Chapter 1 - Back after Victory
There are 5 lands of Equestria, each ruled by Alicorns. These lands are known as "The 5 lands of Harmony."
The first being Princess Celestia, who rules Equestria.
The second Alicorn was the ruler of the Crystal Empire, Princess MI Amore Cadenza. However, after the war with King Sombra, an Alicorm named princess Cinch took over the kingdom and is now their ruler.
The third is the ruler of stallionation, a land that was far from Equestria, Princess Electra. Who had green sage colored fur, and a long emrald green mane that covered up the left side of her face. The land's population consisted of ponies, bears, bunnies, and even a small amount of dragons. It's locations consisted of tall trees, and buildings that were builded from the wood from trees, and vines.
The Fourth is a male Alicorn who is the ruler of the Gellian nation. His name is Gladian. His fur is pure white, and he has a spiky mane, that was red and had yellow and orange stripes. His clothing/armor consisted the colors red, yellow, and even gold. The structures are made out of gold, metal, and diamond.
The Fifth is the ruler of the Glarcier nation. Her name is Persia. She is an alicorn, who has a long light blue mane that resembles that of the winter season, which stretched all the way down to her hooves. Her armor was gray and white, which was made out of metal. Glacier land's population was full of ponies and reindeer, and was filled with ice that seemed to be in almost every house built there. It is often cold in this land. However, with the Alicorns magic to properly keep such cold conditions at bay. Making it completely habitable for ponies.
All together, the five lands united and formed the Alicorn Five. However, after Luna's banishment to the moon. Celestia left the group of Alicorns. Cutting off ties with the Glacier, Gellian, Stallionation, and the Crystal Empire.
However, even with their departure, For years, The land of Equestria has been at peace. With their ruler; Princess Celestia ruling over the land for thousands of years, watching over her royal subjects. Since the land has been at peace for so long, the ponies have never worried about any invaders, as they thought that they were completely safe from any dangerous creatures outside of Equestria... until now..
War Day
The impending battle between Equestria and this massive army of over 20,000 Griffins in the distant land, Griffinstone, would require a smart war plan. One that Princess Celestia had been meticulous in designing. For the past 30 moons, the winged like creatures have been sending numerous intimidating threats towards the princess. Claiming that they will go to war with them if she didn't give them their, "Resources." At first, the princess didn't think much of these claim as the Griffins were without a ruler, however, once they had the audacity to kidnap fillies and beheaded them to get their attention, that's where Celestia drew the line. So, to get revenge on the Griffins, Celestia crafted a smart war plan.
The first step would be to gather intelligence about the forces of the opposing army. Agents would be sent to spy on the enemy encampments, monitor troop movements and supply lines, and assess their weaponry and equipment. This wasn't at all difficult as Celestia had already experienced firsthand how powerful the Griffins were in the great war which happened a millenia ago.
Once enough intelligence had been gathered, Princess Celestia would devise a two-pronged attack: one of deception and one of power.
The first phase of the plan would involve a small group of elite ponies infiltrating the opposing army's encampment, disguised as traders looking to sell weapons and supplies. Once inside the encampment, they would use their disguise to gather information and sabotage the opposing army's communication networks, supply lines, and weapon caches, which again, wasn't very much.
The second phase of the plan would involve the main Equestrian army coordinating a surprise attack from two sides, using their superior numbers and powerful magic to strike quickly and decisively. Princess Celestia would lead the charge, using her powers to block out the sun and plunge the battlefield into darkness. This would give the Equestrian army the advantage of surprise, as the opposing army would be disoriented by the sudden change in lighting.
The Equestrian army would also use their superior agility and mobility to outflank and surround the opposing army, using sturdier and reliable weapons to disable their opponent. In addition, the Equestrian army would be supported by unicorns and pegasi, who would use their magic and air superiority to deliver targeted strikes and shatter the opposing army's defenses.
By utilizing these carefully crafted and planned tactics, Princess Celestia would be able to secure a decisive victory against the opposing army of 20,000 Griffins... and she did. Celestia and her army reigned victorious against the Griffins, the war wasn't at all what the princess was expecting, as it wasn't hard to execute to plan, even with all the resistance, the Griffin's weapon and artillery weren't enought to match the Equestrian army, causing them to surrender after two months.
