" a mottled brown mare asked. I knew many curses, which one was it? I leaned forwards.
"No, don't think I have," an orange mare answered. Ooooh, I liked her, she had her mane braided so it look like an arrow(one you shoot from a bow).
"The King's Curse, it's called. The King wanted to go to the place we are going now, on the journey he lost half of his squadron in the mountains and the other half in the..."
"The Isles..." I finished, dread sinking in my stomach, "maybe we should head back?"
I stood at the podium, looking down at the faithful below me. I started this. This chapel. This religion. The true faith.
"Together, we are gathered. Together, we will chant. Together, we will believe. We are..?"
"CELESTIA'S PROMISE!"
3 years earlier
I smacked my head onto my desk. I groaned, today was boring. Nothing ever happens here, all the good stuff happens in Ponyville or Canterlot. Fillydelphia is pretty silent. I thumped my head on the desk again.
"Oh my, whatever is the matter?" a regal voice questioned from behind me. I whirled around almost falling off of my chair. Then I did fall off my chair when I found out who it was.
"P-princess Celestia!" I bowed as deeply as I could, ignoring the pain in my side from when I fell off my chair, "you honor me! What can I do for you?"
"I hear that you worship me? Is this rumor correct? There is no need to be frightened, you can tell me."
"U-umm...yes, Your Highness," my internal pony was bouncing around, squeeing so hard it hurt. I told him to shut up. He didn't listen.
"Good. Now I've got a task for you, a holy crusade if you will. I want you to..."
Back to the present
I led the Promises out of the chapel, weapons held high. Holy war chants filled the streets as we marched through them. I felt a loose tear slide across my cheek. I lead the ponies over to Rocky Square, created by Limestone Pie. There we met three other groups, other chapels. I, and the other chapel leaders, nodded to each other and spoke in unison to the ponies below.
"As Her promise fills out hearts, we give our devotion back. Today is the day we strike! Today is the day, war truly begins!"
A resounding cheer shook the square. Then it fell silent, one by one, the ponies started kneeling. I turned to look behind me and saw the Goddess.
"Your Highness," I kneeled down, my red mane fell over my equally red eyes. My white coat was bristling with excitement, we were finally prepared to kill everypony for the faith.
"All of you have done well, now it is time. Follow me, my faithful subjects. War awaits us," the world turned white as we were teleported away.
Changeling Perspective: Haze(Original Character-Me) Faction: Travelers Year 8 WT
I'm so excited! Today is my Travel Day! Every Changeling looks forward to this day, where we are sent into the world and fight for our hive. The Last Hive.
5 years ago, when magic was taken from the world, Changelings lost the ability to change their form and feed on love. The Changeling's power was reduced to short flight bursts and nothing else. Our Queen, Queen Chrysalis, took control and evacuated all the Changelings to the only remaining hive. In recent years, it's been dubbed The Last Hive. In retaliation Queen Chrysalis made Changelings go out every month to attack and hinder the ponies fighting their useless battle.
I stood at the hive's entrance with 30 other of my classmates. We are tasked to survive outside for a full week before coming back in. If we come back before the time is up, we are forsaken. If we don't come back, our personal effects are placed on the wall of heroes.
I looked at my best friend, Verae, he was as determined as ever. The Changeling who controlled the door saluted at us and opened the door. A large chunk of the wall opened up, letting bright light wash over us. I nodded once to Verae and then charged forwards.
***
I held a detonator in one of my hooves, glancing backwards at a caravan crossing a bridge. I tortured a blue unicorn to get information of what it was holding and where it was headed. The pony started babbling about 'munitions and Rainbow Ridge. I decided to rig some bombs under the supports and waited for the caravan to cross it.
Which it has.
I pressed the button. The wooden support beams blew and the whole bridge collapsed. The pull ponies were the first to die then the guards. And to make that nopony made it out alive, i pressed a second button causing a giant tidal wave to sweep through the valley taking the wreckage and bodies with it.
I nodded in satisfaction at the destruction I caused and started to head back to my campsite. Nothing special, just a makeshift tent made out of cow hides and leaves. The bed was made out of wool I found at a wrecked barn. The campsite was near a flowing stream where I could fetch water. I shrugged the makeshift armor off of me and prepared some canned meat, Stamp.
I found a huge stash of the stuff 3 days ago while I was scavenging for loot. While I was in there, I found a screwdriver and a pair of duct tape. I used the last of said duct tape to rig up the bomb under the bridge. I was about to take a bite from my Stamp when I heard a click.
I turned and looked straight into a shotgun barrel.
Dear Princess Celestia, I don't think we can continue this war! We have lost 3 battalions in the last week alone! Our ammunition and ration supplies are dwindling, the Travelers hinder our supply caravans, and ponies are going AWOL.
Not to mention, nopony has seen you in 3 years.
It's true that the Maniacs also lost troops, but Fluttershy has whipped them into a killing frenzy! Rumors are that REDACTED killed the Corrupted Violinist and is now hiding in Snow Flower Valley. We currently have no information on the Risers and the Tears as they went underground and is now off the radar.
Them is threatening to launch balefire at one of the Traveler's campsites in the Muh Mountain Range. What sort of pony named those mountains...
Princess Celestia, if we do nothing about this, we'll lose a quarter of our farms! Where are you?
Signed, Your faithful student.
P.S. BUCK YOU CELESTIA. EVERYCREATURE IS DYING BECAUSE OF YOUR MISTAKES!
Pony Perspective: Dämmerung(Original Character-Me) Faction: Risers Year 11 WT
"Sarge, ze Allies are coming over ze hill!" I held a sword and shield with my telekinesis. My choice in weapons always made ponies confused, as I was posted as a lookout. Sergeant Wavy Blue gave me this position due to my sharp eyes.
"Aye Dam. TO YOUR BATTLE STATIONS! ALLIES INCOMING!" The green stallion ran around the South Trench, banging his gun against the ground. He roused every pony he saw before grimly at the trench's edge. I haven't seen him smile once after the battle for the South Trench. I was at the north east trench eating soup when Wavy lost 120 ponies that day, all melee fighters. I got reassigned to Sarge Wavy to take back to trench 3 years later and stayed here ever since.
I looked at the incoming Allies. 3 whole squadrons lead by a very large purple unicorn. Rumor was it that he got promoted to general after his victory at the Middle East Trench(MET for short). My keen eyes could make out a machete slung across his back and a revolver floating beside him. I swallowed and relayed what I saw down to Wavy. He nodded grimly.
"Dam, what do you think we're gonna have for dinner tonight?" I sighed and shifted my gaze at the small pink stallion beside me. Pinkie Die is what he calls himself, nopony knows his real name. I have my suspicions that he's ex-Maniac.
"Beef hopefully. Focuz Die, ve need to be vigilant..." I looked back at the approaching army. Then I smiled grimly as Wavy fired a Trench Volley. Slang for 6 mortar shots. They arced high before crashing into the battalions. They scattered like hay in a storm. I sighed heavily when I saw that the purple stallion survived the blast, and he looked mad.
"Buck," I jumped out of the tower much to Die's glee and did a roll to soften my landing. I popped up to my hooves then groaned when I realized that I forgot my weapons.
"Silly, you forgot your toys!" I glanced upwards just in time to see a sword and shield flying at me. I deftly caught them both in my magical red embrace. My unkept black mane blew wildly against my yellow coat. I frowned at the sudden gust.
"PONIES, FIRE ANOTHER TRENCH! WHEN THE DUST SETTLES, CHARGE!" Sarge Wavy stood above us all, his green coat shining in the light. His broke carrot looked like a deadly arrow as he glared at the upcoming troops with malice. I groaned slightly at the noise the mortars made. "HOLD...HOOOOOLD...HOOOOOOLD...CHARGE!"
I rushed forwards, my sword and shield held close to my body. I was the only melee fighter at South Trench, which was uncommon for the Risers, but after losing all of his melee fighters, Sarge didn't want any other ponies to fight on the front lines. This made me the bunt of a lot of jokes, but I could almost feel the respect from the others as I bravely tackled the Allies alone.