Canterlot Building, a day after the war.
Time: Dusk.
The Chancellor of Canterlot, Neighsay; also an army general, has gathered Equestria's best soldiers of each of the four fractions. Wonderbolts, Royal Guards, Magical Unit, and the Earth Ponies, who wore green and black attire along with a study, black helmet. They've been brought here for the sole purpose of discussing the casualties and defamation of their weaponry.
"The war may have been successful, but unfortunately, it came with the cost of our most powerful use of weaponry, Pysian.." Neighsay stated, sitting a newspaper on the table,
"Equestria's most effective material nearly destroyed by the fleets of Griffins, and magical barriers put up by the Magical unit were also nearly destroyed." He read, "These headlines are showing the world that the material can be damaged. If other creatures realize this, this can possibly lead to our countries downfall.."
Neighsay let out a short sigh of disappointment and looked the right side of the room, where the commander of the artillery unit, Applejack stood beside the leader of the Wonderbolts, Spitfire. After staring at her for a while, Applejack's gaze finally fell upon him.
"Answer me this, Aj, what do you make of this?" Asked Neighsay.
"Well, Chancellor, I'm sure we all saw this comin. Our time is runnin' out." Applejack sighed, "While we were busy spreading our colonial sightings, other creatures who lacked our magical abilities have been developing weapons to combat us. If they keep at it, our magic and Pysian will be surpassed, and all we'll be able to do is watch.."
"Perhaps you're right." Chancellor sighed, "What you're saying is, if we keep relying on our magic, this nation will soon be crushed."
"What do you suggest we do, general?" Spitfire asked, "We can't control how magic works, or how strong it gets."
"Excuse me, chancellor." Everyone put their gaze upon the purple mare in the room, Twilight Sparkle. The leader of the magical unit, as well as one of Celestia's students.
"Yes?"
"I know this might sound a bit asinine, but if we all had the same capabilities as Celestia, our army will be much more efficient." Twilight stated.
Neighsay raised in eyebrow and gave Twilight a look of confusion, "And just what are you implying?" He asked.
"As many of us know, there is another powerful magical object known as the Alicorn amulet that is sealed by a magical barrier in the Everfree Forest." Twilight answered, "If we somehow break the seal casted on it and make more using the cloning spell, I'm sure we'll be able to modernize our army, as well as multiplying our magic capabilities by five times as it is now."
Everyone in the room gave Twilight a glare of shock and confusion, including Neighsay. He couldn't believe the utter foolishness that came out of Celestia's own student.
Twilight's friend and comrade, Trixie Lulamoon, slightly nudges Twilight which catches her attention. With a look on concern, she angryily whispers to her, "What in the Celestia are you doing?! Are you trying to make the Chancellor mad?!"
"I.. don't think so.." Twilight responded, a hint of confusion in her voice.
"Funny, and here I thought you were smart." Sighed Neighsay, looking down at the table.
"What do you mean?" Twilight questioned.
"It’s sealed by a magical barrier that was made with the sole intention to make sure that absolutely no creature will obtain it. It's completely unbreakable. Besides, not anypony can wield that enormous amount of power besides Celestia." Neighsay made clear.
"Sir, I know it might take some time to fully master that power, but this is for our nation! We have to give it a try!" Twilight insisted.
"Aren't you the one Celestia chose to pass on her powers to?" Asked Neighsay, "Maybe she should've chosen one of higher intellect, rather than one who makes such claims based on fairy tales."
"If that seal was breakable, I'm pretty sure Celestia or any Alicorn of the other four nations already would've gotten their filthy hooves on it. Have they?" Neighsay asked, this time giving Twilight an intimidating glare.
Twilight struggled to make a proper response, and just replied, "No sir." Her voice completely shadowed with embarrassment and shame. All of the sudden, a member of the artillery unit asked for permission to speak. He is a yellow Pegasus with a dark blue mane, and goes by the name, "Flash Sentry."
"Forgive me, Chancellor, but I would like to add to Twilight's statement." He said.
Neighsay once again sighed and turned to Flash, "Yes. Go on." He offered.