The purple stallion lined up a shot with the revolver and fired. I simply stepped to the side and tackled a white mare beside me. Before she could do anything, I already snapped her neck. This is where the shield comes into use. Five different ponies hacked at me with their various forms of weapons. I swirled around, hacking with my own sword and blocking the attacks, that I haven't dodged, with my shield. I whirled around them like a dancer, not a single mark on me. That was the true reason that Sarge let me keep my sword and shield.
"He's gonna kill us all!" A blue pony wailed before running away. He didn't even take 3 steps before I threw my shield at him.
I sliced another pony's hoof before bucking her away. I shouldered a large unicorn onto his back then grabbed a violet pegasus, who tried to swoop down, by the wings and pulled her down onto the unicorn. Both of them collapsed in a heap and before they could rise, I raised my sword and stabbed downwards. I panted, looking at the circle of dead bodies. I glared at the other Allies.
"You vant some? I have plenty more to go arount." The ponies backed off, fear evident in their eyes. They started moving when another Trench Volley shredded through them. I sighed and limped back to the trench, "zey are veak."
I was a hoofstep away from the trench when I got tackled. I gasped in pain as I felt a blade sink into me. With all the strength I could muster, I twisted away and bucked my attacker. I stumbled to my hooves quite unsteadily and stared down at the machete that was now buried into my left shoulder.
"Scheiße," I grunted as I pulled the offending weapon out of me. Before I could do anything with it though, the machete slammed into me again. My anger flared as I heaved upwards sending the pony sprawling. I didn't even bother with the sword and stared at the pony. It was the purple unicorn.
"Vhy?" I simply asked, looking at his hate filled eyes. There was nothing left in those electric blue eyes, but pure hatred.
"I have no purpose! Revenge is all that I have!"
"No. Vhy?" I trotted closer and looked deep into his eyes.
"I want...AAAARGH!" He got up, his eyes close to literal flames, and bucked me hard. I flew backwards and hit the outpost tower with a sickening crunch. My rib's are broken.
"Schweinhund..." I pulled the machete out without a second thought and charged ignoring the excruciating pain. I leaped upwards and brought down the sword with a yell. The purple unicorn looked upwards with fear before rolling to the side, barely making it out. I grunted as I twisted and horn-butted him. He cry got cut short as my horn pierced his neck. With a flick, my telekinesis threw him over the rest of the Allies.
I snorted angrily as I gazed around. Risers and Allies alike were staring with their muzzles on the floor. Their awed trance was broken by the tower falling over. I shook me head, certain that a certain pink pony caused that.
"ENOUGH! Go take your wounded and go home. This battle was meaningless...as is this war. Come Risers, Stew is making Stew and the wounded need to be taken care of," Sarge stood on top of the wrecked watch tower.
"Uh...Sarge? Nopony was injured..." I didn't hear anything else. Who knew that the ground could move so fast. Then I realized what was happening.
Pony Perspective: Tender Taps(Canon Character) Faction: Maniacs Year 14 WT
I stood with the second party. I grinned, the planners are bringing balloons and confetti, the party poopers don't even stand a chance. I saluted to General Fluttershy before putting on my dance shoes. Many ponies always wonder how my shoes help me dance, as they are large metal claws. But when I get out on the dance floor, the ponies see how well I trapeze around the stage.
The partiers that will be going with me are Strike Force Leader Leader, and the Gypsy member, Tinted. Leader was a unicorn and had multiple balloons tied to himself with small confetti launchers on his belt that was wrapped around him. Tinted was an earth pony and was juggling a bunch of juggling balls. I watched as she whirled around seven different colored balls in interesting patterns in the air. I whistled appreciatively.
"Alright partiers, here's the plan. Enact rule 27: bring enough plates for every pony!" Leader hustled the two of us. I nodded with a huge grin and stomped my front hooves. Tinted smiled slyly and added another ball to his juggling.
The three of us stood at the edge of Green Trench, the most popular of the trenches. The partiest of all the partiers go to this trench to have fun. Dead ahead are the Allies, to the left are the Riser's trenches, and wooded mountains are on the right. Rumor has it that the Travellers come from those mountains. I grin at the prospect of having fun with the changelings, they sound a fun bunch.