"Equestrian artillery is made from an ancient magical material known as, "Pysian." Which was founded by Princess Celestia in ancient times. This kind of material was used to build the most effective and indestructible cannon balls, arrows, ships, and forts. It's not the kind of material that could be broken simply by mere outdated weaponry. So that means there has to be something wrong with our material." Flash Sentry stated.
"Yes, you're right. But what are you trying to say?" Neighsay questioned.
"As we all know, Magic comes in many different forms than just spells. And in Starswirl's book, it is stated that Pysian has a time limit of 78,900,000 years. What I'm trying to say is, it's not just our time that's up, but the material as well." Flash answered.
"Woah, woah, hold on!" Rainbow Dash sat up, "You said it has 78,900,000 years before its magic is completely drained. It's only been 893,000 years since it was found, so how could that possibly be the case?"
"I'm not sure.." Flash responded, "But I think it may be because of what AJ mentioned. We've relied on it for too long, meaning that we've used alot of it's magic."
"Perhaps you're onto something." Neighsay admitted, "But so far, there's no other material that has as much durability nor magical power as Pysian."
"Yeah, except what Twilight just mentioned." Flash said, looking at Twilight.
Twilight instinctively raised her head and turned to Flash. Their eyes now gazing at each other.
"Don't tell me you're agreeing with her foolish plan, Flash." Angrily Stated Neighsay.
"Yes, I am." Flash answered.
Neighsay opened his mouth, as if he was about to say something, but he closed shortly after he couldn't seem to make up a response. The room then suddenly went completely silent, before Neighsay finally spoke after a few seconds..
"I'll... consider it." Neighsay stated, "All of what you said will be sent to the princess.. you are aware of this, right?"
Flash nodded his head in response, "Yes sir!" He said with a confident smile.
While Flash and the other soldiers kept their attention on the Chancellor, Twilight Sparkle kept finding herself looking at Flash. Ironically, while Twilight was stoic and quite anti social, she was attracted by the pure confidence that Flash showed, and that fact that he stood up for her. It made her feel more confident in herself for the responsibility she was going to be handed.
After everypony got done explaining their suggestions and thoughts, Neighsay dismissed them and went to the castle where Celestia sat on her throne.
After they exited the meeting, Twilight immediately went to Flash who was on the castle balcony. While up there, she thanked him for standing up for her at the meeting, to which Flash blushed and insisted that it was no problem.
"Well, well, look at you two love birds." An almost emotionless voice said from behind the two.
They turned their heads and there stood one of the soldiers who were apart of the Earth Ponies, Maud Pie.
"Maud? Aren't you supposed to be with Applejack and the others?" Asked Flash.
"They said I'm off duty for today." She stated, walking up to the two, her expression still emotionless, "Now, about you two.."
"What about us?" Twilight raised an eyebrow.
"From the looks of it, your suggestion really ticked off the chancellor." Maud stated.
"Yeah.." Twilight looked down in shame, "sorry if that was stupid, It was just something that came to mind."
"Oh, it's fine." Maud insisted, "Besides, I understand how hard it is on you right now. You've been chosen by Celestia to be a princess, right? That's a very hard responsibility."
"Yeah, it is." Twilight agreed, "And I don't know if I'm ready for it or not."
Twilight then raised her head up and looked at Flash and Maud before asking them, "Be honest, do you think I'm ready to be a ruler?"
Flash stayed silent for a while, while Maud walked up to the balcony, looking up at the sky with little to emotion.
"Of course you are!" Flash insisted after a few more seconds of silence, "You're Celestia's very own student, everyone expects you to be a great leader. I'm sure you'll be fine."
"Don't, Flash." Said Maud, "You're only making her more anxious. Just because everyone expects something from you.. doesn't mean that it's guaranteed to happen."
"Huh?" Twilight turned her head.
"My older sister, Limestone, told me that all the time." Maud said, "I tell my two younger sisters, Pinkie and Marble that too, now that they're becoming older."
"Believe it or not Twilight, while it might not be as important or a responsibility as being a princess. I've felt the same doubt that you have. As a soldier, I promised my sisters before leaving them that I'll return to the rock farm someday." Maud stated, looking at the moon, "Ever since I've became apart of the army, I've always feared that I'd might die in a war before I'd ever see them again.."
Maud then took her gaze off the beautiful night sky and looked back at Twilight, her eyes now more serious than before. "But, even with that, I know it's my job to put my life on the line for the sake of their safety and Equestrias."