"Equus to Tappy, you there?" Tinted giggled as she waved a hoof in front of my muzzle.
"I'm here, I'm here. Just thinking about how I should've brought cake," I was wondering if I should've brought cake, they always make a party better.
"Partiers, the other Gypsies already prepared the appetizers, we should start setting up the party," Leader started trotting towards the dance floor while unclipping some part plates off from his belt. I tilted my head, wondering how I missed the four big plates. He trotted up to a torn up bush and dropped a metal plate. He snorted and moved on, placing every plate in different locations. While he was looking at the right places, Tinted and I chatted about which cupcake flavor was the best. I've always loved strawberry and Tinted argued that chocolate was better.
"Time to invite the party poopers and show them what a party really is!" Leader floated a balloon next to him and flicked his head as hard as he could. The mental and physical force sent the balloon flying towards the party pooper's trench. A large boom echoed around me. I grinned, parties are so fun.
The three of us were crouching in an old collapsed trench waiting and watching. Tinted giggled as she saw a few ponies sneak out from the safety of the trench and out onto the dance floor. A green stallion had a confused expression as he trotted around with his comrades. We watched with excitement as he got closer and closer to the first plate. I barely registered that Leader took out a confetti launcher and held it out in his telekinetic grasp. The pony lifted a hoof and...stepped on it.
The ground shook as the plate exploded, instantly shredding the green pony. Pieces of earth fell down on the remaining ponies. After a silent moment of shock, the ponies started yelling and running back to the trench. Leader growled and stood up and fired his confetti launcher. The confetti hit a purple mare in the leg. She toppled down with a yell. Tinted and I charged forwards, our party gadgets ready for use.
Before we charged out, we took a chug each of some punch. The punch was created by the one and only Pinkamena. She lovingly created the drink for her fellow partiers to give them extra energy for maximum partying. My vision turned to swirly pink and white dots. My euphoria dulled the pain of the party poopers spraying their cheap confetti launchers as I danced around them. My dance shoes touching everything, launchers, balloons, juggling balls, ponies, and plates. Soon I was dancing around explosions and fire.
Around my dancing, I saw some juggling balls thrown from Tinted and confetti being sprayed by Leader. I grinned at how great this party was. My friends are having fun and the party poopers are being shown how a real party looks like.
I leaped upwards dodging a drunk and kicked at another pony. The party pooper crumpled onto the ground yelling in pain. I couldn't care less. A pony came face to face with me, he had a revolver floating next to him. I grinned, he had cool colors, a black coat with a red mane. I threw a left hoof which he ducked. My smile went even wider. Finally a dance partner!
I pushed myself off the ground and landed on my back hooves, He fired some confetti that blew past me as I danced kicked my way backwards. The stallion growled in frustration as I evaded all of his attacked. I whirled my front hooves in the air, trying to be as distracting as possible while trying to keep my balance. A pegasus crashed landed in front of me that almost disrupted my dance. Instead I did a flip over the pegasus and brought a hoof on top of the black pony. He yelled out as my force brought him to his knees.
"Who the buck are you?" His red mane hanging in front of his exhausted eyes.
"Tender Taps, your dance partner. I liked that dance, we should do this again...maybe Tuesday?" Before I could hear what he said, a unicorn pointed her horn at me and charged. I turned my back to the charging mare and backflipped barely missing her pointy appendage. I landed on her back with a pose worthy of Pinkamena. I barely registered the snap as her legs buckled underneath her. I smiled down at the black pony, flicking my purple tail.
"FALL BACK!" A funny red stallion ran back to the trench. Tinted threw a juggling ball at him and he ran even faster. A few more ponies ran after him at varying degrees of speed. I saw the green stallion that stepped on the plate. He was crawling away with a missing hoof.
I saluted them and smiled at the retreating black stallion, "Tuesday, ok!?"
He turned fearfully to me and weakly raised a hoof and waved. I tilted my head and my smile went wider, I waved a hoof and sauntered off to my fellow partiers.