"..Sorry to hear that, Maud.." Flash said, in a rather depressing tone.
"It’s fine, but what I'm saying is that as Equestria, we need a strong leader that will make a better future for our ponies. I know it's a big responsibility, but we all know that Celestia won't be here forever. So you need to be prepared." Maud said.
Twilight gave Maud a look of seriousness. She knew what she was saying was completely true. With all the chaos in the world, Equestria indeed needs a leader. And whether Twilight liked it or not, Celestia chose her to be princess, meaning that she is the only one who is capable of taking this responsibility.
Before Maud leaves, Twilight thanks her for the speech.
"You're welcome." She replied as she went back into the castle.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Flash." Twilight said, also going back into the castle.
To celebrate their well earned victory, Celestia decided to host a play to explain the history of their homeland, Equestria, four moons from now.
Celestia sat quietly in her throne room, seemingly preparing her mind for the upcoming play. Suddenly, a tired chancellor Neighsay bursted into the throne room. Catching the attention of Celestia and the eight royal guards that stood completely stoic in the room. The chancellor then began making his down the red carpet.
"Princess Celestia." He said, his voice indicating that he was disappointed with something, "Here are all the suggestions from the soldiers." He said, using his magic to hand Celestia the notes.
"Thank you." Celestia answered, putting the note in her magical grasp.
"Anyways." Neighsay made his way towards the throne and came to a stop once he got close enough, "I am here to discuss something with you."
"What is it?" She asked.
"It’s about your future successor, Twilight." Chancellor stated.
Now this fully caught the interest of Celestia. What would the Chancellor want with the mare that she had raised ever since she was a little foal? Notheless, she was curious to find out, so she put the note down and fixated her attention to Neighsay.
"What about her?" She asked.
"I'm going to be completely honest, and this might sound a bit rude, but I don't think that Twilight is a worthy successor of the Alicorn power." He stated.
"And what makes you said that?" Asked Celestia, a hint of anger in her voice.
"She's very talented with magic, yes. But her intelligence and her ideals are simply lacking." He responded.
"I'm sure you're aware of her rather strange behavior these past five months. Hesitating to execute magical spells, being mote quiet than usual, not even bothering to communicate with her comrades. Not only that, but she clearly isn't confident that she can take this responsibility." Neighsay stated, also explaining Twilight's suggestion at the meeting.
Celestia got up from her throne and spreaded her wings with an angry glare. "Who are you to decide that? I've known Twilight ever since she was an orphaned child.. I'm certain that she's more than capable of being Equestria's ruler!"
Neighsay grunted in anger and stared back Celestia with an angry expression. "You're relationship with her doesn't change anything! I may not "Know" her, but I know more than anything the importance of this decision! The future of the entire nation is at stake here! You can't let biases get in the way of that! I know more than anything that, that mare is not ready to be a leader! Do you even know what's at stake here?!"
"Yes! I do know!" Celestia snapped back In anger, "Equestria has been my home for a millenia! I've been in search for someone to pass my Alicorn powers too, and watching that Mare's growth from a magician to a leader has showed me who I should give it to!"
"I... grrr!!!" Neighsay grunted, stomping his hoof and turning around, "You'll regret this decision, Celestia!"
Neighsay then angrily walked out of the throne room, leaving Celestia conflicted as well as himself. Deep inside, Celestia knew that Neighsay didn't only want Twilight not to become an Alicorn because he thought she wasn’t worthy, no. It was because he thought HE, himself was more worthy. He's helped Celestia plan most festivals and war plans, and yet, Celestia thinks that Twilight is more capable of being leader than him? No way.
As Neighsay walked out of the castle, he heard a voice call his name from behind the bushes. He turned but saw nopony there, and continued to walked away, when suddenly, he heard a voice again, this time closer.
He turned and asked for whoever it was to show themselves, but only heard his name being called more, the cries getting more distant with each call.
Neighsay was hesitant on whether or not he should go investigate it, but it was too strange of an occurrence to simply pass by, so he went into the forest, the calls getting more distant. He kepy trotting into the forest, begging for whoever it was to show themselves.. he then finally got his wish.. as a black, bug like creature, that resembled that of a pony, would appear In front of him..
To Be Continued!