Sergeant Autumn Brook, I heard that you were attacked by the Maniacs recently and the soldiers that survived are suffering from trauma. I will be sending a Maniac Dictionary with this letter so you can understand what our adversaries are talking about.
Changeling Perspective: Thorax(Canon Character) Faction: Wanderers Year 18 WT
What does one do when your journey is over? You sit down and contemplate. You think about the good and the bad, the tragic and the joyful, but most importantly, you think about life.
I only had a single day left in my journey. When the moon hits it's highest point, the 148th group can return. I always have wondered how may fellow wanderers have done with their journey. I trudged through the snow to a tree to shelter while the moon rises. I made a spot for me to sleep comfortably and lay down. My black carapace shell thunked against the frozen ground and I slowly closed my green insectoid eyes.
I dreamt of the first day out of The Last Hive.
*7 Days Prior*
I waved a hoof to a travel mate, Ebony, before heading off in the direction of some snowy pine trees. We were told nothing of the outside and what it might contain, we were only told to hinder the ponies with their futile war. So I decided to find some ponies and hinder the buck out of them!
After a few hours, I thought a glimpsed an end to the endless trees. I charged forwards on shaky legs in desperation to see anything but trees. After a few steps, I tripped on a rock. I went down hard and unfortunately for me, I was standing next to a cliff.
Now I didn't realize at the time, but that rock changed the whole war and my perspective on ponies.
I yelled as I failed to get my snow covered wings, buzzing. Instead of flying away to safety, I bonked on every rock, tree, and bush on the way down. I cursed as I hit a tree with such force, that there was an audible crack. I groaned and looked back where I came from and saw the dizzying height that I fell. I threw up, which I didn't know that Changelings where capable of.
"Boulder says you need help. Do you need help?" A calm voice drifted up to me. I groaned as I shifted over to the side, ignoring the pain in my abdomen. Below me, there was a ledge that jutted over a dizzying drop that lead to a chasm. Standing on the ledge was an impassive grey mare holding a small rock in her left hoof. I gulped and nodded. She casually struck a part of the cliff with a backhoof.
Nothing happened for a second then the whole tree started rumbling. I yelled out as the tree started moving towards the chasm. I gathered my wits and quickly jumped off before splattering on the floor below. I panted as I looked around at my scenery. It was drop-dead gorgeous.
Then I froze. I slowly turned to the mare that saved my life. She had grey mane bangs and violet eyes. Her face still impassive. I tilted my head wondering why she hasn't attacked me yet, or better yet, left me to die. So I voiced them out loud.
"You needed help and Boulder was willing to give it, after all it is Hearth's Warming Eve. Have you by chance, seen any labradorite? I want to give it to Boulder as a gift."
I just stared. It took some time to get my had back to place and slowly shook my head. Who is this mare? Why did she name her rock? "What is Hearth's Warming Eve?"
"A pony celebration where the spirit of giving is enacted over Equestria, presents exchanged, songs sung, cider drunk, but most importantly ponies having fun. You don't have that?" That calm face really disturbed me. What I wouldn't give to see that again, as if I hadn't done enough.
"We...Changelings, uhhh...don't have celebrations. But does this Hearth's Warming eve thing still happen because the war and stuff?"
"No. There hasn't been a proper Hearth's Warming for 9 years, Boulder counted," she held up the rock as if to prove her point. I nodded politely.
"So what is Heath's Warming Eve exactly? Why aren't you in the war?"
"I'm not in the war because I've been shunned," I thought I saw a little tear form, "Hearth's Warming was invented to prevent fighting between the pony tribes. The fighting brought the Windigos and they brought eternal winter and disharmony. Why the Windigos aren't here though is anypony's guess. Boulder thinks it's because of the lack of magic."
"Umm...ok?"
*Present*
I woke up with a hiss. Something was prodding me. I glanced around with an angry glare and found nothing. I wearily looked up to the heavens and saw that the moon was still not at the highest. I shook my head and pulled out a rock from my saddlebag. I stroked the rock as I lay back down. I glanced around one more time before closing my eyes again.
*5 Days Prior*
I was still with the grey mare. She informed me that she had no home and her name was Maud Pie. After saying her name, she looked at me intently, probably the closest thing to emotion she expressed, when I didn't react, she turned impassive again. She didn't seem bothered that I was a changeling, then again, she doesn't seem bothered by anything.
The two of us were walking along the small ledge, occasionally talking about things, but I didn't have much to talk about and Maud didn't want to talk, so it was pretty quiet most of the way. The trail finally ended at a cave. Maud trotted in without a second glance. I followed wearily, caution in my hoofsteps.
I yelped in surprise when Maud pulled out a torch and lit it. I had no idea where she got that as she didn't have any saddlebags, she wasn't a unicorn and even if she was, there is no magic in Equestria. She gestured for me to follow, so I did. It got darker and darker, the further we went in. Soon it became so dark that we couldn't see anything besides the torch's embers. Then the grey mare blew it out. I yelled to bring it back, but Maud's hoof shushed me.
The sky lit up.
I gasped in awe as the cave's walls and ceiling glowed brightly with different colors. The most prominent color was blue, strangely enough. The mare threw Boulder at the wall with barely any force. I tilted my head confused, then a bunch of gems fell out of the walls and ceiling. I spluttered as a bunch of said gems fell onto me.
"Apologies, I am not used to working with other ponies. Boulder is sorry too."
*Present*
I leapt up onto my hooves, wondering who keeps on interrupting my sleep. My eyes turned to slits, hoping to find the perpetrator. I even swept my hooves back and forth in anger. I hissed in frustration before plopping back down and closing my eyes.
*2 Days Prior*
Maud and I were digging away some silt around some boulders. I explained to Maud why I was out in the wild with shame. She only nodded and said she would help with of course no expression. I told her that she didn't have to but she insisted. After another day, she came up with the idea to let loose a bunch of rocks onto the ponies below. I thought about it and agreed. In the hour, we got to work, digging the gravel around the rocks so it would be easier to push.
After another 2-4 hours, we were done. Maud aimed with Boulder and I wisely stepped back. She threw it with little force and to be expected, the boulder got pushed. It went rolling down the hill with such velocity that it shredded any trees that got in it's way.
I watched with varying degrees of emotions, glee, horror, nervousness, respect, but mostly guilt. I said so to Maud and she just nodded and trotted away. I pondered before trotting after her. Then the creaking started. That was truly the first time I saw true emotion on her face. Maud looked at me with downright fear. Then a snap caught my attention. A large tree hurtled towards me at untold speeds. I heard a cry, and saw Maud charge towards me.
Time seemed to slow as she stretched her forehooves towards me knocking me backwards. Before I could register anything, the tree slammed into Maud. She let loose a strangle scream as the log shredded her grey coat. I yelled out her name, but the log's momentum carried her off the cliff.
*Present*
I stuck a hoof when I woke up. A squeal. I opened my eyes and peered down at my assailant. A small filly. I stretched out my hoof as a gesture of peace and smiled at her. She looked at me with a curious glance before sneezing. I blinked, realizing that the cold is bad for young ones. I looked at the moon again, way past midnight. I didn't even look back, I picked up the peach filly with my weak magic and trotted away.
*Somewhere Else*
A grey hoof stepped near a rock. The pony looked at the inscription: Here Lies Maudileena Daisy Pie. She Saved My Life. On top of the somewhat fresh mound was a blue mineral bouquet. A single tear fell from the pony's cheek onto the crystal flowers.
Kirin Perspective: Floral Flame(Original Character - Me) Faction: Discord and Company Year ERROR WT
I sighed. I've been wandering these mists for...I'M NOT SURE HOW LONG! It feels like years! I shouldn't have gone with that draconequus. Mom always said they were trouble. I trusted one and now look where that got me.
I looked around me with a huff. Every direction I go, it all looks the same. The ground is a variation of soil and rock while the mists surrounding me blanket everything, it's impossible to see anything past 3 hooves. The eery mist is grey with hints of blue and speaks to me. It talks of all of my failures in a haunting tone, the kind of tone that sticks with you forever. The kind that scars.
I got up again with a sigh an decided to go to my left, which probably won't do anything, but like my mom always says: 'if you are lost, head leftwards." My mom hasn't been wrong yet. I sighed and wondered why I was doing this. This wasn't my first time going to the left, and probably not my last if I can't figure what the buck is going on.
Unfortunately after the disappearance of magic, the Kirin have been forced to stay in the form they were in when magic was taken. Few were Nirik, but the majority were Kirin. I was one of those Kirin. After magic was stripped from all creatures, the Kirin's and Nirik's isolated themselves from everycreature else.
I wasn't like them. I decided to head out after a month of boredom. After a while, I stumbled across a crying Discord. I never asked why he was crying instead I offered a hoof in comfort. He accepted it gratefully, and soon we became friends. He shared his worries over magic and I shared my dreams of freedom. Overtime, the two became one and we headed out. We stopped by a couple towns to collect creatures of various skills for a journey worthy of the history books.
Those three weeks were the greatest in my life, then the Kingly Mountains came. A mist rolled in, obscuring my vision and making me stray from the group. I cried out but to no avail. I patiently waited for a good while, that did nothing. After a while, I got the memo. No creature was coming.
That's when I started exploring the Mistlands, as I like to call it. The Mistlands is covered in mist, obviously, but the terrain is bizarre, ranging from massive mountains to deep gorges. The landmark's blocked my passage any further as they stretched all around me. I so furiously wanted to become a Nirik and yet I cursed again for not being able to change.
I found a very interesting rock one day that looked very comfortable and it was! I have may have stayed there for many hours... I sighed and headed back to that very rock for some comfy time. I past Cloudette, a strange looking tree, hopped over Roud the Cloud Rock, and crawled through a soft bush named Boosh.
I crawled onto my rock bed and took a nap.
***
I breathed in the scent of fresh bread. My brother brought out the loaf from the over with a big grin. He's been learning how to bake from Old Blaze Flower, the best in town. He placed the bread in front of me and Blaze with a proud flourish. The old Kirin studied the bread from all angles before nodding. Sunflower Spark's smile grew even wider as he saw the nod. He drew a knife with his magic and sliced the loaf with trained precision.
He grabbed a couple of plates from the cupboard and placed the freshly cut slices on top. He sprinkled a couple of sunflower petals on top and presented it to us.
"Bone apple tea sister, and may you find comfort master. I have poured my heart and soul into this creation and may it pleasure your senses!" I rolled my eyes at his flamboyance. Blaze grabbed the slice with his magic and took a bite and then another. After his fifth bite, he proclaimed it ok.
Spark's eyes boggled out with gleeful surprise. He could barely contain his excitement from his teacher's approval. My eyes rolled again, and decided to take a bite. Before I even chewed, I could tell it was delicious. My slice was gone within seconds.
"Brother, you've outdone yourself!" I threw my hooves around him in a hug. He chuckled and hugged me back. Blaze grunted and trotted away with his fluffy purple tail swishing back and forth. Spark watched him leave and when the door clicked behind him, Spark jumped up and yelled with joy. I smiled as he hopped around the room.
***
I woke up with a tear rolling down my cheek as I remembered y brother's face. A face I haven't seen for a year, maybe even more. I lay there, sprawled on the rock, crying softly as I thought all that has happened...
Fire...House...Spark's face...Fear...Screams...Crying...Yelling...Water being sprayed...Magic and bullets...Blood...Death...Arguments...Tears...Discord...Laughter...Travels...Mist...Lost...
I am lost. I am alone. I am tired. Why me? Haven't I suffered enough already?
"BUCK THIS PLAAAAAAACE!" My yell echoed through the Mistlands. I shook the tears away and charged angrily towards a gorge with the full intent to end it all. As I charged, I could feel my body slowly heat up. I didn't stop, nothing can make me stop now. The chasm was in view now.
More tears flowed down my cheeks as I cried out and jumped. I looked straight down at the earth rising up towards me at frightening speeds. My entire body engulfed with flames as I plummeted. Before I hit the ground, I closed my tear-stained eyes and though of everykirin I loved.